2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1.5L Petrol · DS20 TUA

The 2020 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross presented at its most recent MOT on the 9th of July 2025 with 38,229 miles on the clock, securing a pass but carrying four advisories that signal a maintenance trend requiring closer attention. The tester flagged slight play in the offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint, indicating early wear in a suspension component that directly affects body control and tyre contact. Front brake pads were noted as wearing thin, a consumable item but one that confirms the vehicle has seen genuine use rather than prolonged standing. More concerning is the recurring tyre deterioration. The offside front tyre was worn close to the legal limit and perishing, while both rear tyres were starting to perish and split. Perishing and splitting are age-related degradation patterns, not just wear, and their appearance across multiple tyres suggests either a batch of older rubber or prolonged exposure to UV and temperature cycling. This is not a stable picture. The same offside front tyre has been flagged for cracking or perishing in three consecutive tests, from July 2023 through July 2025, which is a worsening trend rather than an isolated incident. The mileage progression tells a straightforward story. The vehicle recorded 23,995 miles on the 17th of July 2023, 28,967 miles on the 19th of July 2024, and 38,229 miles on the 9th of July 2025. That is an accumulation of roughly 5,000 miles over the first twelve months and just over 9,200 miles in the second twelve-month period, bringing the annual average to approximately 6,372 miles. This is entirely typical for a vehicle of its age and suggests consistent, regular use rather than long periods of inactivity or sudden high-mileage runs. The MOT record itself is clean in terms of test frequency, with annual tests completed each July, so there are no concerning gaps in the documented history. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus on the front suspension and tyre condition as priority areas. The offside front anti-roll bar linkage ball joint has documented play, and while it passed, any deterioration beyond slight play would warrant immediate replacement to prevent uneven tyre wear and compromised handling. The front brake pads were described as wearing thin at the most recent test, so a physical check of remaining pad material is essential, along with inspection of the corresponding brake discs for scoring or lipping. The tyre situation demands particular scrutiny. Perishing and splitting across multiple tyres, especially when recurring over three years, raises questions about tyre age, storage conditions before fitting, or whether the vehicle has been parked for extended periods with weight on the sidewalls. All four tyres should be checked for date codes, and any tyre more than six years old should be replaced regardless of remaining tread depth. The rear tyres showing nails in the July 2024 test also suggests the vehicle has been driven on roads prone to debris, so a thorough puncture history and sidewall integrity check is advisable.