2010 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1L Petrol · WM59 UBX

This Mitsubishi Colt presents a recurring pattern of front suspension wear and corrosion-related advisories that should form the centrepiece of any prospective buyer's evaluation. The most recent test on 27 January 2026 recorded a pass, but it was accompanied by a notably thick advisory list: front lower anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush wear on both sides, corrosion to the rear inner suspension component mounting area on both sill panels, a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit and on its edge, and rear coil spring corrosion on both sides. A minor defect for severely deteriorated front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers on both sides was also recorded, the same item that was flagged as a minor in 2023, indicating a long-standing condition that has not deteriorated to failure but has also not been resolved. Two failures have occurred within the last two years, both for relatively minor items in 2024 (a non-functioning front position lamp and an insufficient washer system) and more concerning issues in early 2025, which included dangerous tread depth deficiencies on both front tyres, an ineffective nearside wiper, an inoperative registration plate lamp, and a thin front brake pad advisory. The headlamp dipped beam failure on the January 2026 retest, while rectified before the pass was issued, sits alongside the 2024 lamp failure and 2025 wiper failure to suggest intermittent electrical or bulb-related issues. Against a 16-year vehicle age, the recorded 95,663 miles equates to roughly 5,979 miles per year, which is well below average accumulation and consistent with light use, short journeys, or extended periods of standing. Annual mileage in MOT records tends to be irregular rather than perfectly even, but the low overall figure here means the mechanical components have not been subjected to high-cycle wear from motorway use, and items such as the clutch, drivetrain and exhaust may have more service life remaining than the calendar age alone would suggest. Conversely, low-mileage vehicles often display corrosion on underbody and suspension components due to infrequent use and exposure to damp conditions while stationary, which aligns directly with the coil spring corrosion and rear sill corrosion advisories recorded in January 2026. The continuity of annual testing since at least 2022 indicates the vehicle has not been off the road for extended lay-up periods. A pre-purchase inspection should focus heavily on the front suspension geometry and bush condition. The 2023 test recorded perished track rod end ball joint dust covers on both sides, and the 2026 test notes perished front lower suspension arm ball joint dust covers plus worn anti-roll bar linkage pins or bushes; listen for clonking or rattling from the front end over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces, and check for vagueness or delay in steering response. Inspect both front tyres closely for uneven shoulder wear, particularly inner edge wear which can indicate worn suspension bushes allowing geometry shift, and check the rear coil springs for surface corrosion scale and any sagging that may be reducing ride height. Examine the inner sill panels on both sides for any bubbling, flaking or perforation beyond what was recorded as advisory corrosion, and look beneath the car for any oil misting or weeping from the engine and transmission that might suggest prolonged standing. On the road, pay attention to brake feel and pedal response given the thin front pads flagged in 2025, checking for any pulling to one side under braking that could indicate a binding caliper or uneven pad wear, and feel for vibration or judder through the steering wheel which may suggest front disc warping. Confirm operation of all exterior lighting including the dipped beam, front position lamps and registration plate illumination, as multiple lamp-related failures have occurred across the test history. Inspect the windscreen wiper blades for streaking or skipping on both sides, and top up and test the washer system to confirm adequate jetting onto the swept area. Finally, with the rear coil spring corrosion advisories in mind, load the rear of the vehicle and check for any clonking from the rear suspension over rough roads, which would suggest advanced corrosion weakening at the spring seats.