2012 Mitsubishi ASX 1.8L Diesel · WJ12 VVD

The Mitsubishi ASX presents a generally stable maintenance profile, passing its most recent MOT on 4 November 2025 at 125,061 miles with only a minor advisory. The offside front upper anti-roll bar linkage ball joint dust cover was noted as severely deteriorated, a common age-related perishing issue that allows dirt ingress and accelerates joint wear. This is a low-severity advisory, not a failure, and the overall trend across the last three annual tests shows no recurring serious defects. The vehicle appears to have been kept in reasonable mechanical order, with no dangerous or major structural faults recorded in recent years. The mileage progression is consistent and unremarkable for a 2012 vehicle. Between the May 2022 test at 107,462 miles and the November 2025 test at 125,061 miles, the car covered roughly 17,600 miles in three and a half years, averaging around 5,000 miles annually during that period. Earlier years show slightly higher use, with approximately 4,000 to 4,700 miles added per year between 2022 and 2024. There are no suspicious gaps or sudden jumps in the odometer record, suggesting regular use rather than long periods of standing or clocking concerns. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and braking components. The 2024 test flagged a deteriorated nearside front track rod end ball joint dust cover, and the 2025 test flagged the same issue on the offside front anti-roll bar linkage. Both are rubber boots that protect critical joints from contamination. If these have not been replaced, the joints themselves may be worn and could cause clunking, vague steering, or a future MOT failure. The 2022 and 2024 tests also noted brake-related items, including worn front brake discs and a fluctuating nearside rear service brake. A test drive should assess whether the braking system pulls to one side, pulses under application, or produces unusual noise, as these could indicate binding calipers or uneven disc wear. The body and understructure deserve close attention given the vehicle's age. While no corrosion advisories appear in the provided record, a 14-year-old SUV of this age is susceptible to surface and structural rust, particularly on sills, subframes, and around wheel arches. A thorough underside inspection with a torch is advisable. The recurring tyre wear advisory on the nearside rear in 2022 also warrants checking for misaligned tracking or worn suspension bushes that could cause uneven tyre wear patterns. Overall, the MOT history suggests a car that has been maintained to a passable standard, but the front suspension linkages and braking system should be the priority areas for any pre-purchase inspection.