2006 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2L Diesel · GP06 FGF

The most recent MOT, dated 23 July 2024, was passed but returned a series of advisories covering front tyre tread, front brake binding, a severely deteriorated anti‑roll‑bar linkage dust cover and minor seat‑belt wear. Over the last six years the vehicle has moved from outright failures in 2022 and 2023 to a clean pass in 2024, indicating that the owner has addressed the most serious safety concerns, yet a persistent pattern of wear‑related advisories remains. The trend is therefore stabilising but not yet fully resolved, with the majority of items being advisory rather than mandatory failures. At 132 055 miles the Shogun averages roughly 6 600 miles per year, a usage rate that sits comfortably within the typical range for a 20‑year‑old vehicle. The mileage record shows no abrupt spikes or long periods of inactivity that would suggest severe over‑loading or prolonged storage, so the wear observed is likely to be a function of normal age‑related degradation rather than excessive mileage accumulation. Nonetheless, the relatively modest annual distance means that components such as tyres, suspension bushes and rubber seals may have aged more from calendar time than from wear, and should be examined for perishing rather than just tread depth. When inspecting the car, give particular attention to the front tyres which have been flagged repeatedly for edge wear. Check that the tread depth exceeds the 1.6 mm legal minimum on all four wheels and look for cupping, cracking or dry‑rot that can develop with age. During a test‑drive listen for any clunk or shudder when braking, especially on the off‑side front where the MOT noted slight brake binding; this may manifest as a pulsating pedal or uneven brake feel. Examine the anti‑roll‑bar linkage and its dust cover for corrosion or broken bushings, as a deteriorated cover can allow contaminants to accelerate wear of the linkage itself. Verify the condition of the front shock absorbers for oil leakage, which can reduce damping performance and lead to a squatting sensation under acceleration. The exhaust system still carries a history of minor leaks and a previously defective central mount, so a visual inspection for rusted joints, loose brackets or black soot around the rear muffler is advisable, and a short idle should be used to detect any hissing or excessive smoke that could indicate a developing leak. Given the vehicle’s age, also inspect items that deteriorate with time irrespective of mileage. Confirm that the 12 V battery terminals are clean and that the battery holds charge, as long‑standing storage can cause sulfation. Look for corrosion on brake pipe fittings and the wheel bearings, especially the off‑side front bearing which was noted to have slight play; any grinding or growling at low speed would signal impending bearing replacement. Check the seat‑belt webbing for fraying beyond the minor advisory level, as weakened belts compromise occupant safety. Finally, ensure that the service book shows regular oil, coolant and brake fluid changes, and consider a full fluid flush if the last recorded service predates the most recent MOT by several years, as fluid degradation can affect engine lubrication and brake performance.