2013 Mitsubishi L200 2.5L Diesel · C15 NDE

A persistent oil leak and progressive tyre degradation dominate the MOT record, with every test since 2022 noting a non‑excessive oil seepage and multiple tyres flagged as slightly damaged, cracked or perishing. The most recent September 2026 inspection was passed, but the same trio of tyre advisories and the oil‑leak note re‑appeared, while a single failure in August 2025 concerned a non‑functional rear fog lamp. The consistency of these advisories suggests a chronic, low‑level leak that has not yet breached the excess‑oil threshold, and a tyre fleet that is approaching the end of its service life across all four corners. At 124,391 mi the vehicle averages roughly 9,500 mi per year over its 13‑year lifespan, a mileage rate that sits squarely within normal usage for a light‑commercial L200. The MOT chronology shows no significant gaps in testing, indicating the vehicle has been kept on the road and subject to regular statutory checks. This steady accumulation means wear on consumables such as brake pads, suspension bushings and drivetrain components will be in line with typical age‑related degradation, but the tyre wear pattern observed across several years may point to alignment or suspension issues that have accelerated tyre surface damage. Prospective buyers should locate the source of the oil seepage before committing; common origins on this model include valve‑cover gaskets, oil‑separator seals or the rear oil cooler pipe. Look for fresh oil stains on the undertray, a steady oily film on the exhaust, or a faint oil smell after a short drive. Any increase in oil loss could quickly convert the advisory into a failure. The tyre advisories require immediate visual inspection: check each tyre for sidewall cracks, tread delamination, embedded nails or bulges, and verify that tread depth meets the legal minimum on all corners. Given that all four tyres have been flagged repeatedly, budgeting for a full set replacement is prudent, and the new set should be matched to the vehicle’s load rating and wheel size. During a test drive, listen for any knocking or thumping over bumps that could indicate worn suspension bushes or compromised steering linkages, especially if the tyre condition has forced the vehicle to run with uneven grip. Pay attention to any steering pull to one side, which may reveal alignment drift caused by the tyre wear pattern. Verify that the rear fog lamp and registration‑plate lamp illuminate correctly, as the 2025 failure shows these lights have required attention before. Finally, monitor the brake pedal for any judder or soft feel, which, while not recorded as a defect, can emerge when tyres are near the legal limit and the contact patch is inconsistent. Addressing the oil leak, replacing the tyre set, and confirming full lighting operation will bring the L200 back to a robust road‑worthy state.