2015 Mitsubishi L200 2.5L Diesel · RM02 AWM

The Mitsubishi L200 presents a mixed maintenance picture, with a clear worsening trend in suspension and steering component wear over the last three years. The most recent MOT on 18 March 2026 at 143,318 miles passed, but flagged a front oil leak, light oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, and severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both front suspension arms. These are not new problems. The same shock absorber has been misting oil since at least March 2024, and oil leaks have appeared on both sides of the engine bay across consecutive tests. The ball joint dust cover deterioration is a fresh advisory as of March 2026, suggesting rubber components are now reaching end-of-life after sustained high mileage use. This vehicle has covered 143,318 miles over roughly 11 years, averaging approximately 13,000 miles per year. That is high for a light commercial vehicle of this age. The mileage progression is consistent and well-documented, with no suspicious gaps between annual tests. From 92,658 miles in March 2022 to 143,318 miles in March 2026, the truck accumulated just over 50,000 miles in four years. The MOT record is complete and consecutive, with no missing years, which supports the legitimacy of the stated mileage. However, the sheer volume of use places accelerated stress on all wearing components, particularly suspension bushes, shock absorbers, brake components, and drivetrain mounts. A buyer should focus the physical inspection on the front suspension and steering linkage. The severely deteriorated ball joint dust covers on both sides mean contamination ingress is likely, which accelerates joint wear and can lead to play or failure. The recurring oil misting on the offside rear shock absorber, now present across three consecutive annual tests, indicates the unit is seeping and approaching the point of replacement. The front oil leak, noted in both March 2025 and March 2026, requires identification of the source, whether that is a cam cover gasket, oil cooler hose, or crank seal. Brake pads were flagged as wearing thin in March 2024, so pad and disc condition should be verified, particularly given the high mileage. Tyre condition has been flagged twice in the last three years, including nails in both rear and front tyres in March 2025, which suggests the previous operator was not proactively maintaining tyre health. Beyond the MOT advisories, the structural integrity of the chassis and load bed warrants close examination. High-mileage L200s used commercially often show corrosion around rear cross-members, body mounts, and inner wing seams, particularly if operated in winter conditions or near coastal areas. The absence of corrosion-related advisories in the MOT record is reassuring but does not guarantee the underside is clean. A buyer should have the vehicle inspected on a ramp, with particular attention to the rear leaf spring hangers, front subframe mounting points, and brake line condition along the chassis rails.