2005 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6L Petrol · LB05 AYP

The Mitsubishi Lancer passed its most recent MOT on 21 November 2025 at 122,009 miles, but the maintenance picture is one of steady neglect rather than careful upkeep. The car has failed once and accumulated a string of recurring advisories that point to a hands-off ownership style. Brake discs and pads have been flagged as worn or wearing thin at nearly every test since 2022, and the same oil leak has appeared repeatedly across multiple years without a lasting fix. The trend is not worsening dramatically, but it is not improving either; items are being tolerated rather than repaired properly. The mileage progression tells a story of very light use. From the October 2022 test at 101,949 miles to the November 2024 test at 116,126 miles, the car covered roughly 14,177 miles in just over two years, then added a further 5,883 miles in the twelve months leading to the November 2025 test. That is low annual mileage for a vehicle of this age, averaging under 6,000 miles per year over its life. Low mileage can reduce wear on some components, yet the MOT record shows the car has still suffered corrosion and rubber deterioration consistent with age and periods of standing rather than regular use. The most persistent mechanical concern is the braking system. Front brake discs were noted as worn, pitted, or scored in October 2023, again in both the November 2024 failure and retest, and once more in November 2025. Front brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in both November 2024 tests and again in November 2025. Rear brake discs have also been flagged as worn or pitted in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. A buyer should have the full braking system measured professionally, including disc thickness, pad material remaining, and the condition of the rear brake pipes, which were noted as corroded in the November 2024 failure. Corrosion is the other recurring theme. Underbody rust and general corrosion were noted in 2024 and 2025, with a corroded fuel pipe appearing in 2025 and corroded rear brake pipes flagged in 2024. The offside rear anti-roll bar bush was worn in 2025, and the offside front track rod end showed excessive play in the 2024 failure before reappearing with only slight play in 2023, suggesting a temporary fix rather than a lasting repair. A buyer should inspect the underside thoroughly for structural corrosion, particularly around suspension mounting points, brake pipe runs, and fuel lines, and should treat the worn anti-roll bar bush and any remaining steering play as items likely needing attention in the near term.