2004 Mitsubishi Canter 3.0L Diesel · AY04 GGJ

The Mitsubishi Canter’s MOT history presents a clean but concerning picture, with the most recent tests in December 2025—just seven months ago—showing no defects on either pass or fail attempt. This suggests the vehicle met all roadworthiness criteria at the time, though the repeated failures on the same date (both at 167,738 miles) are unusual and may indicate administrative or procedural irregularities rather than mechanical issues. The absence of advisories or defects across all five recorded tests, spanning from December 2023 to December 2025, implies that major structural or safety-critical components—such as brakes, suspension, steering, or exhaust emissions—have not been flagged as problematic. However, the lack of recorded faults does not preclude hidden wear, particularly in high-stress areas like coil springs, wheel bearings, or drivetrain seals, which are not always caught during MOT testing. The mileage accumulation of 167,738 miles over 22 years averages around 7,624 miles annually, which is typical for a vehicle of this age and class. There are no sudden spikes or prolonged gaps in the record; the mileage progression is steady, with just under 9,000 miles covered between the 2023 and 2024 tests, and another 9,000 miles between 2024 and 2025. This consistency suggests the Canter has been in regular, if not particularly heavy, use without periods of prolonged inactivity that might accelerate corrosion or fluid degradation. The absence of mileage jumps or extended dormancy periods reduces concerns over neglected maintenance, though it does not confirm that all routine servicing—such as fluid top-ups or filter replacements—has been diligently performed. Given the MOT record’s sterility, a buyer should prioritise a thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on components not routinely scrutinised during MOTs. Particular attention should be given to the suspension—inspecting coil springs for sagging or fractures, and rubber bushes for hardening or splits—alongside the condition of wheel bearings, which can wear silently. The braking system should be checked for uneven pad wear, seized calipers, or glazed discs, even if no faults were recorded. Structural integrity is another key area; examine the chassis rails, subframes, and floor pans for corrosion, especially in regions prone to salt exposure or moisture ingress. While the MOT history offers no red flags, the vehicle’s age and mileage demand rigorous scrutiny of these often-overlooked but critical elements.