2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1.5L Petrol · SY18 FLH

The Mitsubishi Eclipse presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent test on 27 May 2026 at 81,823 miles passed, but the advisory list reveals a vehicle that has been running with known suspension wear for some time. Both front anti-roll bar linkage ball joints were flagged for slight play in the latest test, a condition first noted in April 2025 at 68,816 miles. This is a recurring fault that has persisted for over twelve months without rectification, suggesting the previous owner tolerated the wear rather than addressing it. The rear exhaust mounting was also flagged as broken in the latest test, adding a minor but notable defect to the overall picture. The trend is not worsening dramatically, but it is not improving either. The car is being used with known wear items left in place. The mileage accumulation is broadly typical for an eight-year-old vehicle. Between the April 2024 test at 59,509 miles and the May 2026 test at 81,823 miles, the car covered roughly 22,300 miles in just over two years, which is around 11,000 miles per year. This is slightly above the overall lifetime average of approximately 10,200 miles per year, indicating the car has been used consistently rather than sitting idle. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the record that would suggest odometer tampering or long-term storage. The annual test pattern is regular, with tests clustered around April and May each year, which is a common cycle for vehicles first registered in that window. A buyer should focus their physical inspection on the front suspension and rear braking system. The repeated advisories for anti-roll bar linkage ball joint play on both sides point to worn track rod ends or drop link bushes. Check for clunking over uneven surfaces and uneven tyre wear on the inner edges. The rear braking system has a documented history of wear. In April 2024 at 59,509 miles, the rear brake discs were pitted and the pads were below 1.5 millimetres, prompting a failure. By April 2023 at 53,308 miles, the same discs were already flagged as worn and scored, with pads noted as wearing thin. This suggests the rear braking components have been a persistent weak point. Inspect the rear discs for lipping, scoring, and thickness, and check the pad material remaining. The broken nearside rear exhaust mount is a simple fix but confirms the car has been running with unresolved minor defects. Look for any signs of exhaust gas leaks or fresh cracking around the mount area.