2016 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.2L Petrol · YA65 NBE

The Mitsubishi Mirage presents a mixed picture. The most recent MOT, conducted on 22 May 2026 at 105,224 miles, passed but flagged two fresh advisories: an Offside Rear coil spring showing corrosion and front brake pads wearing thin. This breaks a two-year run of clean passes from mid-2022 through to mid-2024. The maintenance trend is now worsening after a stable period. The reappearance of corrosion-related advisories, combined with a new brake wear item, suggests the vehicle may be entering a phase where age-related deterioration is accelerating. The mileage accumulation is consistent and unremarkable for a 2016 vehicle. Between the July 2023 test at 98,249 miles and the May 2026 test at 105,224 miles, the car covered roughly 6,975 miles over nearly three years, averaging around 2,300 miles annually in that window. That is noticeably lower than the lifetime average of approximately 10,500 miles per year. Either the car has seen a significant drop in usage recently, or it spent extended periods stationary. A buyer should verify whether prolonged sitting contributed to the coil spring corrosion and any brake seizure risks. The recurring theme across the record is corrosion. Brake pipe corrosion advisories appeared in both the May 2025 test at 102,870 miles and the May 2024 test at 100,730 miles, with the tester noting pipes were covered in grease or other material, which can trap moisture and accelerate decay. The latest test then flagged a corroded rear coil spring. These are structural and safety-critical components, not cosmetic issues. A prospective buyer should have a thorough underside inspection performed, paying close attention to brake line integrity, subframe mounting points, and suspension components for hidden rust jacking or metal thinning. Front brake pads are now wearing thin at 105,224 miles, which is a routine consumable item but one that should be cross-referenced with disc condition. Given the history of corroded brake pipes, a full brake system health check is prudent, including caliper slide mechanisms and handbrake components. The clean passes in 2022 and 2023 show the car is capable of meeting standards, but the last two tests indicate deferred attention. Budget for a comprehensive brake and suspension refresh before relying on this vehicle for regular use.