2009 Mitsubishi Colt 1.3L Petrol · WN09 WGU

The vehicle achieved a Pass at its most recent MOT examination on 9 January 2026, following a Fail recorded the previous day which had been largely rectified prior to re-test. The most recent pass carries three advisories relating to front brake disc condition and front tyre wear approaching the legal limit, all of which had been flagged in earlier examinations as developing concerns. Looking across the four-year MOT history, the overall trend is one of progressive deterioration rather than stable maintenance, with the recurring oil leak advisories present since at least 2021, persistent brake disc wear notes, subframe corrosion flagged from 2022 through 2023, and a serious dangerous defect failure in January 2026 involving a detached anti-roll bar linkage along with severely reduced headlamp output. The combination of a major track rod end failure in 2024 and the dangerous anti-roll bar issue in 2026 indicates that chassis and suspension components have been deteriorating meaningfully, which warrants close mechanical scrutiny before purchase. The recorded mileage of 95,971 miles over 17 years equates to approximately 5,645 miles per annum, which is well below average for a vehicle of this age and suggests either genuine low use or extended periods of standing between MOTs. The MOT intervals show reasonable continuity with annual tests from 2021 through 2026, but such low annual mileage typically results in calendar-driven deterioration rather than distance-driven wear. Implications include perishing of rubber components such as tyres, coolant hoses, drive belts and suspension bushes, oxidation of brake discs and caliper internals from prolonged inactivity, and degradation of brake fluid, engine coolant and the 12V battery due to age rather than use. Corrosion findings on the subframe and coil spring confirm that moisture exposure and standing periods have already begun to affect structural and suspension metalwork. Given the recurring advisories, particular attention should be paid to the braking system on inspection. The front brake discs have been flagged at every MOT since 2024 for lipping and pitting, and a test drive should focus on any brake shudder under firm application, pulling to one side, or grinding noises which would indicate the discs have now worn beyond safe service limits. The nearside front wheel bearing was noted with slight play in 2021 and should be re-checked, listening for a humming or drone that rises and falls with speed. The track rod end that failed in 2024 was renewed, but the adjacent steering and suspension linkages including the anti-roll bar fixings that failed dangerously in 2026 should be physically inspected for play, secure mounting and any signs of recent welding or substandard repair. Uneven or feathered front tyre wear will confirm whether the geometry was correctly set after the track rod replacement, and both front tyres will need replacement given the close-to-limit advisories. The persistent engine oil leak advisories over five consecutive MOTs suggest a slow seepage that has not yet been addressed, and the underside of the engine and surrounding components should be inspected for fresh oil residue, particularly on the sump, cam cover gasket and oil filter housing. Subframe corrosion noted in 2022 and 2023 should be examined closely with a torch for any progression, as this is a structural integrity concern on a 17-year-old vehicle. Given the low annual mileage, the 12V battery is likely nearing the end of its service life and should be load tested, while brake fluid and engine coolant are almost certainly due for replacement based on age alone regardless of condition. The heat shield advisory and headlamp lens product both warrant visual confirmation, and any evidence of poor headlamp alignment should be corrected prior to use, as the 2026 fail noted inability to test aim alongside severely reduced intensity.