2011 Mitsubishi ASX 1.6L Petrol · WN11 DFU

The latest MOT test on the 2011 Mitsubishi ASX occurred on 2026-05-16, resulting in a pass with two persistent advisories related to rear suspension components. The overall maintenance trend over the past five years appears stable rather than worsening, as the vehicle has consistently passed MOTs with only minor advisories, though the recurring issues with rear suspension bushes and anti-roll bar components suggest ongoing wear beyond the legal thresholds. The absence of major defects or repeated failures indicates that while the vehicle’s structural and functional integrity remains intact, the suspension system is nearing the end of its useful life, warranting proactive attention before further deterioration compromises ride quality or handling. The recorded mileage of 206,512 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 15 years represents a high annual usage rate of around 13,767 miles per year, which is notably elevated for its age. Such mileage accumulation accelerates wear on consumables like brake pads, tyres, and suspension components, as well as fluid degradation and internal component fatigue. The lack of significant mileage gaps between MOT tests suggests consistent, heavy use, which may have contributed to the observed wear on the rear suspension bushes and anti-roll bar linkages. The corrosion on the rear brake pipe, while not critical, underscores the importance of addressing potential moisture ingress or poor maintenance practices that could exacerbate future issues. For the prospective buyer, the advisories on the rear suspension bushes and anti-roll bar components indicate that the trailing arm and inner anti-roll bar linkages are worn but not yet causing excessive movement or handling instability. On a test drive, listen for clunking noises from the rear suspension during cornering or over bumps, which may signal further bush wear. The misted rear shock absorbers from the 2025 MOT suggest oil leakage, which could lead to reduced damping performance if not serviced. Inspect the rear suspension for excessive play or binding, and check for uneven tyre wear patterns, which may indicate misalignment or suspension misalignment. The corroded rear brake pipe should be cleaned or replaced to prevent further corrosion affecting the brake system’s integrity, and the worn but not seriously weakened rear brake disc should be monitored for further pitting or scoring, which could impact braking efficiency. In addition to the suspension and brake concerns, the nearside front tyre showing wear close to the legal limit warrants immediate attention. The tyre’s edge wear could indicate improper alignment, excessive speed, or uneven load distribution, all of which may have contributed to the wear progression. The previous advisories of covers under the vehicle suggest potential fluid leaks or exhaust system issues, but without further inspection, their severity cannot be determined. Given the vehicle’s age and high mileage, a thorough inspection of the 12V battery health is essential, as prolonged standing or heavy use can lead to battery failure. Check for signs of corrosion on battery terminals and ensure the battery holds a charge when cold cranking amps are tested. Finally, due to the vehicle’s age, consider verifying the service history for fluid changes, particularly brake fluid, differential fluid, and coolant, as these fluids degrade over time and should be replaced every 2–3 years or 60,000–100,000 miles to maintain performance and prevent corrosion. A pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic would be advisable to assess the extent of the suspension wear, brake system condition, and overall structural integrity before proceeding with purchase.