2009 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3L Petrol · NJ59 WNF

The vehicle is currently roadworthy but the mechanical trend regarding the steering system is worsening. While it passed the most recent test on June 2026 at 60,462 miles, the tester identified offside front play in the steering rack inner joints. This represents a direct progression from the issues noted in 2025 at 55,643 miles, where both nearside and offside inner joints showed play. The recurring nature of these faults suggests that the steering components are reaching the end of their functional life and require attention. At 17 years old, the recorded mileage of 60,462 miles is exceptionally low, averaging approximately 3,557 miles per year. The data shows consistent low-term usage, with roughly 8,500 miles driven between the June 2024 and 2026 tests. While low mileage often implies less wear on the engine and drivetrain, it frequently leads to the degradation of rubber-based components due to age and oxidation, which aligns with the suspension failures observed in the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front suspension and steering geometry. The history highlights multiple failures involving steering rack inner joints, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar linkages. You should specifically check for cracking in rubber boots and excessive movement in the ball joints, as the vehicle has a history of these components failing. Given the persistent play in the steering rack, a professional assessment of the rack assembly itself is necessary to ensure the internal seals are not compromised beyond repair.