2004 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2L Diesel · GY04 AAK

The Mitsubishi Shogun presented a Pass on its most recent DVSA MOT test dated 3 September 2022, accompanied by three advisory notices concerning tyre wear on the nearside front and offside rear, along with a minor exhaust gas leak. Evaluating the trend across the recorded tests, the vehicle has demonstrated a pattern of passing with advisory items rather than outright failures, with the sole failure occurring in September 2019 relating to headlamp alignment, an electronic stability control warning lamp, and excessive wear on both front lower suspension arm ball joints. It is important to note that the latter ball joint defect was downgraded to advisories on the two subsequent tests in 2021 and 2022, indicating that remedial work was evidently carried out, although the advisories in 2021 suggest that the replacement components have themselves developed slight play, which is a point warranting close physical inspection during a viewing. At twenty-two years of age with 181,910 recorded miles, this Shogun averages approximately 8,269 miles annually, which is broadly typical for its vintage and suggests consistent use rather than long periods of standing. There are no significant gaps in the mileage progression evident from the recorded MOT data between 2016 and 2022, which is generally beneficial for mechanical longevity as it mitigates issues associated with prolonged inactivity such as brake disc corrosion, seized calipers, and fluid degradation. However, the substantial accumulated mileage of nearly 182,000 miles places considerable wear expectation on the drivetrain, transmission, suspension bushes, and engine consumables, and any prospective buyer should anticipate that major service items such as timing belts, cooling system components, and turbocharger servicing (if applicable to the specific variant) may have been carried out or be approaching intervals. Buyers should focus particular attention on the recurring front suspension advisories recorded in 2019 and 2021. A physical inspection should involve elevating the front end to check for play in the lower suspension arm ball joints by rocking the wheels at nine and three o’clock, and listening for clonks or knocking noises when traversing speed humps or uneven surfaces during a test drive. Any uneven or feathered tyre wear on the front pair would corroborate worn suspension geometry. The exhaust advisories spanning 2019, 2020, and 2022 suggest a persistent minor leak, likely from a deteriorated joint, flexi section, or corroded mounting; a cold-start followed by a walk-around listening for ticking or hissing sounds, particularly at the centre and rear sections, will help identify the source. The nearside rear shock absorber misting recorded in 2016 should also be revisited, as shock absorbers generally require replacement in axle pairs, and any bouncing on undulating roads or excessive body roll would indicate compromised damping. Given the vehicle’s age, a thorough inspection should also encompass time-served degradation irrespective of recorded mileage. Tyre sidewalls should be scrutinised for perishing and cracking due to the calendar age of any fitted rubber, even if the tread depth appears adequate, as old tyres are prone to failure under load. The braking system warrants a check for binding calipers following periods of light use, and a visual inspection of the brake discs for lipping and surface corrosion. The engine oil leak advisory from 2020 should be examined for progression, particularly around the sump, cam cover, and oil filter housing, as a worsening leak could indicate degraded gaskets. Furthermore, verifying the service book stamps is essential to confirm that calendar-based maintenance such as coolant renewal, brake fluid changes, and automatic or manual transmission fluid servicing has been conducted within the appropriate intervals, alongside confirming the health of the 12V battery, which on a vehicle of this age may be approaching the end of its service life.