2006 Mitsubishi Grandis 2.0L Diesel · LA06 FSF

A clean MOT outcome on 20 March 2026, following a fail-to-pass turnaround just seven days earlier, signals that this 2006 Mitsubishi Grandis carries no recorded mechanical defects through its recent testing history. The pattern of an initial failure quickly resolved into a pass is broadly reassuring, indicating that any issues caught at the tester were rectified without delay rather than left to deteriorate into repeat failures. Across the four documented tests between early 2024 and early 2026 the vehicle has accumulated no advisories and no recorded component concerns, which is a respectable outcome for a people-carrier approaching its twentieth year. The absence of recurring notes on corrosion, suspension wear, or exhaust integrity suggests the structure and running gear have held up well under inspection, although the lack of recorded advisories should not be taken as a substitute for a physical examination of the underbody and mechanical condition on a pre-purchase inspection. With 139,596 miles on the odometer across roughly twenty years of use, this Grandis has averaged close to 7,000 miles per year, which sits comfortably within typical expectations for a large family vehicle of this era. There are no extended gaps in the testing record to suggest prolonged off-road storage, and the annual mileage has remained consistent rather than spiking, which implies steady use rather than a sudden long-distance workload or an intervening period of neglect. Mechanically, this level of consistent mileage means that wear items such as suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, brake discs and pads, and the clutch or automatic transmission fluid will have experienced natural cumulative fatigue, even though nothing specific has been flagged. The stable usage profile is a positive indicator for the integrity of major drivetrain components, but it also confirms that consumable replacements due at this mileage bracket should already have been carried out. For a prospective buyer, the lack of component-specific advisories in the MOT record means there are no targeted defect trends to chase, but the mileage and age of the vehicle warrant a focused mechanical inspection on areas commonly affected in high-mileage Grandis examples. On a test drive, listen carefully for clonks or knocking from the front suspension over uneven road surfaces, which on this model often points to worn front lower arm bushes or anti-roll bar drop link wear; pay attention to any vagueness in the steering or uneven tyre wear across the front axle, as these can indicate tired tie rod ends or worn top mounts. Inspect the underbody for corrosion around the rear suspension mounting areas and the exhaust mounting points, as the Grandis is known to suffer from surface corrosion in these regions even when no advisory has been recorded. Check the rear brake calipers for any signs of seizing or binding, which can manifest as a pulling sensation under braking or uneven pad wear on a visual inspection. Finally, evaluate the engine and transmission behaviour carefully during the test drive, as a vehicle of this age and mileage is approaching the point at which automatic transmission fluid degradation, timing chain stretch on the petrol units, and oil leaks from the camplank area become relevant concerns. Listen at cold start for any rattle from the timing chain area that quiets once oil pressure rises, and watch for blue smoke on overrun that could suggest valve stem seal wear. With the engine warm, confirm that the automatic gearbox shifts smoothly through all ranges without flare, harsh engagement, or delay when selecting drive or reverse. Inspect the underside for any oil misting around the engine and gearbox joints, and verify that the cooling system is in good order with no signs of recent top-up or staining around the water pump or radiator. Combined with a clean MOT history, a positive outcome from these specific checks would indicate a mechanically sound example of an often-overlooked family carrier.