Mitsubishi Shogun

[soulkid555]

Looking at this low mileage example this week.

What should I look out for?

https://www.usedcarsni.com/2008-Mitsubishi-Shogun-...

[richs2891]

Looks like a van derivative, can not see the rear seats, or the seat belt mounts for the rear seats,
Boot tray looks too long to be used if / when has rear seats in.
Also manual gearbox, something in the back of my mind about the of the dual mass flywheels issues on the manuals and the engine been designed for an auto gearbox. The manual gearbox was a bit of an afterthought. This may only apply to the MK3 - the one in the pic is the mk4, but think the changes from mk3 to mk4 where mostly body changes.
Plastic add on wheel arches can be a mud trap which leads to rust, run fingers along inner of wheel arch, if lots of mud be wary. Also drain holes block bottom of front arch leads to rusting from inside out.
Try and get a version that has locking rear diff as the traction control is not good, just cuts power.
Other than the above I rate the Shogun, good tow car - lwb & auto more popular for towing but good solid old school 4x4. I do miss mine !

[Desiderata]

Some rust on the inner wing behind the front wheel and some don't. Probably a result of gravel getting kicked up by the wheels if used off road at speed. I've seen some which are otherwise perfect that have holes right through into the engine compartment.Check from inside the engine compartment, if you can see any rust bubbles at all from that side, you can probably stick your finger through it. Not a hard fix, but worth looking out for.
If they don't get used in 4 wheel drive regularly, the solonoids which control the selectors on the transfer box seize up. The parts aren't expensive to repair but you have to drop the drive train to reach them, not easy. If you're buying one, check that all the different modes work right, if they don't, walk away. Once you've bought one,make a point of sticking it in 4 wheel drive , diff lock on etc on a regular basis once a month and it'll be fine.
Steel fuel lines and brake lines can corrode if used off road a lot.
Other than this, they are pretty reliable, I've just got rid of my last one for something newer and already begining to regret it .They're great.

[TurboBlue]

I'd echo the comments above; from a general perspective be sure that you want a full house 4x4 (and not an SUV) as they are heavy on fuel and noisy/agricultural. My auto does 26-28 mpg depending on how its driven, manual should be a little better. Also I believe there was a recall for chain guide wear, you can check via the MMC (UK) website. Regrettably, you won't get a series IV with a LSD, they are all TC (and yes, its a bit rubbish; need it in permanent 4wd when its icy or muddy).