1991 Mitsubishi 3000 3.0L Petrol · H699 PHK

The most recent MOT, carried out on 23 July 2026, was passed but carried three advisories concerning wear on the nearside front lower suspension arm bush and both rear anti‑roll bar bushes. This follows a failure recorded three days earlier on 20 July 2026, where the service brake efficiency and rear brake effort were judged to be below the required standard and the rear direction indicators were noted as the wrong colour. The rapid succession from a failure to a pass suggests that remedial work was undertaken on the braking system and lighting, yet the persistence of suspension‑related advisories indicates that the underlying wear has not yet been fully addressed. Overall the maintenance trend appears to be improving in the short term but still shows signs of deferred wear that could become problematic if not monitored. At 111,980 miles the vehicle averages roughly 3,200 miles per year over its 35‑year lifespan, a figure well below typical annual usage for a car of this age. Such low mileage often points to long periods of inactivity or very light use, which can be as detrimental as high mileage because rubber components, seals and fluids degrade with time even when not driven. The relatively modest wear on the drivetrain and chassis is therefore likely to be offset by age‑related deterioration, especially in the suspension bushings, bushings, and any corrosion‑prone areas that have been idle for extended spells. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the suspension and braking systems. Inspect the front lower arm bush and both rear anti‑roll bar bushes for any looseness, excessive play or cracked rubber; a firm push on each corner of the chassis should reveal any movement that exceeds a few millimetres. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking over bumps, and feel for any wandering or pulling under braking, which would indicate worn bushings or binding calipers. Examine the brake discs for surface rust, scoring or uneven wear, and verify that the pads have sufficient thickness; a soft or spongy pedal, a noticeable rise in pedal travel, or a pulsating sensation when braking are classic symptoms of the brake efficiency failure noted in the earlier MOT. Also confirm that the rear direction indicators now emit the correct amber light and that the lenses are clear and securely fitted. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough visual and tactile survey of age‑sensitive items is essential. Check all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or tread separation, as ageing rubber can fail even with low mileage. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and have the charge held under load tested, since a 35‑year‑old battery is likely to be near the end of its service life. Look for rust or corrosion on the chassis, especially around the wheel arches, under the sills and at suspension mounting points, which can be exacerbated by long periods of standing. Verify that all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – contain clean, correctly coloured liquids and that the service book shows timely changes; fluid breakdown over time can lead to seal failure and reduced component life. A complete service history and any recent component replacements will give further confidence that the car has been kept in a roadworthy condition despite its age.