2007 Mitsubishi Shogun Sport 2.5L Diesel · FM57 FSG

The 2007 Mitsubishi Shogun Sport carries a roadworthiness history that is mostly clean but contains three discrete events worth examining closely. The most recent MOT on 2023-12-07 returned a PASS result, though it retained two advisories: corroded suspension component mounting on the chassis rail area and a minor oil leak that was not deemed excessive. Earlier in the same year, a failed braking system issue was recorded on 2022-07-30 when the nearside service brake began causing severe steering pull due to binding, followed by several clean passes through 2020 and 2019. The pattern shows intermittent reliability concerns rather than a continuous breakdown, with the critical brake binding incident occurring while the vehicle still possessed substantial remaining life, suggesting the car experienced periods of reduced use or storage between test intervals. At 79,147 miles and approximately 19 years old, the vehicle accumulates roughly 4,166 miles per year—a figure that aligns reasonably with expected depreciation for its model class but raises questions about typical daily use patterns. The test coverage shows a consistent bi-annual interval from August 2022 through December 2023, indicating regular scheduled inspections, yet the gap between the 2022-08-13 pass and the 2023-12-07 pass spans nearly fourteen months with no intermediate assessments. This irregularity combined with the low annual mileage could indicate the car was parked for extended periods or driven primarily short distances, which would affect the rate of consumption in suspension bushings, brake pads, and other wear-prone assemblies. While the absolute mileage is modest, the absence of frequent driving does not guarantee the underlying component health remains optimal, particularly where the suspensions and brakes were previously flagged. The suspension mounting area identified in the 2023 MOT is corroded along the chassis rail, which typically manifests as a vague hitching sensation over rough pavement or a slight pull when the vehicle is stopped—listen for any metallic creaking when accelerating or decelerating on uneven surfaces. The oil leak noted in the same test should be inspected visually for fresh residue under the engine bay and around the dipstick well, paying particular attention to whether the leakage is steady or intermittent; if present, it warrants immediate investigation as it can compromise engine lubrication and transmission function. The nearside service brake binding recorded in 2022-07-30 caused the steering wheel to pull significantly one way, a symptom you should verify by applying full throttle while turning the steering wheel at moderate speed to ensure the pulling force persists and is not transient. Additionally, the 2017 front wheel bearing advisory indicates slight play in the hub assembly, which may produce a faint grinding noise when rotating the wheel by hand or a slight wobble in straight-line motion. Given this history, a prospective buyer should plan a thorough test drive with emphasis on the cited systems. Before starting, inspect the undercarriage for any visible rust on the chassis rail and suspension mounting bolts that might not be apparent from the exterior. During operation, pay close attention to how the car handles turns—any steering pull or vibration could signal ongoing brake binding or worn bushings. Check the engine bay for persistent oil seepage beneath the oil pan and around the crankcase gasket, especially if the car has sat idle for extended periods since the last service. When approaching corners, note whether the steering feels loose or pulls disproportionately, as this relates directly to the former 2022 braking failure. Finally, rotate the wheels by hand at the front axle to assess for bearing play and listen for abnormal noises that might indicate the 2017 wheel bearing issue has progressed, as this could develop into a more serious alignment problem if left unaddressed.