2005 Mitsubishi Colt 1.5L Petrol · YH05 OMR

Front‑end wear dominates the MOT record, with the off‑side front wheel bearing repeatedly noted for slight play and the off‑side front CV boot split in 2021‑11‑24, while the near‑side front coil spring fractured in 2019‑06‑07. The pattern shows recurring advisory‑level concerns on the same axle, punctuated by a few dangerous failures – notably the off‑side rear brake pads in 2019 and the near‑side front tyre tread in 2018 – but the most recent test in November 2021 passed, leaving only the same wheel‑bearing and tyre‑wear advisories. This suggests that the vehicle’s primary mechanical story is a history of front‑axle component degradation that has been managed enough to pass, yet the underlying wear has not been fully resolved. At 96 561 mi for a 21‑year‑old car the annual average is roughly 4 600 mi, well below typical usage for a model of this age. Such low mileage can indicate periods of infrequent use, which often leads to rubber hardening, tyre side‑wall cracking and potential corrosion of suspension bushings that are not exercised regularly. The MOT chronology shows no large gaps in testing, but the relatively static mileage between 2017 and 2021 implies the car may have spent extended periods idle, a factor that can accelerate deterioration of seals, boots and rubber components even when wear from distance is minimal. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the front axle: check the off‑side wheel bearing for any perceptible play or humming when the vehicle is coasting, and inspect the CV boot for cracks, oil leakage or torn fabric that could admit dirt. The near‑side front suspension arm and ball‑joint dust cover, previously flagged, should be examined for excessive movement or corrosion, and the front coil spring should be verified as intact – any signs of cracking or uneven ride height would indicate the previous fracture may have recurred. Tyre sidewalls on both rear wheels showed cracking in 2021; feel for hard spots, bulges or tread separation, and confirm that tread depth exceeds 1.6 mm on all tyres. Brake pads, especially the off‑side rear set that fell below 1.5 mm in 2019, should be measured for remaining thickness, and the discs inspected for scoring or pitting noted in 2018. During a test drive, listen for a low‑frequency growl or grinding that intensifies with speed, which would point to bearing or CV joint wear. Observe whether the steering pulls to one side or exhibits a shimmy over bumps, indicating possible suspension or steering‑link issues. Apply the brakes firmly; the pedal should be firm without pulsation, and the vehicle should stop without excessive noise, confirming pad and disc condition. Verify that the front wiper clears the windscreen effectively, the near‑side front position lamp illuminates, and the rear registration‑plate lamp functions, as these were previously recorded as faults. A full mechanical inspection by a qualified technician, focusing on the front axle, brake wear and tyre integrity, is essential before committing to purchase.