2017 Mitsubishi Eclipse 1.5L Petrol · WM67 LDV

The latest MOT test on 2026-07-11 resulted in a pass, with two advisories—one concerning the rear brake discs being worn, pitted, or scored but not to a critical level, and another regarding the near-side rear child seat obstructing full inspection of the adult seat belt. This follows a pattern of consistent MOT passes over the preceding five years, with no outright failures and only minor advisories, suggesting a generally stable maintenance record. The recurring advisories on brake pad wear and child seat obstruction indicate routine attention to these areas, though the brake disc advisory now appears more frequent than the pads, which may warrant closer monitoring as the vehicle ages. The absence of more severe defects or repeated failures reinforces that the vehicle has maintained a reasonable level of upkeep, though the wear advisories point to gradual degradation that should not be ignored without further inspection. The recorded mileage of 54,517 miles for a vehicle aged nine years represents a moderate annual usage rate of approximately 6,057 miles per annum, which is within the expected range for this model and age group. This pace does not suggest excessive wear from high mileage alone, but it also does not indicate light or infrequent use either. The gap between 2020 and 2021 shows a period of around 13 months without recorded mileage accumulation, which could imply prolonged standing or reduced usage, potentially leading to minor issues such as standing corrosion on brake discs or calipers, or fluid degradation in the cooling or transmission systems. Conversely, if the vehicle has been driven more heavily in recent years, the wear advisories—particularly on brakes—may reflect increased friction and heat cycling, accelerating component fatigue. For a prospective buyer, the most critical areas to inspect are the braking system, given the recurring advisories on brake pads and discs. Visually check the rear brake discs for signs of excessive pitting, scoring, or glazing, which could indicate uneven wear or potential warping that may affect braking efficiency. Listen for any unusual noises during braking, such as grinding or squeaking, which could signal worn pads or warped discs. On a test drive, apply the brakes progressively to assess for any binding, vibration, or shuddering, which may point to caliper issues or warped discs. Additionally, verify that the brake fluid level is adequate and that there are no leaks under the vehicle, as low fluid levels or contamination can exacerbate brake performance problems. The near-side rear child seat advisory suggests that the adult seat belt inspection was obstructed, which may not affect roadworthiness but should be addressed for safety and compliance reasons. Beyond the brakes, the vehicle’s age and mileage warrant a thorough inspection of the suspension and tyre condition. Given the recorded nail in the near-side rear tyre from 2021, inspect the tyres for any further damage, including cuts, bulges, or uneven wear patterns that could indicate underlying suspension or alignment issues. Check the tyre tread depth is legal (minimum 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tread) and that the sidewall shows no signs of cracking or perishing, which can weaken the tyre structure over time. The suspension should be examined for signs of worn bushes, damaged coil springs, or excessive play in the struts, which could lead to poor ride quality or handling instability. Finally, since the vehicle has been driven at a moderate annual rate, consider checking the 12V battery health and ensuring all electrical connections are secure, as prolonged standing can sometimes lead to battery drain or corrosion. For fluid servicing, given the age of the vehicle, the cooling system, transmission fluid, and differential oil should be inspected for degradation, with a recommendation to replace them according to manufacturer guidelines—typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles or every 3 to 5 years, whichever comes first. Additionally, verify that service book stamps are up to date, particularly for the timing belt replacement if applicable, as this is critical for long-term engine reliability.