2011 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8L Diesel · SM60 PTX

The Mitsubishi ASX presents a mixed maintenance picture, with the most recent MOT in March 2026 at 136,916 miles revealing a cluster of advisories that suggest the vehicle is entering a phase of age-related deterioration rather than being in robust health. The trend is stable to slightly worsening. A rear brake pipe flagged as corroded and contaminated with grease, thin front brake pads, worn rear brake discs, a rear differential oil leak, and corrosion within 30cm of rear cab or chassis mountings all appeared on the same test sheet. None of these items caused a failure, but their simultaneous presence indicates a vehicle that has likely seen limited preventative maintenance in the last year or two. The tester's notes on structural corrosion near mounting points are particularly significant, as they point to the kind of underbody decay that can accelerate once moisture and road salt begin attacking weakened areas. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for a 2011 vehicle, averaging roughly 9,128 miles per year over fifteen years. The record shows a steady climb from 107,639 miles at the March 2023 failure to 136,916 miles by March 2026, which equates to just under 9,800 miles annually across that three-year window. There are no alarming gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer readings, and the annual test pattern is consistent, suggesting the car has been in regular use rather than sitting idle for long periods. The data is clean and sequential, with no obvious anomalies in recorded mileage. A buyer inspecting this vehicle in person should focus on the underbody and rear suspension mounting areas first. The corrosion flagged within 30cm of rear cab or chassis mountings on the March 2026 test is an advisory, not a failure, but it warrants a thorough inspection with a torch and probe to determine whether the metal has thinned to a point where structural integrity is compromised. Rear subframe rails, jacking points, and the area around rear trailing arm mountings should all be checked for perforation or scaling. The rear differential oil leak noted on the same test should be examined to determine whether the pinion seal or axle seals are weeping, as prolonged leakage can lead to differential wear or failure. The braking system also demands close attention. The corroded rear brake pipe covered in grease or other material is a concern because external corrosion on a brake line can mask internal deterioration, and the grease may be an attempt to conceal the condition rather than a sign of recent work. A pressure test of the hydraulic system and a visual inspection of all rigid and flexible brake lines along the underside would be prudent. Front pads wearing thin and worn rear discs at the March 2026 test suggest the car is due for a full brake service. The recurring suspension arm bush wear noted in both March 2023 tests and the March 2023 failure indicates these components have a history of deterioration, so checking for play in the front lower arms and any associated knocking or vagueness in the steering is advisable. The exhaust system, which failed with a corroded rear silencer pipe in March 2023, should be inspected for further corrosion or patch repairs, particularly at joints and the rear section.