2018 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L Petrol · VE68 WNG

Persistent inner-edge tyre wear has been a recurring theme throughout the MOT history of this vehicle, appearing as an advisory in every test since 2021 and culminating in a failure for tyre-related concerns in early 2024. While the car successfully passed its most recent examination on 18 January 2024 with no defects recorded, the consistent pattern of inner-edge scrubbing suggests that the suspension geometry or tracking may have been repeatedly compromised or inadequately addressed over the last several years. This history indicates a need for close scrutiny of the front-end alignment and suspension health rather than assuming that a clean pass signifies a lack of underlying mechanical issues. Accumulating 32,144 miles over eight years results in an average of approximately 4,018 miles per annum, a low-usage profile that often subjects mechanical components to different stresses than high-mileage motorway driving. While the drivetrain avoids the high-cycle wear associated with heavy daily use, the vehicle has clearly spent significant time in stop-start environments or short-journey cycles. This pattern can lead to accelerated wear on specific consumables like brake pads and tyres, as evidenced by the recurring advisories for thin pads and tyre degradation, and necessitates a thorough check of the braking system for signs of binding or corrosion caused by infrequent use. During your test drive, pay particular attention to the steering and handling characteristics to identify if the chronic inner-edge tyre wear is symptomatic of a deeper suspension fault. Listen for any knocking or clunking noises from the front end when traversing uneven surfaces or speed bumps, as this could point to worn track rod ends, ball joints, or suspension bushes that were not flagged but may be contributing to the alignment issues. Ensure the steering wheel remains centred while driving on a flat, straight road; any persistent pull to the left or right, or a steering wheel that sits off-centre, confirms that the tracking requires immediate professional adjustment. The braking system also warrants a physical inspection, given the previous advisories regarding thin pads. During the test drive, depress the brake pedal firmly at moderate speeds to check for any judder or vibration, which can indicate warped discs or uneven pad wear. Furthermore, verify the functionality of the tyre pressure monitoring system, as this was specifically flagged as a fault during the 2024 failure. Confirm that the warning light illuminates during the initial ignition cycle and extinguishes once the engine is running, as any persistent illumination suggests a fault with the sensors or the control module that requires diagnostic attention.