2007 Mitsubishi Colt 1.5L Petrol · PF07 CFA

This Mitsubishi Colt’s MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of recurring mechanical failures over its last three tests, with the most recent inspection on 2024-01-15—just over two years ago—showing a critical failure of both front track rod end ball joints. While the vehicle passed the preceding test in February 2023, it failed within days on structural issues: a fractured offside coil spring and a rough offside wheel bearing. This suggests a worsening trend in suspension and drivetrain integrity, with no evidence of consistent maintenance addressing these faults. The latest failure alone—at 112,472 miles—indicates the front suspension remains unresolved, posing a direct risk to handling and steering stability. The recorded mileage of 112,472 miles over nearly 19 years equates to approximately 5,920 miles annually, which is unusually low for a vehicle of this age. This suggests prolonged periods of inactivity or very light use, which could explain why some failures (such as the wheel bearing) were not exacerbated by higher mileage. However, the rapid accumulation of faults—two failures in a single test cycle in 2023 and another in 2024—contradicts the low-mileage pattern, implying deferred maintenance rather than natural wear. The gap between the 2021 pass and the 2023 failures also raises questions about whether intermediate issues were overlooked. A prospective buyer should prioritise a thorough inspection of the front suspension components, particularly the track rod end ball joints and associated bushings, as these were flagged in the most recent failure. The offside coil spring failure from 2023 warrants immediate attention—fractured springs compromise structural integrity and should be replaced, along with a check for corrosion or fatigue in adjacent components. The wheel bearing failure from the same cycle indicates potential drivetrain wear, so the offside hub assembly and adjacent suspension parts should be scrutinised for play or unusual noise. Given the history of suspension-related defects, the vehicle’s alignment and steering geometry should also be verified, as misalignment can accelerate bush and joint deterioration. Rust penetration in wheel arches or subframe areas should be inspected, as this could contribute to hidden structural weaknesses.