2010 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3L Petrol · RV60 LCL

The 2010 Mitsubishi Colt holds a valid MOT pass certificate dated 16 April 2026 at 131,044 miles, but the maintenance trend is clearly worsening. On that same day the vehicle first failed with four immediate defects: both headlamp lenses had severely reduced light output, the nearside wiper blade was ineffective, and both front suspension arm ball joint dust covers were severely deteriorated. The tester also flagged both track rod end ball joint covers as damaged but still preventing dirt ingress. The fact that these same suspension and steering dust cover advisories have appeared every year since 2022 shows a persistent failure to address known deterioration. Rather than replacing degraded rubber boots, the previous owner has allowed a slow, progressive decline in front-end protection that accelerates joint wear and contamination. Mileage accumulation is steady and unremarkable for a sixteen-year-old city car. The record shows 119,696 miles in August 2022, 124,435 miles in August 2023, 128,201 miles in August 2024, and 131,044 miles in April 2026, averaging roughly 8,190 miles per year. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps that would suggest odometer tampering or prolonged storage. The annual spacing between tests is consistent, and the mileage progression aligns with the vehicle's age. A buyer should treat the front suspension and steering components as the primary concern. Severely deteriorated ball joint and track rod end dust covers have been flagged repeatedly since 2022, meaning both nearside and offside joints have been exposed to road salt, grit, and moisture for several years. The tester has not yet recorded joint play or failure, but the rubber boots are clearly perished and no longer sealing. Any test drive should focus on clunking over speed bumps, uneven tyre wear, and vague steering feel that would indicate worn ball joints or track rod ends. The headlamp clouding noted in the April 2026 failure suggests the lenses have UV degradation or internal moisture, which may require polishing or replacement to maintain adequate night-time illumination. The wiper blade defect is minor, but it points to basic consumable upkeep being neglected. Beyond the MOT record, a buyer should inspect the front subframe, inner wing arches, and sills for corrosion, as rubber boot neglect often accompanies deferred underbody maintenance. Check the condition of the brake discs and pads, which are not flagged in the record but will have seen steady urban use over 131,000 miles. Exhaust emissions have not been a recorded failure point, yet a sixteen-year-old naturally aspirated engine deserves a compression check and a cold-start smoke test. The vehicle is roadworthy on paper, but the pattern of recurring advisories and the same-day fail-pass in April 2026 indicate a car that has been tested to the minimum legal standard rather than properly maintained.