2013 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L Petrol · SD63 WEP

The Mitsubishi Mirage passed its most recent MOT on 5 March 2026 at 42,509 miles, but the record reveals a maintenance pattern that is inconsistent rather than reliably improving. That latest test still flagged a defective central exhaust mounting, corrosion on both rear brake pipes, and a nearside front service brake binding, indicating that while the car remains roadworthy, several underlying issues persist or recur without permanent resolution. At roughly 3,270 miles per year over 13 years, this Mirage has covered exceptionally low mileage for its age. The annual increments between tests are modest, typically around 1,500 to 2,000 miles, with no sudden spikes suggesting long periods of neglect followed by heavy use. The concern with such low-mileage, older vehicles is not drivetrain wear but rather deterioration from age, particularly rubber components, corrosion-prone brake lines, and seized or binding mechanical parts that see little exercise. The MOT history exposes a recurring vulnerability in the braking system. Rear brake pipe corrosion appeared in both the 2025 and 2026 tests, and a binding front caliper was noted in March 2026 alongside front brake imbalance flagged in February 2025. Front brake discs were also recorded as worn in 2025. Taken together, these advisories and failures suggest the braking system has not been consistently overhauled and that corrosion is progressing faster than repairs are being completed. A buyer should have the entire brake pipe run, calipers, and flexible hoses inspected for active leaks, internal corrosion, and caliper slide pin seizure. Suspension and steering components show a similar pattern of slow degradation. The February 2025 failure identified a deteriorated offside front track rod end dust cover and a likely-to-detach offside front anti-roll bar linkage bush, while the February 2024 test flagged perished front lower suspension arm ball joint covers on both sides. These are age-related failures typical of a car that has stood idle for extended periods. The exhaust system has also drawn attention across multiple tests, with an insecure system in February 2025 and a defective central mounting in March 2026. A hands-on inspection should focus on the condition of all suspension bushes, ball joint boots, anti-roll bar links, and the full exhaust mounting and structural integrity, particularly around the centre section and rear box.