2007 Mitsubishi L200 Double CAB 2.5L Diesel · FL07 RWN

The Mitsubishi L200 presents a mixed maintenance picture. The most recent test on 15 December 2025 at 119,373 miles resulted in a pass, but the record reveals a worsening trend in braking system integrity and steering component wear. While the October 2025 failure was rectified within two months, the pass on the December test came with multiple advisories that point to deferred maintenance rather than proactive repair. The rear service brake requirements were only just met, indicating the braking system likely needs adjustment or repair. Both front wheel bearings continue to show slight play, a condition present since at least September 2023. The offside front upper brake pipe remains corroded and covered in grease or other material, suggesting the underlying corrosion has not been properly addressed. Power steering seepage has persisted across multiple tests, first noted as slight seepage in October 2025 and carried forward into the December pass. This is not a vehicle where faults have been systematically resolved. Instead, the pattern suggests minimum-effort rectification to achieve a pass each year. The mileage accumulation of roughly 6,283 miles per year over 19 years is typical for a working double cab and does not raise immediate concern. The gap between the September 2023 test at 105,858 miles and the August 2024 failure at 111,748 miles shows approximately 5,890 miles over 11 months, consistent with regular use. The jump from 111,804 miles in September 2024 to 119,207 miles by October 2025 represents around 7,400 miles in 13 months, slightly above the annual average but not excessive. There are no alarming gaps in the MOT record that would suggest long periods of inactivity or clocking. The annual testing pattern has been maintained consistently since at least 2023, which supports the recorded mileage as broadly credible. A buyer should focus their inspection on three areas of recurring concern. First, the braking system demands close attention. Front brake pipe corrosion has appeared in tests dating back to September 2023, with the offside upper pipe still flagged in December 2025. Both front brake hose ferrules were excessively corroded in October 2025, and while the December test downgraded this to advisories, the root cause may not have been fully resolved. The rear brakes were only just meeting requirements at the most recent test, so a thorough inspection of rear calipers, drums, and adjusters is warranted. Second, the steering and suspension components show persistent wear. Both front wheel bearings have had slight play since at least 2023, and the nearside front track rod end ball joint was flagged for excessive play in October 2025. The nearside rear lower shock absorber bush was excessively worn at the same test. These are not new issues, and their continued presence suggests they have been tolerated rather than repaired. Third, the power steering seepage noted in both October and December 2025 should be traced to its source, whether that is the steering box, a hose, or a pump seal, as prolonged low fluid levels can lead to pump failure.