2007 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1L Petrol · WM07 AFZ

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend where recurring structural and suspension issues suggest a pattern of reactive rather than preventative care. While the most recent test on 6 August 2025 at 53,387 miles resulted in a pass, the tester flagged surface rust on the offside rear sill. This follows a heavily annotated 2024 test at 52,780 miles where the inspector noted the underside of the vehicle was generally corroded. The presence of ongoing corrosion, moving from component-specific issues like coil springs to broader sill rust, indicates a worsening structural condition that requires close monitoring. The mileage profile is exceptionally low for a 2007 model, averaging approximately 2,810 miles per year. This low usage is evident in the gradual climb from 27,026 miles in 2012 to 53,387 miles in 2025. While low mileage typically implies less mechanical wear, the record shows signs of the vehicle standing for extended periods. The 2024 advisory regarding perished and cracking rear tyres, alongside previous notes on aged rubber in 2015, suggests that the tyres are likely suffering from age-related degradation rather than tread wear. A prospective buyer must prioritise a thorough inspection of the vehicle's underside to assess the extent of the corrosion mentioned in the 2024 and 2025 records. The history shows a persistent issue with rear coil springs corroding at the lower tips, a fault appearing consistently since at least 2016. The 2024 test also highlighted deteriorating shock absorber dust covers and a noisy offside front wheel bearing, both of which suggest the suspension components are nearing the end of their service life. Mechanical attention should also be directed toward the braking system and steering. The 2024 test recorded thin inner front brake pads and pitted, overheating discs, which follows a history of lipped discs dating back to 2012. Additionally, the 2023 report flagged play in the steering rack inner joint and a leaking CV gaiter. Given the intermittent nature of these mechanical faults, a physical inspection of the steering geometry and the integrity of all rubber gaiters is essential to ensure the vehicle is truly roadworthy.