2005 Mitsubishi Space Star 1.6L Petrol · EX55 VDR

This 2005 Mitsubishi Space Star presents a MOT history defined by chronic underbody and brake line corrosion advisories that have appeared at virtually every test for the past five years, alongside two recent failures that moved well beyond advisory territory. The most recent outcome on 27 June 2026 was a pass, but only after the vehicle had failed the same day on a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) issue categorised as a Prescribed Reason for Refusal, indicating an active engine management or emissions fault that was cleared between the failed and pass entries on that date. Prior to that, the 27 June 2025 test also featured a failure with a nearside rear tyre found below the legal 1.6mm tread limit — a dangerous defect — together with a major failure on the nearside track rod end dust cover. Although both 2024 and 2022 tests returned clean passes, the recurrence of brake pipe corrosion advisories on both axles, combined with the documented subframe repair at the rear in 2024, points to an older vehicle where structural and hydraulic corrosion is being actively managed rather than resolved. Recorded mileage stands at 231,689 miles across approximately 21 years, equating to around 11,000 miles per year on average, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age. However, the consistency of annual test dates combined with the steadily accumulating mileage suggests regular use rather than long periods of standing, which generally keeps mechanical components working but does mean that consumables and suspension items have experienced continuous service. The mileage progression between tests does not reveal any sudden large jumps or significant testing gaps, so the wear pattern implied is one of gradual accumulation rather than intermittent or low-use degradation. For a prospective buyer, the underbody and brake pipe advisories are the single most important area to investigate physically on a ramp or over an inspection pit, as the recorded history shows they have been flagged repeatedly on both front and rear circuits. Ask specifically to see the condition of the brake pipes along their full length, particularly where they pass near the subframe and suspension arms, and look for any fresh underseal application that may be concealing active corrosion. On the test drive, listen for any knocking or clonking from the front suspension over bumps, which would suggest the track rod end flagged as a major failure in 2025 has either been renewed with a worn pattern or that adjacent linkages such as the swivel pins and bushes — noted as worn at the 2021 test — have further deteriorated. Brake pedal feel should be firm and consistent, with no excessive travel or sponginess that might indicate corrosion is beginning to affect the hydraulic system internally. The 2025 dangerous tyre defect should not be dismissed as a one-off, as a nearside rear tyre worn below the legal limit at just over 230,000 miles is consistent with a vehicle that has covered substantial distance on its consumables. Check all four tyres for even wear patterns, as uneven rear wear could point to the rear brake cable damage flagged in 2023 or to the corroded coil springs noted in 2021 compromising ride height. The 2021 oil leak advisory and the 2023 rear shock absorber oil misting are both worth visual inspection, as oil contamination on warm components is a fire risk and can also mask more serious leaks. Finally, the 2026 MIL fault needs to be confirmed as fully resolved with a diagnostic readout showing no stored codes, and the headlamp lens product noted in 2021 should be checked for headlight output, particularly for night driving. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, independent inspection of the subframe repair and the full brake hydraulic circuit is strongly advisable before purchase.