2014 Mitsubishi L200 2.5L Diesel · CU14 VDF

A persistent theme runs through this L200's MOT history that any prospective buyer should weigh carefully: brake pipe corrosion has now been flagged at three consecutive test cycles in 2020, 2023 and again the most recent test in July 2026 did not re-record it but the underlying corrosion mechanism on a utility vehicle of this age will not simply resolve itself. The 2020 entry noted nearside rear brake pipe corrosion, the 2023 test escalated this to two advisories covering the nearside rear pipe and another pipe running over the axle, and a 2023 advisory also flagged that the front brakes were imbalanced and only just met requirements. Combined with a single failure in May 2021 for a nearside front tyre cut deep enough to reach the ply or cords, plus repeated rear inner-edge tyre wear advisories across 2020, 2021 and 2025, the record points to a working vehicle that has been load-bearing and braked hard on a regular basis. The 2024 test was the only completely clean pass in the sequence, and the 2026 pass came with a continuing advisory noting that the rear passenger seats have been removed, meaning this is being operated as a two-seat commercial rather than a five-seat passenger vehicle. Mileage sits at 100,888 miles across roughly twelve years, which works out at approximately 8,400 miles per year on average, broadly typical for a working L200 of this vintage. The annual accumulation is reasonably steady, with tests occurring on a near-yearly basis and no prolonged off-road gaps in the DVSA record, suggesting the vehicle has been in consistent use rather than left standing. At this mileage and age, the engine, gearbox, transfer box, propshaft universals and rear leaf spring bushings will all be approaching the stage where original-equipment rubber and driveline components begin to fatigue, particularly on a pickup that has clearly been used for towing or carrying load given the hitch-related advisory in 2020. The recurring rear tyre edge wear is also a useful mileage-related indicator, as it tends to suggest either rear suspension geometry drift, weakened rear bushes, or simply heavy unladen or unevenly loaded use over time. A prospective buyer should focus the physical inspection on the brake system that has been the subject of repeated advisories. The brake lines themselves run along the chassis outboard rails and across the rear axle, and on a 2014 L200 these are the areas where surface corrosion typically begins, particularly behind the wheels and where the pipes clip to the axle. On inspection, look for any flaking or pitting on the visible brake pipes, check that the flexible hoses remain supple without cracking, and verify that the brake fluid has been changed recently given the age. On a test drive, listen for any scraping or grinding from the front calipers that would confirm the imbalance noted in 2023 has progressed, and check for pulling to one side under firm braking. Feel for a soft or spongy pedal that might indicate a fluid leak from a corroded pipe joint rather than the master cylinder. The suspension, tyres and rear axle all warrant specific attention given the advisory pattern. The repeated rear inner-edge tyre wear suggests the rear axle alignment or the leaf spring eye bushes and shock absorber mountings should be inspected for play; jack the rear and check for lateral movement at the axle, and look for cracking or sagging in the leaf springs themselves. Tyres should be inspected for uneven shoulder wear on the inside edges, and all four corners checked for any cuts or sidewall damage consistent with the 2021 failure. Given the rear seats have been removed, confirm with the seller whether the seat belts and mounting points have been retained or removed, as this affects whether the vehicle can legitimately be returned to five-seat configuration for private use, and ensure the load bed liner, tie-down hooks and under-bed spare tyre carrier are all present and free from corrosion given the vehicle's working history.