2012 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2L Diesel · AE12 HVR

This Mitsubishi Shogun’s MOT history presents a stable but unexceptional roadworthiness profile, with the most recent test on 8 June 2026 at 144,614 miles confirming only minor, non-critical advisories. The recurring issue—an inoperative offside rear registration plate lamp—has persisted across three consecutive tests (June 2025, June 2024, and June 2026), indicating either a faulty bulb or wiring that was never addressed. While this is a straightforward electrical fault with no safety implications, its repetition suggests the vehicle has spent time in ownership where basic checks were overlooked. No structural, suspension, or braking defects have been recorded, and the absence of failures in the 2024 and 2023 tests (at 134,006 and 127,912 miles respectively) implies the core mechanical systems were in decent order at those points. The June 2026 advisory about headlamp lens contamination is trivial, though it hints at a lack of routine cleaning—a detail that may reflect broader neglect. The mileage accumulation of roughly 10,330 miles per year aligns with typical usage for a vehicle of this age, with no sudden spikes or prolonged stagnation in the recorded data. The gaps between tests are consistent, averaging just over a year apart, which is standard for annual MOT compliance. There’s no evidence of rapid mileage buildup that might suggest heavy use or abuse, nor are there long periods of inactivity that could exacerbate component degradation. The most recent 4,714 miles (from June 2025 to June 2026) were covered without any new defects emerging, reinforcing that the car’s core systems remain functional within expected limits for its age and mileage. For a prospective buyer, the primary focus should be verifying whether the rear registration lamp issue has been resolved, as this is the only recurring fault. Beyond that, a thorough inspection of the suspension—particularly the rear coil springs and bushes—is prudent, given the Shogun’s age and mileage. The absence of MOT failures doesn’t guarantee these components are sound, so checking for uneven tyre wear, excessive play in the steering, or signs of corrosion in the subframe would be wise. Braking performance should also be tested dynamically, as the MOT history provides no insight into wear on pads, discs, or calipers. Finally, given the vehicle’s age, a closer look at the exhaust system for leaks or rust, and the condition of the bodywork for structural corrosion—especially around wheel arches and sills—would be advisable. The clean MOT records up to 2024 suggest the car was well-maintained in the past, but the recent advisories imply a lapse in attention that should be addressed before purchase.