The most recent MOT record dates from 14 November 2007, meaning this vehicle has held no certified roadworthiness test for approximately eighteen years and seven months as of today. The mileage has remained frozen at 247,636 miles since that pass, strongly suggesting the Delica has been off the road, laid up, or used on a Statutory Off Road Notification for nearly two decades. The maintenance trend is therefore unverifiable beyond 2007, and the absence of any recent inspection raises serious concerns about the current condition of safety-critical systems, including brakes, steering, suspension, and structural integrity.
The recorded mileage of 247,636 miles accumulated over roughly 33 years equates to an average of approximately 7,504 miles per year, which is broadly typical for an older commercial or leisure-use vehicle. However, the MOT history reveals a notable gap between the July 2006 test at 233,820 miles and the November 2007 test at 247,636 miles, representing an increase of 13,816 miles in just over sixteen months. This indicates a period of relatively intensive use before the vehicle effectively ceased being tested. The sparse record, with only four entries spanning 2006 and 2007, provides limited insight into long-term care patterns, but the final pass in November 2007 did include a deteriorated nearside front constant velocity joint gaiter, suggesting driveline components were already deteriorating at that point.
A prospective buyer should treat this vehicle as effectively unroadworthy until a full inspection is completed. The 2007 failure flagged multiple suspension defects, including a shock absorber with negligible damping effect and excessive play in both nearside and offside rear anti-roll bar linkage ball joints. These are load-bearing components, and eighteen years of static storage or outdoor exposure will almost certainly have worsened any corrosion in mounting points, bushes, and subframe areas. The braking system also demands close scrutiny. The 2006 failure recorded a leaking nearside front brake hose, a front brake with little or no effort, and overall service brake efficiency below requirements. Brake calipers, hoses, and seized adjusters are highly likely to have deteriorated further over the intervening period.
Beyond the mechanical systems, the structural condition of the chassis and body mounts warrants careful examination. A 1993 Mitsubishi Delica of this age and type is susceptible to corrosion in sills, outriggers, wheel arches, and around the rear cargo area, particularly if it has been stored in damp conditions. The engine oil leak noted in 2006, combined with the power steering pump drive system defect flagged in the same year, points to deteriorating seals and ancillary components that may have worsened during prolonged inactivity. Tyres, even if they appear serviceable, will almost certainly be aged beyond safe use regardless of remaining tread depth. This vehicle should be trailered, not driven, to any pre-purchase inspection.