1996 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1996 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1996 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel than on all cars registered in 1996.

• Chassis rust or damage3.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  19.6% All 1996 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 2.2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Number plate lights2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  9.3% All 1996 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.2% of all 1996 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Common 1996 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1996 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  36% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  29% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Lights and electrics
  26% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  13% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1996 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 1996 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1996 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?