2004 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2L Diesel · GC52 CMC

A persistent pattern of structural corrosion around the rear inner sills and wheel arches dominates the roadworthiness profile of this 2004 Mitsubishi Shogun. Across four consecutive tests from 2022 through 2026, advisories for inner sill corrosion have appeared, with the 2023 entry specifically noting nearside inner sill corrosion alongside offside rear inner sill and wheel arch corrosion. These are not isolated observations but a chronic progression on a body style well known for rot in the sill, jacking points, and rear chassis sections. The most recent test on 14 May 2026 recorded a pass but flagged the rear inner sill corrosion again, alongside a rear tyre worn close to the legal limit on the edge, confirming the deterioration has neither been remedied nor stabilised. This is the primary mechanical risk for any prospective buyer and warrants close physical inspection rather than reliance on the pass certificate alone. The recorded mileage of 95,404 against a 22-year vehicle age equates to roughly 4,337 miles per year, which is notably low for an SUV of this vintage. Annual mileage accumulation has been modest throughout the testing period, with no sudden spikes or unusual gaps between tests. Lower annual mileage of this nature can reduce wear on high-cycle components such as the engine and drivetrain internals, but it also raises the possibility of extended standing periods, which accelerate corrosion on ferrous components, degrade rubber boots and gaiters, and allow brake discs to pit through lack of regular use. The recorded CV joint boot deterioration and steering rack gaiter damage flagged in 2023 and 2024 are consistent with age-related rubber perishing rather than high-mileage mechanical wear. The brake system history requires careful attention on a test drive. Front and rear brake discs were both recorded as worn, pitted, or scored in 2024 and 2025, and the nearside front brake pipe was noted as corroded in 2023. When inspecting the vehicle, feel for any judder or vibration through the brake pedal under firm application, which would indicate disc run-out or lipping beyond the advisory threshold. Listen for any grinding or scraping on light application, and check for binding calipers by ensuring the vehicle rolls freely on a level surface without handbrake input. Examine the visible brake pipes along the underbody and inner arches for surface rust, flaking, or active corrosion, particularly where they run close to the sill area. The exhaust system has also been a recurring concern, with minor leaks noted in 2022, 2024, and 2025 at central and rear sections, so listen for any ticking under cold start that resolves with warm-up, or a more pronounced exhaust drone suggesting a failed joint or flexing section. For the suspension and steering components, the 2022 advisory of slight play in the offside rear lower anti-roll bar ball joint should be checked by pushing laterally on the rear of the vehicle with it jacked or by feel for any clonking over uneven surfaces on a test drive. Knock aggressively over speed bumps and observe for any tremor through the steering wheel, which could indicate worn front suspension bushes or top mounts. Pay particular attention to the CV joint boots visible behind the front wheels, as the 2024 entry recorded severe deterioration on the offside front, and check for any clicking on full lock turns that would confirm grease loss and joint wear. Finally, undertake a thorough physical examination of both inner sills, jacking points, and rear wheel arches using a torch and magnet, as the recurring corrosion advisories suggest that surface rust may already mask more substantial structural thinning that a standard MOT visual check cannot fully quantify.