2012 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3L Petrol · LO62 ODL

The 2012 Mitsubishi Colt presents a roadworthiness profile dominated by minor and advisory-level defects rather than structural or mechanical failures, with the most recent test on 2025-08-27 returning a pass alongside a cluster of notes that warrant attention. Across five recorded tests since late 2019, the vehicle has accumulated two failures and three passes, with the failures both being relatively minor and centred on lighting and washer functionality rather than chassis, brake, or structural concerns. However, the latest test carries a notably higher advisory count than prior years, including a minor exhaust leak at the rear, a worn offside front anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush, a chipped offside windscreen, and a defective nearside front wiper blade. The recurring appearance of tyre-related advisories (front nearside wear in 2022, rear offside damage in 2019, and a nearside front nail in 2021) suggests a pattern of edge wear and vulnerability to impact damage that any prospective buyer should factor into immediate replacement costs. With 137,520 miles recorded over approximately 14 years, the vehicle averages around 9,800 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a car of this age and class. There is, however, a notable gap in testing history between February 2021 and March 2022, and again a longer interval between December 2019 and February 2021, indicating periods where the vehicle may have been either off the road, used only lightly, or tested at non-DVSA facilities. The mileage progression across recorded tests suggests fairly consistent annual accumulation rather than any dramatic spikes or extended standing periods, which is mechanically reassuring for a Colt of this age. At 137,520 miles, wear-sensitive items such as clutch components, engine mounts, and suspension bushes will be approaching or past the midpoint of their typical service life, even though none of these specific items have yet been flagged in the MOT record. Prospective buyers should focus their physical inspection on the components flagged in the most recent advisory list, particularly the nearside front anti-roll bar linkage. On a test drive, listen for clonking or rattling noises from the front suspension over uneven surfaces, pay particular attention to vague or imprecise handling during direction changes, and check for any wandering in the steering that could indicate the worn pin or bush has progressed beyond advisory thresholds. The rear exhaust leak should be evaluated by listening for an audible hiss or ticking from the rear silencer area at idle, and by inspecting the joint for black soot deposits indicating active escaping gases. Given the recurring tyre edge wear advisories, request a close inspection of the existing tyres for uneven shoulder wear, which could point to alignment issues, worn suspension geometry, or simply a long history of kerb contact, and budget for a full four-tyre replacement if wear is advanced. The lighting and washer failures from 2023, while minor, should serve as a reminder to verify full functionality of all exterior lamps, the number plate illumination, and the washer system before purchase, as these items are easily rectified but commonly overlooked. The 2025 advisory noting a missing rear passenger seat is unusual and should be clarified with the seller, as it may affect vehicle practicality or indicate a non-standard interior configuration. Finally, with the vehicle now over 14 years old and approaching the upper end of typical MOT-exempt thresholds for classic classification, a thorough inspection of the underbody, brake pipes, and subframe mounting points is advisable, even though no corrosion advisories have yet appeared in the recorded history, because the front nearside anti-roll bar wear and exhaust leak together suggest the suspension and underfloor components are beginning to show age-related deterioration.