2002 Mitsubishi L200 Double CAB 2.5L Diesel · RF02 VAD

The most recent MOT on 24 October 2025 was a pass, with the only comment being a non‑excessive oil leak. Over the last three years the vehicle has moved from a series of dangerous and major failures in 2022 and 2023 to a clean pass in 2024 and now a pass in 2025, indicating that the owner has addressed the most critical safety items. However, the persistence of the oil‑leak advisory and the history of structural corrosion, leaf‑spring fracture and multiple lighting and suspension faults mean the underlying condition is still marginal and will require ongoing attention. At 177 120 miles the L200 has logged roughly 7 400 miles per annum over its 24‑year life, a usage rate that sits squarely within the normal range for a work‑type pickup. The mileage does not suggest extreme abuse, but the age of the chassis means that many components have been subject to decades of exposure to road salt, moisture and vibration. The relatively modest annual distance also hints that the vehicle may have spent periods of inactivity, which can accelerate rubber ageing, battery depletion and corrosion of mounting points. A prospective buyer should concentrate on the recurring defects noted in the MOT record. The oil leak, although not excessive, should be traced to its source – common culprits on this model are the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing or rear main seal – and repaired before it becomes a fire risk or leads to low‑oil warnings. The fractured nearside rear leaf spring and the previously reported anti‑roll‑bar bush wear demand a full inspection of the rear suspension, looking for clunking or sag when the vehicle is loaded, uneven tyre wear and any play in the rear axle bushes. The front and rear track‑rod ball joints that have shown excessive play must be checked for looseness or knocking during cornering, and the front wheel bearings with slight play should be examined for grinding noises at low speed. Structural corrosion noted on the front cross‑member and the off‑side front chassis within 30 cm of a mounting point should be probed for rust‑through; any significant loss of metal will compromise rigidity and may require reinforcement or panel replacement. Lighting faults – non‑functioning fog lamps, mis‑aimed headlamp and a weakened seat‑belt webbing – are relatively inexpensive to rectify but must be corrected to achieve a legal road‑worthy state. The major exhaust leak at the silencer joint should be repaired to prevent fumes entering the cabin and to restore proper back‑pressure, while the corroded front brake pipe and the advisory of imbalanced front brakes suggest a brake‑system overhaul, including pipe replacement, bleed and possible disc resurfacing or pad replacement. Finally, the power‑steering seepage and steering‑box leak should be addressed to avoid loss of assist and steering feel. Given the vehicle’s age, the buyer should also perform a thorough visual and tactile survey independent of the MOT entries. Inspect all four tyres for sidewall cracking, tread depth and the DOT code to confirm they are not older than six years, as rubber perishes even on low‑mileage tyres. Examine the 12 V battery for sulphation, check the electrolyte level (if serviceable) and test the cranking voltage; a battery older than five years is likely to fail soon. Verify that coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid are clear and have been changed within the recommended two‑year intervals – discoloured or milky fluids indicate contamination. Look under the vehicle for any fresh oil, coolant or water leaks, and check the under‑carriage for rust on the frame rails, suspension mounts and exhaust brackets, especially in the wheel arches where standing water can accelerate decay. A short test‑drive should reveal any suspension clunks, steering vibration, brake pedal pulsation or unusual exhaust noises; listen for a high‑pitched whine that could betray a failing wheel bearing, and feel for any pull to one side that might indicate worn tie‑rod ends or uneven tyre wear. Confirm that all lamps function correctly, the seat‑belt webbing feels firm and the vehicle’s service book shows regular oil changes and major service stamps; these will give the strongest indication that the L200 has been maintained in a manner consistent with its age and mileage.