1999 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8L Diesel · BAD 122T

The vehicle presents a concerning maintenance trend that appears to be worsening as it ages. While the 2023 test at 244,099 miles resulted in a pass, the tester identified several escalating mechanical issues, including a severely deteriorated nearside front inner drive shaft CV boot and a minor exhaust leak. The recurring failure of the supplementary restraint system warning lamp, first noted in December 2021 and again in January 2023, suggests a persistent electrical fault within the SRS system that has remained unaddressed for several years. The mileage accumulation is consistent with the vehicle's age, averaging approximately 9,000 miles per year over its 27-year lifespan. The recorded data shows steady usage, with 11,643 miles covered between the December 2021 and January 2023 tests. However, the MOT history is not current, as the last recorded test took place over three years ago in January 2023. This significant gap in official documentation means the current mechanical state of the vehicle is unverified and potentially high-risk. A prospective buyer must prioritize a thorough inspection of the steering and suspension components. The record shows a long-term pattern of wear in the anti-roll bar bushes and ball joints dating back to 2016, with newer issues like a drag link end ball joint showing play in the 2023 test. The deterioration of the CV boot and the presence of an exhaust leak indicate that rubber components and exhaust systems are reaching the end of their service life. Mechanical scrutiny should also focus on the SRS system to determine why the warning lamp fails to illuminate, as this is a significant safety concern. Given the history of slight play in wheel bearings and suspension arms, a physical check of the front-end geometry and drivetrain integrity is essential. The presence of oil misting on shock absorbers in earlier tests suggests that the damping system may also require replacement to ensure stability.