2012 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2L Diesel · PN12 PJY

The vehicle most recently passed its MOT on 26 February 2026 with a cluster of advisories confined to the near side front wheel bearing showing slight play and corrosion concerns affecting the front brake pipework and front brake hose ferrules on both sides. These items are consistent with the gradual deterioration observed across the previous several tests, where similar brake pipe and hose advisories have appeared year after year since at least the 2024 test. A recurring advisory concerning the offside front anti-roll bar ball joint first noted in 2021, reappearing in 2022 and 2025, also indicates a persistent suspension wear point that has not been rectified. While none of these defects have yet reached failure threshold, the overall trend across the last five MOT records is one of slowly accumulating advisories rather than improvement, suggesting a vehicle that will soon require meaningful front brake hydraulic and front suspension attention. The recorded mileage of 60,238 miles over fourteen years equates to an average of roughly 4,300 miles per annum, which is notably low for a working-class SUV of this vintage and points to either limited light use or extended periods of standing. Such low annual mileage has its own mechanical implications distinct from high wear scenarios, as prolonged standing encourages moisture entrapment in brake calipers, corrosion of brake discs and caliper sliding mechanisms, oxidation of exhaust components, and degradation of rubber and polymer parts through age rather than mileage. The MOT history reflects this pattern clearly, with exhaust corrosion advisories appearing consistently from 2019 onwards and the recent advisory regarding front brake pipe and hose corrosion indicating that hydraulic line degradation is progressing under the vehicle despite minimal mileage accumulation. There are no sudden mileage jumps between tests to suggest inconsistent record-keeping or rapid recent use. For a prospective buyer, a thorough physical inspection and road test should focus on the items that have repeatedly drawn advisories. The front brake system should be examined closely for any seepage around the corroded pipes and hose ferrules, as these will continue to oxidise and could progress to a fluid leak; on the road, the buyer should listen for any scraping or grinding from the front brakes and test pedal firmness under repeated application. The slight play noted in the near side front wheel bearing warrants careful listening for a humming or growling noise that changes with speed and cornering, along with a physical check for any looseness when the wheel is rocked by hand. The offside front anti-roll bar ball joint, which has now been flagged across multiple tests, should be inspected for clunking noises over speed humps and uneven front tyre wear, particularly on the inner or outer shoulders, as worn anti-roll bar linkages frequently produce such symptoms. Given the corrosion noted on the lower front suspension arms in the 2023 test, a careful inspection of these arms for any advanced section loss or flaking rust through the metal is also advisable. Beyond the recorded advisories, the age and low usage profile of this Mitsubishi Shogun demands attention to time-based degradation regardless of the modest odometer reading. Tyres should be checked for sidewall cracking, perishing, and DOT date codes, as tyres older than six years become hard and lose grip even with adequate tread depth. The brake discs are likely to show significant surface corrosion from standing, and the caliper slide pins and pistons may have seized, so a test drive should confirm smooth release without any pulling to one side or juddering under braking. The 12 volt battery health should be verified, as low-mileage vehicles often suffer battery failure from short journeys and standing; a load test is worthwhile. Service history should be scrutinised for evidence that essential fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission and transfer box oil, and differential oil have been renewed on a calendar basis rather than purely by mileage, as these all degrade with age. Finally, the underbody should be raised for inspection, given the wax oil coating noted in 2019 and the recurring exhaust and suspension corrosion advisories, to confirm structural integrity of the chassis rails, cross members, and mounting points before purchase.