2017 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L Petrol · SL17 MLZ

A pattern of advisory items, rather than outright failures, defines the mechanical history of this 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage, with the most recent test on 9 July 2026 producing a Pass alongside notes that warrant close attention. Across eight recorded MOT tests spanning 2020 through 2026, the vehicle has only failed once, and that single failure in May 2024 was solely due to a malfunctioning tyre pressure monitoring system, a relatively straightforward electronic rectification rather than a structural or wear-related defect. However, the accumulating advisories tell a more nuanced story. The 2024 test flagged front brake discs with light pitting and scoring along with fluctuating service brake performance, both suggesting early disc and pad wear that has likely progressed since. By 2025, nearside front and rear tyres were noted as worn close to the legal limit and on the edge, and the 2026 test has now surfaced deteriorated front drop link rubbers plus light oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber. The trajectory is one of gradually escalating component wear rather than any sudden failure event, and a buyer should treat the most recent advisories as an early indication that further degradation is probable. The recorded mileage of 44,267 miles over nine years equates to an annual accumulation of around 4,919 miles, which is notably below average for a vehicle of this age. The MOT testing cadence is consistent, with annual tests recorded every year from 2020 through 2026 and no extended gaps that might suggest long periods off the road. This steady, low-rate usage is consistent with predominantly urban or short-journey driving, which typically produces less wear on high-mileage components such as the clutch and major drivetrain parts but can accelerate corrosion on underbody components due to limited drying time and repeated cold starts. The relatively low mileage also means the brake discs and pads flagged in 2024 have likely covered fewer miles than the wear pattern would imply on a higher-mileage car, suggesting the deterioration may relate as much to age and infrequent use as to friction wear, both of which are worth investigating. Given the specific advisories recorded, a prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and rear damping. The deteriorated front drop link rubbers noted in 2026 are a known wear point that produces clonking or knocking noises transmitted through the steering when traversing speed bumps or potholes, and on a test drive it is worth listening carefully for any such knocking, particularly over uneven surfaces at low speed, alongside any vagueness or wander in the steering response. The nearside rear shock absorber oil misting is described as light but should be examined for any progression since the test date, and a check of the shock body for fresh oil residue, particularly after the vehicle has been driven, would confirm whether replacement is now due. Drop link replacement is generally inexpensive but requires a post-installation wheel alignment to prevent uneven tyre wear, an important consideration given the edge-wear advisories on previous tyres. Brake condition also merits close scrutiny following the 2024 advisories on front disc pitting and fluctuating service brake performance. During a road test, any pedal judder or vibration under firm braking would suggest the disc corrosion has progressed beyond the light stage noted two years ago, and a visual check of the disc surfaces through the wheel spokes for deep lipping, heavy rust pitting, or uneven shine would clarify whether machining or replacement is required. The nearside front and rear tyres that were flagged as edge-worn in 2025 should be inspected for current tread depth and any uneven shoulder wear, which on a low-mileage car with frequent tight cornering often points to alignment or worn suspension bushes rather than simple tyre ageing. Finally, the tyre pressure monitoring system that caused the 2024 failure should be confirmed as functioning on the current dashboard display, as intermittent electronic faults of this nature can recur. Overall, the test record is consistent with a low-mileage city car showing age-related wear on consumable items, with no recorded structural or corrosion advisories, but the accelerating advisory trend over the past three tests indicates that a budget for imminent suspension and brake refurbishment is prudent.