2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1.5L Petrol · LB67 AWW

This Mitsubishi Eclipse has maintained an exceptionally clean MOT record over the past four tests, with the most recent January 2026 inspection at 44,763 miles showing no defects whatsoever. The trend is stable and improving, particularly when compared to the January 2022 test, where all four tyres exhibited early-stage cracking—a clear sign of neglect or improper storage. That issue was never repeated in subsequent tests, indicating either a full tyre replacement or, more likely, a change in ownership to a more diligent keeper. The absence of advisories or defects in the last three MOTs suggests the vehicle has been well maintained in its current hands, with no signs of structural corrosion, suspension wear, or brake system degradation. The mileage accumulation is unusually low for an eight-year-old vehicle, averaging just over 5,500 miles per annum. This could imply light personal use, extended periods of disuse, or even storage between owners. The gap between the January 2022 (21,024 miles) and January 2023 (25,873 miles) tests—just 4,849 miles over a year—further supports the idea of minimal driving. Such low mileage reduces wear on consumables like brakes, clutch, and suspension, but it also raises questions about whether the vehicle has been regularly exercised to prevent issues like seized bearings or degraded fluids. The lack of mileage variation between tests is consistent, however, so there’s no evidence of sudden high-mileage bursts that might indicate abuse. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be on verifying whether the tyres were replaced after the January 2022 MOT, given the cracking faults. While the current set appears sound based on the last test, age-related dry rot or uneven wear could still be developing. The suspension—particularly bushings, coil springs, and ball joints—should be checked for stiffness or excessive play, as low-mileage vehicles can sometimes hide early signs of wear. Brakes, including caliper binding and disc thickness, should be inspected for corrosion or uneven wear, especially if the car has spent time unused. Exhaust emissions and fluid leaks should also be scrutinised, as stagnant vehicles can develop hidden issues in these areas. Given the otherwise pristine MOT history, this Eclipse presents as a low-risk purchase in terms of major mechanical failures. The key risk lies in confirming the vehicle’s recent maintenance beyond the MOT record, particularly if it has been stored or driven sparingly. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic would be prudent to validate the absence of hidden wear in critical systems.