2013 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2L Diesel · AA63 AGE

The latest MOT test for this 2013 Mitsubishi Shogun on 2024-01-03 resulted in a passing grade, though it included several advisories that warrant careful consideration. The overall maintenance trend over the past few years is concerning rather than stable or improving, as the vehicle has consistently faced critical or near-critical issues, particularly related to tyre wear and brake condition. The 2023 failure highlighted dangerous defects—front and rear tyres below the legal minimum tread depth and rear brake pads dangerously thin—suggesting a pattern of deferred maintenance or neglect. While the 2022 and 2021 tests showed advisories rather than outright failures, the progression from worn tyres to outright dangerous conditions indicates that the vehicle’s wear rates are accelerating, potentially due to high usage, underinvestment in consumables, or excessive stress on components. The 2024 test’s advisories on tyre wear close to the legal limit and front suspension bush condition further underscore the need for proactive intervention before further deterioration compromises road safety. The recorded mileage of 216,752 miles for a vehicle aged approximately 13 years represents a high annual usage rate of around 16,673 miles per year, which is unusually aggressive for its age. Such mileage accumulation typically accelerates wear on critical systems like tyres, brakes, suspension, and drivetrain components, as well as consumables such as fluids and filters. While lower mileage might suggest periods of inactivity or lighter use, the consistent high mileage here implies either intensive operational demands or a lack of regular maintenance to mitigate wear. The rapid tread loss recorded in the MOT history—from legal limits in 2021 to dangerous depths in 2023—aligns with this pattern, indicating that the tyres have been subjected to significant stress over time. Additionally, the wear on brake pads and suspension components suggests that the vehicle has been driven under conditions that exacerbate mechanical fatigue, potentially including heavy loads, rough roads, or prolonged idling. Given the vehicle’s history of tyre and brake advisories, the prospective buyer should conduct a thorough inspection of the tyres, brakes, and suspension during the test drive. First, verify that all tyres are evenly worn and check for signs of uneven wear patterns, which could indicate misalignment, suspension issues, or incorrect tyre pressure. Listen for unusual noises during acceleration, braking, or cornering—clunks or rattles from the rear could signal worn suspension bushes or loose suspension arms, while grinding or squealing may point to brake pad or rotor wear. Inspect the rear brake pads for consistent thickness; if they are significantly below 1.5mm, replacement is imminent to prevent damage to rotors or warping. The front suspension should be checked for excessive play or binding, particularly around the strut mounts and control arms, as the 2021 advisory suggests ongoing wear. Additionally, examine the brake discs for corrosion, pitting, or binding, which could indicate standing corrosion from infrequent use or prolonged braking, leading to reduced braking efficiency. If the vehicle has been driven extensively, the brake fluid should be flushed and replaced every two years to prevent moisture-induced corrosion and hydraulic system failure. Beyond the mechanical checks, the buyer should also address the broader maintenance and operational history of the vehicle. Given the high mileage and wear patterns, it is advisable to replace the tyres to the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm, or to a higher standard if the wear is uneven or the tyres are approaching their service life. Brake pads should be replaced if they are below 1.5mm thick, and the brake fluid should be serviced as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of brake failure. The suspension components, particularly the front suspension arms and rear suspension bushes, should be inspected for signs of excessive wear or failure, with potential replacement recommended if the vehicle has been driven under heavy or aggressive conditions. For the tyres, the buyer should also check the sidewall for signs of cracking or perishing, which can occur over time even with low mileage, compromising structural integrity and increasing the risk of blowouts. Finally, given the vehicle’s age and usage profile, a comprehensive service check should be performed, including the timing belt (if applicable), coolant system, and 12V battery health, as these systems degrade with age and prolonged inactivity. The service book should be reviewed to confirm that scheduled maintenance, such as oil changes and filter replacements, has been conducted according to manufacturer recommendations. If possible, obtaining a pre-purchase inspection from a qualified mechanic would provide additional confidence in the vehicle’s roadworthiness and mechanical condition.