2012 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3L Petrol · WJ12 LKX

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend regarding its suspension components. While the car has passed its MOT tests, the most recent inspection on 30 October 2025 at 61,448 miles shows that the nearside and offside front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers remain severely deteriorated. This specific issue has appeared in every annual test since at least October 2021, indicating that while the vehicle is legally roadworthy, the underlying repairs or replacements are not being effectively addressed. The recurring nature of these faults suggests a pattern of reactive rather than preventative maintenance. The mileage profile indicates a low-use vehicle, averaging approximately 4,389 miles per year over its 14-year lifespan. The recorded mileage has climbed steadily from 10,637 miles in February 2015 to 61,448 miles in October 2025. This low annual mileage often correlates with age-related degradation of rubber components, such as the suspension bushes and ball joint covers noted in the records. The consistency in annual testing suggests the vehicle is used regularly enough to maintain a yearly inspection cycle, though the low mileage may contribute to the perishing of seals and rubber parts. A prospective buyer should focus heavily on the front suspension assembly during a physical inspection. The MOT history shows a persistent failure to resolve issues with ball joint dust covers and various suspension arm bushes, including trailing arm and rear wishbone bushes flagged between 2019 and 2022. It is necessary to check for excessive play in the steering and suspension linkages, as the repeated deterioration of dust covers can lead to premature ball joint failure and unpredictable handling. The braking system also requires scrutiny. Although the 2018 test flagged thinning pads and worn discs, more recent records do not show active brake failures, but the 2017 inspection noted pitted and scored front discs. Given the low mileage and the tendency for rubber components to perish when sitting idle, a thorough check of the braking hardware and the condition of all suspension bushings is essential to ensure the vehicle is not merely passing on the minimum legal requirement.