1994 Mitsubishi Pajero 2.8L Diesel · YJT 541M

The most recent MOT on 6 January 2026 was a pass, but it recorded a minor failure of the nearside front suspension arm ball‑joint dust cover and a series of advisories concerning chassis corrosion at several mounting points, a corroded nearside rear brake pipe and continued deterioration of the same dust‑cover component noted in the 2024 test. Across the eight recorded tests the vehicle has consistently passed, yet the pattern shows a steady accumulation of corrosion‑related advisories and recurring wear on suspension dust covers and brake pipe protection, indicating a maintenance regime that has kept the car road‑legal but has not arrested progressive rust and component ageing. At 257 504 mi the Pajero averages roughly 8 000 mi per year over its 32‑year life, a mileage rate that is typical for a vehicle of this age. The relatively modest annual distance suggests periods of low use or extended storage, which can exacerbate corrosion and fluid degradation even when the odometer reads modest figures. The mileage itself does not raise immediate alarm for high‑wear items such as the gearbox or engine, but the combination of age and cumulative distance means that consumables – suspension bushes, bushings, brake discs and pads, and drivetrain seals – are likely approaching the end of their service lives and should be inspected for wear beyond what the MOT advisories capture. When you inspect the vehicle, give particular attention to the areas flagged repeatedly: the nearside front suspension arm and its ball‑joint dust cover, the nearside rear brake pipe, and all chassis mounting points where corrosion has been noted. Look for rust flaking into the metal, especially around the sub‑frame, rear axle and wheel‑arch brackets, and probe for any looseness in the anti‑roll‑bar links and bushes that were previously described as slightly worn. On a test drive listen for clunking or knocking when negotiating bumps, feel for any play in the steering column or wheel bearings, and watch the rear brakes for shudder or uneven pull that could signal a compromised brake pipe or deteriorating pads. Verify that the brake discs are not scored and that the pads have sufficient thickness, as the MOT only flagged the pipe and not the friction material. Given the vehicle’s age, also check the condition of the tyres – sidewalls should be free of cracking, dry‑rot or excessive tread wear, and the tyre age should be no more than six years regardless of mileage. Examine the 12 V battery for sulphation and confirm it holds charge, as long periods of inactivity can weaken it. Inspect all fluid reservoirs for signs of water ingress, sludge or loss of colour; a full change of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and fuel filter is advisable if service records are incomplete. Finally, ensure the windscreen crack noted in 2020 has not propagated and that the headlamp alignment has been corrected since the 2018 failure, as both affect safety and future MOT compliance.