2018 Mitsubishi L200 2.4L Diesel · DP67 NCF

The Mitsubishi L200 presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent test on 24 January 2026 at 76,236 miles passed cleanly with zero defects, which is a positive sign. Yet that clean result came only one day after a failed test on 23 January 2026 at the same recorded mileage, meaning the previous owner had to rectify several faults in a hurry. The items that failed, including worn rear shock absorber bushes, four tyres at or near the legal limit, front brake pads below 1.5 mm, and a headlamp aim issue, suggest the vehicle had been left in a deteriorated state before the repair. The fact that all these issues were addressed for the re-test indicates the owner did invest in corrections, but the pattern points to reactive rather than proactive upkeep. The vehicle is roughly eight years old with 76,236 miles on the clock, averaging around 9,530 miles per year. That is a typical annual figure for a light commercial or dual-use pickup. The mileage progression tells a clear story of accelerating use. Between January 2023 and January 2024, the odometer moved from 40,152 to 52,439 miles, a jump of 12,287 miles in one year. The following year it rose to 64,769 miles, another 12,330-mile increase. Then between January 2025 and January 2026, the mileage climbed from 64,769 to 76,236, adding 11,467 miles. The annual mileage has been consistently high and remarkably steady, which implies sustained heavy use rather than long periods of standing. No suspicious gaps or mileage anomalies appear in the record. A buyer should pay close attention to the rear suspension and braking components. The nearside rear shock absorber bush was flagged as excessively worn in the January 2026 failure, and while it was evidently repaired or replaced for the re-test, the underlying condition of the remaining suspension bushes, coil springs, and mounting points warrants a thorough inspection. Corrosion on the chassis and suspension mounting points is a known concern on L200 models used in commercial or off-road conditions, so a close look underneath is essential. The front brake pads were below 1.5 mm at the January 2026 failure, and advisories about thin pads appeared as far back as January 2024 at 52,439 miles. This recurring pattern suggests the braking system has been worked hard and may need ongoing attention. The condition of the brake discs, calipers for any signs of binding, and the handbrake mechanism should all be checked. Tyre wear is another recurring theme. The January 2025 test flagged both rear tyres as worn close to the legal limit, and by January 2026 all four tyres were either below or very near the 1.6 mm minimum, with cracking noted on the front pair. Failing twice on tyre tread within a year suggests basic upkeep was skipped between tests. A buyer should inspect the age, brand, and condition of the current tyres, as well as the spare, and check for uneven wear that could indicate alignment or suspension geometry issues. The headlamp aim defect from the failed test was corrected, but verifying that both headlamps are correctly aimed and that the lenses are not faded or hazy is a simple but worthwhile check. Overall, the vehicle appears to have been brought back to a roadworthy standard for its most recent test, but the history of repeated wear-related advisories and the reactive nature of the repairs mean a careful pre-purchase inspection is strongly recommended.