2009 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3L Petrol · VX58 TXD

The vehicle is currently roadworthy following a PASS on 31 January 2026 at 184,577 miles, with no critical failures reported. However, the maintenance trend over the past two years shows a concerning pattern of recurring issues, particularly in suspension components and corrosion, indicating ongoing degradation rather than improvement. The most recent test confirms persistent coil spring corrosion on both front and rear sides, along with a damaged windscreen and minor headlamp lens defects—issues that were already present in prior tests. While no immediate safety-critical faults were found this time, the repeated presence of these defects suggests inadequate attention to structural integrity and component longevity. Mileage has increased steadily from 157,074 miles in January 2023 to 184,577 miles in January 2026—a total of 27,503 miles over three years, averaging just under 9,200 miles per year. This rate is consistent with regular use but slightly below the vehicle’s historical average of approximately 10,857 miles annually, which may indicate reduced usage or intermittent operation during periods of lower mileage. Notably, the gap between the failed test on 24 January 2025 (171,565 miles) and the subsequent pass on 30 January 2025 (171,567 miles) is only two days, suggesting a rapid correction of faults such as non-functioning stop lamps and broken headlamp lenses, likely addressed immediately after the failure. This short turnaround implies either diligent repair or potential oversight in the initial inspection. A buyer must conduct a thorough in-person inspection of the suspension system, especially the front and rear coil springs, which have been flagged for corrosion in every test since January 2024. The repeated finding of binding brakes on the offside rear axle raises concern about brake caliper function, piston seizure, or worn guide pins—issues that could compromise stopping performance if left unaddressed. The nearside headlamp lens missing entirely in January 2025 and the continued presence of defective headlamp lenses point to poor lighting maintenance, which should be verified for full functionality. Additionally, tyre condition remains a concern, with multiple instances of cracking or wear close to legal limits, requiring immediate assessment of tread depth and sidewall integrity across all four tyres. Structural rust, particularly around suspension mounting points, warrants careful visual examination.