2004 Mitsubishi L200 Double CAB 2.5L Diesel · YT04 FDJ

The vehicle remains roadworthy but the mechanical data indicates a worsening trend in the front suspension and steering components. While it passed its latest test in January 2026 at 106,095 miles, the tester identified a severely deteriorated nearside front inner drive shaft CV boot and slight play in the nearside drag link end ball joint. These issues follow reports from the December 2024 test where the same CV boot was flagged alongside worn anti-roll bar bushes and free play in the steering box idler arm. The recorded mileage of 106,095 miles is notably low for a vehicle from 2004, averaging approximately 4,800 miles per annum. There is a significant gap in the records between October 2020 and May 2022, where the vehicle covered only 645 miles in nearly eighteen months. However, usage increased recently between December 2024 and January 2026, with over 1,800 miles covered in thirteen months. This low annual mileage often leads to rubber components and seals drying out or losing elasticity, regardless of the distance travelled. A buyer must conduct a thorough physical inspection of the front-end geometry and drivetrain. The recurring failure of the CV boot suggests a lack of proactive maintenance, which will eventually lead to joint failure if the drive shaft loses lubrication. The detected play in the drag link and steering idler arm requires immediate attention to ensure steering precision does not degrade further into a safety risk. Given the age of the vehicle, the chassis and suspension mounting points should also be checked for structural corrosion, as the MOT record does not detail the structural integrity of the frame beyond the pass status.