1997 Mitsubishi 3000 3.0L Petrol · R983 EVL

The most recent MOT test on 16 January 2026 confirms this 1997 Mitsubishi 3000 remains roadworthy, with no defects recorded at just 8,723 miles. The absence of advisories or failures across all tests—including the 2023 and 2021 examinations—suggests a stable maintenance history, though the prolonged gaps between tests (particularly the 12-year span between 2013 and 2021) warrant scrutiny. No recurring issues have been flagged, but the lack of intermediate servicing raises questions about whether critical components like suspension bushes, coil springs, or brake calipers have been inspected or replaced beyond basic MOT thresholds. The recorded mileage of 8,723 miles over nearly three decades—approximately 301 miles per year—indicates exceptionally light use, which could imply prolonged storage rather than regular driving. The consistency of mileage between tests (e.g., only 58 miles between the 2023 and 2026 tests) suggests the vehicle has not been actively driven in recent years, a pattern that may accelerate wear on fluids, tyres, and rubber components. The longest gap, from 2011 to 2013 (1,044 miles over two years), aligns with typical low-mileage stagnation but does not explain why no advisories appeared during those periods. Given the vehicle’s age and the sparse MOT record, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension integrity—particularly rear bushes and coil springs—due to the vehicle’s age and lack of documented servicing. Tyre tread depth and lateral wear should be checked, as the low mileage may mask uneven wear from prolonged stationary use. The brakes, while never failed, should be assessed for binding calipers or excessive disc thickness loss, as older vehicles often develop hidden corrosion or warping. Structural corrosion at wheel arches, sills, and underbody should also be inspected, as rust can compromise the chassis without appearing in MOT tests. Fluid levels (brake, power steering, and coolant) and condition (for leaks or contamination) are critical, given the extended periods without servicing.