2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Phev CVT 2.4L Hybrid electric · WM21 PKA

The most recent official DVSA MOT test for this 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed PHEV was conducted on 1 August 2025 and resulted in a clean pass with no defects or advisories recorded against the vehicle. The previous test, dated 5 June 2024, also concluded in a pass with no defects noted, and there are no subsequent failures, refusals, or advisory entries on the record. While two MOT entries represent a relatively limited dataset, the consistency of clean passes across consecutive years indicates a stable and well-maintained vehicle rather than a deteriorating or neglected one. For a prospective buyer, this absence of advisories is reassuring, as it suggests that the previous keeper addressed wear items proactively before testing, and no underlying structural or safety-critical defects have been flagged by the examining technician. The recorded mileage of 34,160 miles over five years equates to an annual average of approximately 6,832 miles, which is broadly typical for a privately used vehicle of this age, though it sits toward the lower end of average UK driving habits. This moderate usage rate is mechanically favourable, as it implies that major drivetrain components, including the petrol engine, electric powertrain, and CVT transmission, have not been subjected to excessive high-mileage wear. However, lower annual mileage on a PHEV often indicates reliance on the combustion engine for longer journeys rather than regular short electric-only trips, and it may also suggest periods of standing between uses. Both scenarios carry distinct implications that should be physically inspected during a pre-purchase evaluation. Given the relatively low annual mileage and the PHEV powertrain configuration, particular attention should be paid to age-related degradation rather than purely wear-based concerns. Inspect all four tyres closely for sidewall perishing, cracking, or ozone damage, as rubber compounds deteriorate with calendar age regardless of tread depth, and a five-year-old tyre showing sidewall crazing warrants replacement regardless of its legal tread. Examine the brake discs and calipers for surface corrosion, seizing, or binding, as extended periods of light regen-brake use on PHEVs can lead to rear caliper pistons sticking and pad glazing, often manifesting as a pulling sensation, uneven braking, or a grinding noise on a test drive. The 12-volt auxiliary battery should be load-tested, as PHEV systems are sensitive to low auxiliary voltage, which can trigger warning lights and drivability issues. Additionally, verify the high-voltage traction battery state of health through a diagnostic read-out, check that the charging port and cables are undamaged, and confirm whether the recalls and software updates relating to the Outlander PHEV have been completed. Finally, while the MOT history is clean, several time-based service items should be verified regardless of the odometer reading. Engine oil and oil filter changes are typically required annually on PHEVs even under low mileage, due to fuel dilution and moisture accumulation in the sump, and a stamped service history from a recognised Mitsubishi or independent hybrid-capable specialist will confirm this has been adhered to. The brake fluid, coolant, and CVT transmission fluid all degrade with calendar age and will require replacement at manufacturer-specified intervals, so confirm the date of the last fluid services rather than relying on mileage alone. During the test drive, listen for any unusual CVT whine, clunks from the suspension over uneven surfaces, vibrations through the steering, or hesitation when transitioning between electric and petrol propulsion, as these are early indicators of issues that may not yet have reached MOT failure threshold. A pre-purchase inspection by a Mitsubishi or hybrid-trained technician, including a diagnostic scan for stored fault codes in both the engine management and hybrid control systems, is strongly recommended to complement the clean MOT record and provide full peace of mind.