2002 Mitsubishi Space Star 1.6L Petrol · OY52 AOK

The most recent MOT test on 2024-11-11 confirms the vehicle passed with no recorded defects, though it was retested just three days earlier after a failure at 142,758 miles—an unusual but not inherently concerning anomaly given the lack of specific fault details. Over the past five years, the Space Star has maintained a consistent passing trend, with no advisories or recurring failures beyond the single retest. The most recent test occurred just over eight months ago, which is acceptable for a vehicle of this age, though it falls short of the ideal six-month interval recommended for high-mileage or older models. The absence of any advisory notes in the last two tests suggests no ongoing issues were overlooked by previous owners. The recorded mileage of 142,804 miles over 24 years equates to approximately 5,950 miles annually, a figure significantly lower than the UK average for a vehicle of this age. This suggests either minimal use, prolonged periods of storage, or potentially inconsistent mileage recording. There are no gaps in the MOT history that would indicate neglect, but the lack of intermediate tests—such as those at 120,000 or 130,000 miles—could imply some owners may have deferred maintenance beyond the legal requirement. The steady accumulation of mileage without sharp spikes or drops also reduces the likelihood of sudden, severe wear on high-stress components like the drivetrain or suspension. Given the lack of specific failure details in the MOT history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of critical wear items that often fail silently or degrade over time. The suspension—particularly the coil springs, bushes, and dampers—should be examined for uneven sagging, excessive play, or corrosion, as these components are prone to fatigue in a vehicle of this age. Brake systems, including calipers, pads, and discs, warrant close scrutiny, especially if the vehicle has been stored for extended periods, as moisture can accelerate corrosion. Structural integrity, particularly around the wheel arches, sills, and underbody, should be assessed for rust penetration, as the Space Star’s age increases vulnerability to corrosion-related failures. Tyre condition, tread depth, and alignment should also be verified, as the absence of tyre-related failures in past tests does not guarantee they have been consistently maintained.