2012 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1L Petrol · WG62 DXT

The Mitsubishi Colt presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent test on 20 August 2025 at 73,117 miles passed, but the record shows a clear and worsening trend in suspension corrosion. Rear coil springs have been flagged as corroded in three consecutive tests, from June 2022 through to August 2025. This is not a one-off advisory; it is a persistent structural defect that has been tolerated for over three years. The fact that the tester noted the springs again in 2025, after recording the same issue in 2024, suggests the corrosion is progressive and has not been addressed. Tyre wear also appears recurring, with rear tyres repeatedly worn to the legal limit or perished, indicating either alignment issues, neglect, or prolonged standing. The mileage profile is notably low for a 2012 vehicle. At 73,117 miles by June 2026, the car has covered roughly 5,200 miles per year. The record shows a gap of nearly 10,000 miles between June 2022 and June 2023, then a jump of about 4,800 miles in the following year, and a further 7,572 miles between September 2024 and August 2025. This uneven pattern suggests periods of very light use interspersed with occasional higher demand. The low annual mileage is not inherently problematic, but it raises the question of long-term standing, which can accelerate rubber perishing and corrosion of underbody components. A buyer should treat the rear suspension as the primary concern. Corroded coil springs are a structural risk; they can snap under load, particularly over sharp bumps or when the vehicle is laden. The perished rear tyres flagged in 2025 compound this, as degraded rubber reduces grip and increases stopping distances. Inspect the spring seats and lower suspension arms for rust jacking or pitting. Check the condition of all tyre sidewalls, not just tread depth, given the repeated advisories on perishing. The inoperative registration plate lamp from the September 2024 failure was a minor electrical defect, but verify all exterior lighting functions correctly, including number plate bulbs, as intermittent faults can reappear. Beyond the flagged items, examine the underbody thoroughly. A car of this age with persistent coil spring corrosion is likely to show similar deterioration on anti-roll bar links, subframe mounting points, and brake flexible hoses. The brake system has not been flagged, but low-mileage vehicles often suffer from binding calipers and uneven disc corrosion due to lack of use. A road test should focus on any pulling under braking, suspension knocks over rough surfaces, and whether the car sits level. The MOT record confirms the car is roadworthy as of August 2025, but the unresolved corrosion trend means ongoing monitoring and likely near-term expenditure on suspension components.