2014 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8L Diesel · LF14 XFR

The most recent MOT recorded on 19 December 2025 resulted in a failure, principally for a major defect on the off‑side front suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover which no longer prevents dirt ingress, and for rear tyres that are worn close to the legal limit on both edges. Earlier in the same day a pass was logged for only minor and advisory items, but the presence of a major failure supersedes any pass result. Over the past three years the vehicle has oscillated between clean passes and serious faults – notably the 2023 failure for leaking front shock absorbers, inoperative rear parking brake and worn rear brake pads – indicating a maintenance trend that is currently deteriorating rather than stabilising. At 65 045 mi the 2014 ASX averages roughly 5 400 mi per year, which is well below the typical UK usage for a vehicle of this age. The low annual mileage suggests the car has spent considerable periods idle or has been used only for short trips. While light use reduces cumulative wear on engine, transmission and drivetrain components, prolonged inactivity can accelerate ageing of rubber components, cause battery sulphation, and promote surface rust on suspension bushings and brake discs that are not regularly exercised. A prospective buyer should give the front suspension a thorough examination. Inspect the ball‑joint dust covers on both the arm and track‑rod ends for cracks, missing material or corrosion, and verify that the underlying ball joints move freely without excessive play. On a test‑drive listen for clunking or knocking when navigating bumps or applying steering input, and feel for any looseness in the steering column that could relate to the slight play noted on the anti‑roll bar linkage in 2023. The shock absorbers must be checked for fluid leakage at the rod seals and for a smooth, controlled rebound; any spongy or bottoming‑out feel indicates the leaks recorded in 2023 have not been fully remedied. The parking brake should hold the vehicle firmly on a slight incline and show even engagement on both rear wheels; uneven pull or a soft pedal points to the adjustment issues flagged in 2025. Examine the front brake discs for deep scoring or excessive thinning, and verify that the rear discs and pads are within thickness limits, as the rear brake pad wear that caused a 2023 failure may have recurred. Given the car’s age and low mileage, the buyer must also assess time‑related wear. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, dry rot or uneven tread that can develop even on low‑kilometre tyres; the rear tyre wear noted in the latest MOT suggests the current set may be near the end of its service life. Check the 12 V battery voltage and load, and look for any signs of corrosion on the terminals, as batteries left idle for years often lose capacity. Verify that coolant, brake fluid and gearbox oil have been changed within the recommended intervals – fluid can deteriorate with age irrespective of mileage. Finally, a detailed visual inspection of the under‑carriage for rust on the chassis, suspension arms and exhaust, and a review of the service book for consistent oil changes and any recorded part replacements, will give a clearer picture of the vehicle’s overall roadworthiness before committing to purchase.