1997 Mitsubishi Delcia 2.8L Diesel · P198 JNU

The vehicle is in a state of poor roadworthiness with a clearly worsening structural trend. While the car passed previous tests with advisories, the most recent inspection in October 2024 at 148,904 miles resulted in a significant failure. The tester identified critical corrosion on the offside rear integral body structure that reduced the rigidity of the assembly, alongside excessive corrosion on the nearside rear suspension mounting area. This marks a transition from surface rust to serious structural decay that compromises the vehicle's fundamental integrity. At 29 years old, the recorded mileage of 148,904 miles represents a low annual average of approximately 5,135 miles. The data shows consistent but infrequent usage patterns, with intervals of roughly 3,000 to 5,000 miles between tests from 2020 to 2024. However, the low mileage has not protected the vehicle from environmental degradation. The lack of frequent use suggests the car may have sat for long periods, which often contributes to accelerated oxidation of metal components despite low wear on moving parts. A buyer must prioritise a thorough physical inspection of the chassis, specifically focusing on the offside rear outer sill and suspension mounting points. The record shows a long-term history of brake pipe corrosion, which has appeared in every test since at least 2020, indicating a failure to perform preventative maintenance on hydraulic lines. Recurring advisories for worn suspension arm bushes and corroded coil springs suggest that the entire suspension system is reaching the end of its functional life and requires close scrutiny to determine if the corrosion has progressed beyond the recorded points. Given the structural failure, the vehicle likely requires extensive welding work to be considered roadworthy again.