2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1.5L Petrol · DV19 PVL

A persistent and consistent pattern has emerged across the MOT history of this Eclipse regarding the front tyres, with every test from 2023 onwards flagging the nearside and offside items for perishing, cracking, edge wear, or cuts in the tread. The advisory recorded at the most recent pass in October 2025 confirms that both front tyres have reached approximately 3mm of remaining tread and are showing signs of age-related deterioration rather than simple wear, which on a 2019 vehicle is entirely consistent with original-equipment rubber reaching the end of its service life. The single new advisory at the 2025 test relating to rear brake pads wearing thin is a routine consumable observation and, taken alone, does not suggest any broader braking system concern. No structural, suspension, exhaust, or lighting defects have been recorded across five tests spanning 2022 to 2025, and the vehicle has not failed an MOT during this period, so the roadworthiness track record is one of clean passes accompanied by chronic, narrow advisory repetition rather than escalating mechanical faults. The recorded mileage of 43,408 miles over a seven-year life equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 6,200 miles, which sits broadly within the typical range for a car of this age and is neither exceptionally low nor high. There are no extended gaps between tests that would suggest long periods off the road with the potential for corrosion or fluid degradation, and the mileage progression between annual tests is consistent and steady, pointing to regular rather than intermittent use. Mechanical implications of this usage pattern are therefore moderate: braking components, suspension bushes, and tyres will have seen normal wear rates, and there is no evidence in the MOT data of either the prolonged standing that can rot brake discs and subframes, or the high-mileage accumulation that accelerates drivetrain fatigue. For a prospective buyer, the most pressing inspection task on arrival is a physical and tactile examination of the two front tyres fitted to the vehicle, since the history strongly suggests the previous set may well have been replaced shortly after the 2025 test. Check the DOT date stamps on the sidewalls to confirm whether the current fronts are a recent matched pair rather than older part-worn items, and inspect the sidewalls and tread shoulders for any cracking, bulges, or cuts similar to those previously flagged. Measure tread depth across the full width and verify it sits above 3mm, because tyres driven on the legal minimum or below in wet conditions will noticeably extend stopping distances. A close look at the rear brake pads through the wheel spokes, or by removing a wheel, is also warranted given the October 2025 advisory, and the discs should be checked for lipping or scoring that would indicate the pads have been allowed to run low. On the road, the test drive should focus on symptoms that would not normally appear on an MOT roller but would indicate developing suspension or brake wear given the vehicle's age and mileage. Listen for clonking or knocking from the front suspension over speed humps and rough surfaces, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar links, drop links, or bottom arm bushes, and pay attention to any vagueness or vibration through the steering wheel that could point to worn track rod ends or top mounts. When braking from moderate speed, feel for any judder through the pedal that might indicate warped front discs, pulling to one side that could reveal a binding caliper, or a spongy pedal travel that warrants a fluid and system check. Finally, listen for any irregular engine note, transmission shunt, or excess vibration from the drivetrain consistent with the modest but steady mileage this Eclipse has accumulated.