2008 Mitsubishi Colt 1.1L Petrol · WV08 XTO

The vehicle currently presents a concerning state of roadworthiness with a worsening trend in mechanical neglect. The most recent test in October 2024 at 144,311 miles resulted in a significant number of failures, including structural corrosion of suspension components and critical steering defects. While the car has passed tests in the intervals between these failures, the sheer volume of faults identified in 2024 suggests that maintenance is only being performed reactively to pass inspections rather than through proactive preventative care. At 144,311 miles over 18 years, the car has averaged approximately 8,000 miles per year, which is consistent with typical UK usage for a small city car. However, the data shows periods of steady mileage accumulation, such as the 11,000 miles driven between October 2021 and November 2022, and another 11,300 miles between November 2023 and October 2024. This consistent use correlates with the accelerating degradation of rubber components and mechanical joints noted throughout the record. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the suspension and drivetrain, as corrosion is a recurring theme. The coil springs have shown progressive decay since 2020, culminating in a fractured offside front spring in 2024. The nearside front wheel bearing has been flagged as noisy or rough since 2022, indicating it likely requires immediate replacement. Furthermore, the steering geometry, specifically the offside front track rod end and various CV boots, has shown repeated deterioration and failure across multiple test years. The braking system also requires attention due to a binding offside rear service brake that has been noted since at least 2019. The exhaust system has shown a history of leaks, moving from a major centre pipe failure in 2022 to a minor leak recorded in 2024. Given the frequent failures of simple items like bulbs, wipers, and washers, the vehicle reflects a history of low attention to detail which increases the likelihood that hidden mechanical issues remain unaddressed.