1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol than on all cars registered in 1999.

• Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  32.6% All 1999 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Rigid brake pipes1.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  30.1% All 1999 cars

  16%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 2.4% of all 1999 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.

• Exhaust system2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  20.3% All 1999 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2.5% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Wheel bearings2.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  15.7% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 1% of all 1999 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.

• Chassis rust or damage2.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Shogun

  14% All 1999 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.8%, against 2% of all 1999 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.

Common 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  39% 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
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  35% 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
  33% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  25% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 1999 Mitsubishi Shogun petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?