2013 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3L Petrol · LR62 MYY

A 2013 Mitsubishi Colt with this MOT profile presents an ageing supermini whose record has remained fundamentally roadworthy across eight tests, but the advisory trail suggests progressive mechanical attention rather than a clean bill of health. The most recent examination on 2025-11-11 was a straight pass with no advisories, and indeed three of the last four annual tests were entirely defect-free. The 2024 test, however, flagged front brake discs worn, pitted or scored on both sides, a nearside rear tyre with sidewall damage, and a rear tyre carrying a 2012 date stamp, while the 2023 test recorded an offside rear tyre worn close to the legal limit. These items are individually minor but, taken together, they paint a picture of consumables and tyres that have been left to deteriorate rather than being proactively replaced, and a buyer should weigh that pattern accordingly. Against an age of almost thirteen years, the recorded mileage of 26,701 equates to around 2,054 miles per year, which is well below the typical usage rate for a vehicle of this vintage. The MOT record begins in April 2018 and runs continuously to November 2025 with annual tests, indicating the car has remained in active use and on the road rather than being laid up for extended periods. Mechanically, this combination of low annual mileage and continuous service is double-edged: the engine, gearbox and drivetrain are unlikely to have suffered from high-mileage wear, but low usage tends to promote corrosion on brake discs, deterioration of rubber components such as tyres, ageing of brake fluid, and undertray corrosion from infrequent thorough drying cycles. The 2012-dated tyre flagged at the 2024 test is a particularly clear example of age-related rubber degradation rather than tread wear, which is consistent with limited mileage but regular use. For a prospective buyer, the priority on inspection should be the braking system, as the front discs have already been recorded as pitted and scored. On a test drive, expect to feel a pulsing or judder through the brake pedal under firm application, particularly from cold, and listen for any scraping or grinding that would indicate the discs have worn beyond their service limit since the 2024 advisory. Measure remaining disc thickness with a gauge if possible, and check the inner and outer faces for a lip on the edge and for any blueing from overheating. The caliper slide pins and guide bushes should be inspected for seizure, as a binding caliper on a low-use vehicle is a common consequence of corrosion. The rear tyre situation also warrants direct scrutiny: confirm the sidewalls for cracking, perishing and bulges, particularly on the nearside rear, and check the DOT date stamps on all four tyres, replacing any that exceed roughly six years of age regardless of remaining tread depth. Beyond the flagged items, a thorough physical inspection of the underbody is advisable given the vehicle's age and the typical corrosion hotspots for a Colt of this generation, including the rear wheel arches, suspension mounting points, subframe and brake and fuel pipe runs. On the move, pay particular attention to the suspension for any clonks or knocks over uneven surfaces, which would suggest worn anti-roll bar bushes, drop links, or top mounts, and listen for any knocking from the rear beam bushings. Steering should be checked for vagueness or pulling, and the clutch for any slip, judder or excessive travel. Finally, given the low annual mileage, verify that the timing chain or belt service interval has been respected by date rather than purely by mileage, that the coolant and brake fluid have been renewed within the last two to three years, and that the battery holds a stable voltage under load, as these items degrade with calendar age rather than use and are common failure points on cars that have covered relatively few miles in their lifetime.