2007 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6L Petrol · KU07 JHL

The 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer remains roadworthy following its most recent MOT on 12 March 2026 at 115,215 miles, though the maintenance trend is worsening. The latest test flagged slight play in the Offside Front Track rod end ball joint and worn anti-roll bar linkage bushes on both rear sides, alongside front outer tyres worn close to the legal limit. Crucially, the tester noted corrosion on the underside of the vehicle, a recurring issue that has escalated from advisory mentions of corroded suspension components in 2024 to a more general structural concern this year. While the car passes its annual inspections, the accumulation of wear items and progressive corrosion suggests the previous owner deferred necessary underbody and suspension repairs. The mileage accumulation aligns closely with the vehicle's age, averaging roughly 6,000 miles per year. Between the March 2022 test at 95,625 miles and the March 2026 test at 115,215 miles, the car covered just over 19,000 miles across four years. Annual increments remained consistent, moving from 95,625 miles in 2022 to 100,111 miles in 2023, 105,259 miles in 2024, 111,064 miles in 2025, and 115,215 miles in 2026. This steady, low-mileage usage indicates light commuting rather than long-distance touring, which typically spares the drivetrain but can accelerate underbody corrosion if the vehicle stood for extended periods or was driven on salted roads without adequate undersealing. A prospective buyer must inspect the underbody and suspension geometry closely. The tester flagged front brake discs as worn in the March 2023 test at 100,111 miles, and while no further brake defects appeared, the current worn front tyres suggest potential alignment issues or persistent caliper drag. The recurring corrosion advisories demand a physical inspection of the subframes, sills, and suspension mounting points to ensure structural integrity has not seriously weakened since the 2024 assessment. Replacing the worn track rod end and anti-roll bar linkage bushes will be necessary to restore precise steering and handling, but the primary concern remains the long-term effects of the underbody rust on this nineteen-year-old chassis.