2022 Mitsubishi Fuso Canter 3.0L Diesel · LT72 AAJ

The most recent DVSA MOT test on 31 October 2025 recorded a PASS, which is the most relevant outcome for a prospective buyer, but it warrants careful scrutiny given the immediately preceding test. On 30 October 2025, just one day earlier, the vehicle FAILED on a Dangerous defect for an Offside Front Tyre with ply or cords exposed, alongside an under-inflated Offside Rear inner tyre, a deteriorated front registration plate, and a slightly damaged offside obligatory mirror. The pass the following day indicates that the dangerous tyre and under-inflation issues were rectified prior to retest, while the deteriorated plate and damaged mirror remained and were carried forward as advisories and minor defects. While the overall trend is not one of escalating mechanical failure, the rapid turnaround between fail and pass suggests the operator attends to safety-critical items promptly; however, the fact that a commercial vehicle was presented with cords visible through the tread indicates a need to verify the current tyre set's age, condition, and maintenance regime rather than relying solely on the test outcome. The recorded mileage of 22,472 miles over approximately four years equates to an annual average of around 5,618 miles, which is very low for a commercial chassis cab of this type. Mitsubishi Fuso Canters are typically working vehicles, and such modest usage may indicate either genuinely light duty or extended periods of standing idle between work cycles. Low annual mileage on a commercial vehicle often produces specific wear patterns rather than uniform wear, with corrosion on brake discs, binding or seized brake calipers from disuse, deterioration of rubber components through age rather than mileage, and potential 12V battery degradation all becoming primary concerns. There are no significant recorded mileage jumps to suggest rapid accumulation, which reduces the likelihood of major drivetrain wear, but the low figure means the buyer cannot rely on mileage alone to gauge component life. Given the recent dangerous tyre failure, a thorough physical inspection of all tyres is essential, including the spare if fitted. Check the DOT date codes on the sidewalls to confirm the tyres are not excessively old, as even unused tyres perish and lose integrity after roughly five to six years regardless of tread depth. Look for uneven shoulder wear, sidewall cracking or crazing, and verify that all tyres are matched for type and tread pattern. Under-inflation observed on the rear inner tyre may point to a slow leak, corrosion on the wheel rim, or a perished valve; a soapy water test on a re-inflated tyre can confirm. On a test drive, listen for any brake shudder or vibration through the steering, which would indicate disc corrosion or warp from standing, and feel for any pulling to one side that may suggest a binding caliper after prolonged inactivity. Beyond the recorded items, the buyer should conduct a comprehensive age-appropriate inspection. Verify the 12V battery state of charge and load test result, as batteries on lightly used commercial vehicles frequently fail through chronic under-charging rather than cycling wear. Check all fluid conditions by service history stamps: engine oil and filter, fuel filter, gearbox or transfer oil, and particularly the brake fluid, which degrades hygroscopically and should be renewed regardless of mileage every two to three years. Inspect the condition of the suspension bushes, anti-roll bar links, and coil springs for perishing or sagging, examine the exhaust system for corrosion at joints and hangers, and check under the bonnet and beneath the vehicle for any fluid leaks, weeping coolant joints, or perished rubber hoses. Finally, confirm the service book stamps align with the recorded mileage and verify any commercial-specific maintenance such as AdBlue system function, DPF regeneration history, and tail-lift or bodywork integrity if applicable to this Canter's specification.