1997 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1997 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1997 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel than on all cars registered in 1997.

• Chassis rust or damage3.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  21.3% All 1997 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, against 2% of all 1997 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  28.8% All 1997 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 2.1% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Ball joint2.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  12% All 1997 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.5% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheel bearings2× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  13.4% All 1997 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.2% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  11.2% All 1997 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.9% of all 1997 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 1997 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1997 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  45% 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.

• Brakes
  43% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  34% 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
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  30% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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 1997 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 3.7× as often on the 1997 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 1997 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 1997 Mitsubishi Shogun diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?