2010 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8L Petrol · FE10 LBA

A pattern of front suspension wear, exhaust leakage, and intermittent braking system issues defines the recorded roadworthiness history of this 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, with the most recent pass on 27 February 2026 showing no recorded defects but the broader picture revealing recurring advisories across the last five test cycles. The front suspension geometry is a particular concern, as advisories for nearside front track rod end ball joint play have appeared in three consecutive tests from 2024 through 2025, and a major defect was recorded in February 2024 for a nearside front lower suspension arm ball joint excessively worn. A offside rear coil spring fracture was also flagged as a major failure item on that same 2024 test, alongside the previously mentioned exhaust leak advisory that has been present since at least February 2024. Front brake disc wear on both sides was additionally noted in 2025, indicating that the friction material and rotating components are approaching a service threshold. The December 2021 test failure included a dangerous nearside front tyre tread depth below the legal 1.6mm minimum, an ABS warning lamp fault, and an offside front lower suspension arm ball joint excessively worn, demonstrating that suspension and braking faults have been a recurring theme rather than isolated incidents. Annual mileage accumulation stands at roughly 10,872 miles per year over a sixteen-year life, which is broadly typical for a vehicle of this age, though the recorded total of 173,957 miles reflects sustained daily use rather than light or occasional driving. The MOT testing record shows consistent annual testing from 2021 through 2026 with no multi-year gaps, suggesting the vehicle has been in regular service throughout this period. At this mileage level, the major mechanical assemblies including the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and exhaust system would have accumulated considerable wear, and consumable items such as suspension bushes, ball joints, brake components, and exhaust mountings typically require closer inspection. The mileage accumulation rate itself does not flag any anomalous usage pattern such as long periods of standing or rapid accumulation that would suggest odometer concerns, though the consistent annual testing combined with the volume of suspension-related advisories points to a vehicle that is operating at the upper end of typical consumable wear rates. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the front suspension and steering geometry during any physical inspection, as the repeated track rod end play advisories and the lower arm ball joint wear suggest that these components may now require replacement or are close to requiring it. On a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking noises from the front suspension when traversing speed humps or potholes, particularly over uneven surfaces, and feel for any vagueness or looseness in the steering response, especially around the central position where worn track rod ends typically manifest as wandering or imprecise directional changes. Check that the tyres wear evenly across both axles, as uneven inner or outer edge wear can indicate alignment issues stemming from worn suspension components, and inspect the front brake discs for lipping, scoring, or corrosion, since the 2025 advisory flagged pitted surfaces on both sides. Verify that the ABS warning lamp extinguishes promptly on ignition and does not reappear during driving, as the 2021 ABS fault could indicate an ongoing issue with a wheel speed sensor, reluctor ring, or ABS control unit that may not have been fully resolved. The exhaust system warrants visual and auditory inspection given the repeated advisories for a minor rear exhaust leak recorded across three consecutive tests from 2024 through 2025, and a physical check underneath the vehicle should look for corroded pipe sections, deteriorated rubber mountings, or hissing sounds during idle. Listen for any metallic rattles from the rear suspension area at low speeds, which could indicate a further fractured coil spring given the 2024 failure item, and visually inspect the spring seats and surrounding bodywork for any signs of contact damage. The rear brake system has not been flagged in the MOT history, but the front brake disc wear advisory combined with 173,957 miles of use suggests that a full brake inspection including pad and disc measurement would be prudent before purchase. Finally, confirm that all warning lamps illuminate and extinguish correctly during the bulb check phase and that the stop lamps function reliably, as a stop lamp failure was recorded in February 2023, and any intermittent electrical issues should be investigated as they can be symptomatic of broader wiring concerns on a high-mileage vehicle of this age.