2006 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1L Petrol · WN06 WEW

A clear pattern of accumulating wear is evident across the MOT history of this 2006 Mitsubishi Colt, with the most recent test on 6 March 2026 recording both a failure and a pass on the same date. The failure was straightforward, involving an inoperative offside front headlamp on dipped beam, while the corresponding pass carried five advisories covering perished rear tyres, a nearside front tyre worn close to the legal limit, a slightly distorted nearside front road wheel, and a corroded offside rear coil spring. The broader trend over the four recorded tests is one of progressively more frequent and more serious advisories, including a Dangerous defect in February 2025 for front brake pads worn below 1.5 mm, paired with pitted front brake discs and a major windscreen wiper defect. Earlier tests also flagged insecurely attached front anti-roll bar linkages on both sides in January 2023, alongside repeat minor issues with the offside rear registration plate lamp. The combination of two failures in four annual tests and a steady accumulation of advisories across suspension, braking, and lighting components suggests ongoing wear that has not yet been fully resolved. The recorded mileage of 79,742 against a 20-year vehicle age equates to roughly 3,987 miles per year, which is notably low and consistent with either modest regular use or extended periods off the road. The MOT records show annual testing from 2022 onwards with no apparent gaps, but the low annual mileage implies that many components may have aged through time rather than use. Rubber elements such as tyres, coil springs, and brake components are particularly susceptible to age-related deterioration such as perishing, corrosion, and surface oxidation even when mileage is limited, which aligns with the advisories recorded on the rear tyres, the corroded rear coil spring, and the pitted front brake discs. The low usage figure should therefore be interpreted cautiously, as the wear observed on the record is more consistent with calendar age than with mechanical fatigue from high mileage. A prospective buyer should focus the inspection on the front suspension and braking system, where the history points to repeated concerns. The anti-roll bar linkages were flagged as insecurely attached on both sides in 2023, and although not repeated since, these components should be checked for play, knocking noises over bumps, and any visible deterioration of the bushes or drop links. The brake system warrants particular attention given the Dangerous pad wear recorded in 2025; the discs were also noted as pitted and scored at that point, so on a test drive listen for brake judder under firm application and check for vibration through the pedal. Inspect the front brake pads and discs directly for remaining thickness and surface condition, as the 2024 advisory noted front pads wearing thin again, indicating a continuing wear pattern. The rear coil spring corrosion advisory is also worth pursuing physically, as corroded springs can fracture over time, particularly on a vehicle of this age. During a test drive, listen for clonking or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, and visually inspect the offside rear spring for any signs of cracking, flaking, or uneven ride height. The perished rear tyres recorded in 2026 should prompt a close check of sidewall condition and tread depth across all four corners, while the slightly distorted nearside front wheel should be examined for buckles or cracks. Finally, verify full operation of both headlamps on dipped and main beam, confirm the offside rear registration plate lamp illuminates correctly, and ensure both front wiper blades clear the screen effectively, as these specific items have all previously caused or contributed to test failures or advisories on this vehicle.