2008 Mitsubishi Shogun 3.2L Diesel · UN02 AND

The most recent MOT on 15 July 2026 was a pass, but it was preceded by a dangerous failure on 8 July 2026 where the nearside rear anti‑roll‑bar attachment bracket was found fractured. Over the past three years the vehicle has accumulated a mixture of advisory notes and occasional failures – notably a severe parking‑brake grab in 2023, brake‑disc wear, and multiple instances of corrosion on suspension components and the sub‑frame. The pattern shows that while the owner has been addressing the most critical faults to achieve a pass, the underlying corrosion and wear are persistent, indicating a maintenance trend that is improving only marginally and remains a concern. At 116 566 miles the Shogun averages roughly 6 500 miles per annum, which is typical for a vehicle of its age. The mileage does not suggest any periods of intensive short‑term use, but the relatively low annual distance combined with the age of the car can also be a sign of long spells of inactivity. Prolonged standing tends to accelerate rust formation on chassis and suspension mounting points and can allow brake discs and pads to corrode, which is reflected in the MOT advisories. The mileage level means that consumables such as tyres, brakes, and suspension bushings will be approaching the end of their service lives and should be inspected for age‑related degradation rather than purely wear‑related wear. A prospective buyer should give particular attention to the rear anti‑roll‑bar mounting area on the nearside, checking for any residual fracture, cracks, or excessive play in the bracket and its bushings. The front and rear coil springs have been recorded as corroded, so any rattles, clunks, or uneven ride height when the car is driven over bumps could indicate weakened springs or failing mounts. The off‑side front service brake was noted as binding and the rear off‑side brake disc shows pitting; the buyer should test for a pulsating or dragging sensation under braking, uneven pedal feel, and listen for squeal or grinding. The parking‑brake grab on the nearside rear is a serious safety issue – verify that the secondary drum or cable operates smoothly without grabbing and that the adjustment is correct. Tyres on all four corners have been flagged as slightly damaged or perishing, so the tread depth, sidewall integrity and any dry‑rot should be examined closely; replace any tyre that shows cracking, bulging, or loss of tread. Beyond the specific defects, the vehicle’s age warrants a thorough check of overall structural corrosion, especially around the sub‑frame, front chassis mounting points and any exposed under‑body panels. Look for rust that has progressed beyond surface flaking, as this can compromise mounting strength. The battery, now approaching 18 years, should be load‑tested, and all fluid reservoirs – engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power‑steering fluid – should be inspected for colour, level and signs of contamination, with a full service recommended if any are overdue. Finally, confirm that the service book contains recent oil changes, timing‑chain or belt service (if applicable), and that any suspension or brake work carried out after the July 2026 failure is documented, as this will give confidence that the most critical safety items have been properly rectified.