2004 Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin 1.8L Petrol · BV04 HVL

A pattern of chronic rear suspension and brake line wear defines the mechanical picture of this 22 year old Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin, with the most recent test on 13 October 2025 passing only on the strength of advisories that have now repeated across multiple consecutive examinations. The October 2023 test stands out as the most serious entry on file, where the vehicle failed on major defects for excessive corrosion at both rear suspension component mountings within prescribed areas, a finding that significantly reduces structural strength and cannot be dismissed as cosmetic surface rust. That same test also recorded the now familiar advisories for worn rear suspension arm pins or bushes and corroded rear brake pipes, items that reappeared identically in 2025, indicating that the underlying issues were not rectified between examinations. The recurring symmetry of nearside and offside rear advisories is notable, suggesting a systemic deterioration rather than isolated wear on one corner. Recorded mileage of 97,224 miles across 22 years equates to an annual accumulation of roughly 4,419 miles, which is markedly low for the vehicle's age and raises questions about usage patterns. The MOT record begins in April 2019 with no prior tests listed, despite the vehicle being over fifteen years old at that point, which suggests either a change in testing history recording or extended periods where the vehicle may have been off the road, garaged, or used very sparingly. The gaps between recorded tests in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 are largely annual, but the low mileage figure combined with a five year visible testing window averaging under 5,000 miles per year reinforces the likelihood of prolonged stationary periods. Mechanically, such low usage on an older four wheel drive vehicle is not without consequence, as seals, bushes, brake components and underbody protection all deteriorate through lack of exercise as much as through high mileage, and the corrosion findings already recorded are consistent with a vehicle that has endured damp layups rather than regular dry use. For a prospective buyer, the rear suspension component mounting corrosion flagged as a major failure in 2023 is the single most important area to inspect, as the vehicle passed the 2024 and 2025 tests with advisories rather than majors, which means the structural integrity of those areas should be physically verified by raising the vehicle on a ramp and checking for any fresh corrosion, repair patches, or underseal applied over problem areas. Listen for clonks or knocking from the rear over uneven surfaces, particularly when travelling single wheeled over speed humps, as worn rear arm pins and bushes will transmit distinct impacts into the cabin. The rear brake pipes should be examined closely along their full length for corrosion pitting, flaking, or live rust, especially at unions and mounting clips, as the repeated advisories suggest the protective coating has failed and replacement rather than cleaning will eventually be required. The 2020 advisories also warrant attention on inspection, particularly the central front oil leak which should be monitored by checking the underside for fresh seepage and the condition of the engine oil level on the dipstick, as well as the sill corrosion within 30cm of a rear mounting, which should be tapped with a screwdriver to confirm it remains solid rather than paper thin. The broken exhaust hanger and badly corroded rear flange from 2020 should be checked for subsequent replacement, as a hanging or dragging exhaust presents both a noise and safety issue. Finally, given the low annual mileage, the buyer should be alert to classic symptoms of infrequent use on a vehicle of this age, including a sluggish or hesitant starter, sticky or seized brake calipers particularly after the vehicle has stood for a week or more, and perished rubber components such as drive belt cracking or coolant hose weathering, all of which are common on Shogun Pinins that have spent long periods off the road.