2004 Mitsubishi L200 2.5L Diesel · KU04 AHY

A persistent advisory on the nearside front steering idler has appeared at every MOT test since at least 2024, with the same note of slight movement recorded on 18 July 2026 alongside the most recent pass, and identical wording logged on 21 July 2025 and 10 August 2024. This three-year repetition of an identical advisory, rather than a one-off finding, indicates a worn or fatigued idler component that has not deteriorated to failure point but is mechanically trending towards it. Compounding the steering concern, the nearside inner drive shaft CV boot was flagged as severely deteriorated at the 2023 test and again as a Minor defect at the 2022 test, demonstrating a recurring issue with the constant velocity joint sealing on that side which, if left unresolved, typically progresses to joint failure and loss of drive. The vehicle did pass all four recorded tests, but the duplication of these specific component defects across consecutive examinations points to remedial work that has either been deferred or only partially addressed. Additionally, slight surface corrosion was noted underneath the vehicle in 2022, which warrants close physical inspection of structural members, chassis rails, and mounting points given the commercial vehicle nature of the L200 and its typical exposure to harsher working environments. The recorded mileage of 126,809 miles across approximately 22 years equates to an annual accumulation of around 5,764 miles, which is notably low for a vehicle of this type and vintage, particularly for a pickup likely used for light commercial or utility purposes. Annual MOT testing intervals are consistent from 2022 through 2026 with no extended gaps in the recorded history, suggesting the vehicle has been kept on the road continuously rather than laid up. However, low recorded mileage on a commercial-orientated chassis can be misleading, as L200s of this generation are frequently used for short, load-bearing journeys which place disproportionate stress on clutches, driveline mounts, and rear suspension components relative to the odometer reading. The mileage progression between tests also appears modest and consistent, indicating no sudden spikes that might suggest tow-bar work, heavy trailer use, or rapid long-distance accumulation which would accelerate wear on cooling, transmission, and engine sealing components. For a prospective buyer, the steering idler advisory demands immediate attention, as continued use with a worn idler can introduce free play felt through the steering wheel, vague directional response, or knocking sounds transmitted through the bulkhead when traversing uneven surfaces. A test drive should involve turning the wheel lock to lock both with the vehicle stationary to detect any clonking from the front end, and at speed over broken tarmac to feel for wandering or irregular self-centring which would confirm idler arm or pitman arm wear. The repeated nearside CV boot deterioration must be physically inspected for fresh grease loss around the boot retaining clips and for any clicking noises on full-lock turning, which would indicate that the constant velocity joint itself has now ingested contamination despite passing tests. Given the underside surface corrosion noted in 2022, a thorough examination of the L200's ladder chassis, rear leaf spring hangers, and fuel or brake line runs is essential, as commercial pickups of this age are prone to advancing structural corrosion at jacking points, crossmember seams, and around the spare wheel carrier area. Finally, the relatively low mileage warrants particular attention during the test drive to the condition of the clutch pedal feel and biting point, the responsiveness of the turbocharged diesel powertrain from cold, and any signs of blue exhaust smoke on start-up, all of which can indicate component fatigue disproportionate to the odometer reading on intermittently used commercial vehicles of this generation.