2016 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2L Diesel · GP16 SHZ

The most recent DVSA examination on 14 November 2025 returned a pass with no defects or advisories recorded, and a prior pass on 2 June 2025 was similarly clean, indicating that the vehicle is presently in a satisfactory roadworthy condition. The overall maintenance trend across the available history appears to be one of mild fluctuation rather than consistent deterioration; a notable failure in May 2025 relating to a supplementary restraint system warning lamp was rectified promptly enough to achieve a clean pass within a fortnight, and the earlier front-end registration plate non-compliance and headlamp washer faults from early 2022 and 2023 were similarly addressed without reappearing. The advisory items logged at the 2024 test, particularly the front brake disc wear, thinning front brake pads, and tyre cuts, have not been flagged again subsequently, suggesting these items were either attended to or have not progressed to a failable level, though a prospective buyer should not assume remedial work was undertaken without independent verification. With 98,715 miles recorded against an approximate ten-year vehicle age, this Shogun has covered around 9,870 miles annually, which sits broadly in line with typical usage for a large 4x4 of its vintage. There are no significant gaps or unusually rapid accumulation evident from the test cadence, suggesting reasonably consistent rather than sporadic use, which is generally beneficial for preventing the calendar-related degradation that affects lightly driven or stored vehicles. However, the absolute mileage is now substantial, and components subject to per-mile wear such as suspension bushes, coil springs, shock absorbers, drive belts, coolant hoses, and the timing chain or belt service interval (if applicable to this derivative) will have endured considerable cumulative load. Diesel particulate filter condition on long, sustained high-speed runs versus urban stop-start driving should also be considered, as should evidence of regular oil and filter changes given the workload placed on the engine. The advisory items from the 2024 MOT warrant specific physical inspection before purchase. The recorded pitting and scoring of the front brake discs, together with pads noted at approximately 3 to 4 mm of friction material remaining, mean that further pad wear since then has likely reduced material to a level requiring imminent replacement, with corresponding disc refurbishment or renewal probable to achieve a clean, judder-free braking feel. A test drive should be conducted with attention to brake pedal firmness, any shudder or vibration through the steering wheel under gentle or firm braking, and any pulling to one side, which would suggest uneven pad transfer or a binding caliper. The nearside front bumper and wheel arch damage should be inspected for any cracking or detachment that could worsen with use, and both front tyres should be examined for the noted cuts in case they have deepened toward the ply or cords, which would necessitate replacement regardless of tread depth. Additionally, the persistent advisory regarding poor offside front seat belt retraction, flagged across the 2022 and 2023 tests, should be checked carefully during a stationary inspection to ensure the webbing rewinds smoothly and fully; persistent poor retraction can indicate internal reel mechanism wear which will eventually fail the MOT. Beyond the recorded MOT items, a vehicle of this age and mileage warrants several time-based checks irrespective of the clean recent test outcomes. Tyre sidewalls should be examined for perishing or cracking, which is a calendar-related failure mode that can affect otherwise serviceable tyres and is not always flagged at MOT if tread depth remains legal. All brake caliper slides and handbrake mechanisms should be inspected for corrosion and free movement, particularly given the vehicle's likely exposure to mud, salt, and off-road conditions typical of a Shogun. The 12V battery should be load tested, as a ten-year-old unit is well beyond typical service life and can produce intermittent starting or electrical faults. Coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid should be assessed for condition and age; brake fluid is hygroscopic and should ideally be renewed every two years regardless of mileage, while diesel fuel system priming and any signs of injector weep should be checked. Finally, given the previous supplementary restraint system warning lamp fault, confirmation that any airbag or pretensioner diagnostic trouble codes have been properly cleared by a competent technician, rather than the warning lamp simply having been reset, is essential for long-term safety and reliability.