Used Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4 2000 - 2007 review
Category: Large SUV
The Mitsubishi Shogun is a fantastic off-road workhorse or tow car, but it's definitely no motorway cruiser
What's the used Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4 like?
The Shogun is from a time when 4x4s were designed to go off-road. As far removed from a Chelsea Tractor as you can get, this is a great car for muddy fields - not something you can say of a BMW X5 or Volvo XC90.
However, the X5 and XC90 are perfect examples of how the market has moved on. Modern buyers want a 4x4 that's more capable on Tarmac, and there the Shogun really is a step back in time. The ride never settles, especially at low speeds, and the handling is no better than mediocre, with lots of body roll in bends and vague steering.
The cabin is also disappointing. It's huge inside - five-door versions even have seven seats - but the materials and trim look cheap and tacky. Given what else you can buy for the same money, it's probably not something you'd be happy with.
Ownership cost
What used Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4 will I get for my budget?
How much does it cost to run a Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4?
Inevitably, a Shogun will cost a lot to run. The petrol cars struggle to get much more than 20mpg, and even the diesels return less than 30mpg on the combined cycle.
That said, it's no worse than any of its rivals, and considerably better than some. None of its competitors do much better than the diesel Shogun's 29.7mpg, although the XC90's 31mpg is good.
Likewise, servicing will set you back a fair whack. Finally, average repair costs are reasonable, dearer than on a Discovery, but much cheaper than on a Landcruiser.
Our recommendations
Which used Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4 should I buy?
Go for the diesel, and not just because the 21mpg economy of the V6 is frightening. The diesel makes for a much easier drive, thanks to its stronger pulling power at low revs. For a car that could spend a lot of time off-road, towing or carrying heavy loads, that's vital.
Three- and five-door versions can swallow an awful lot, but the extra versatility of the larger car - it has a third row of seats that flips up from the boot floor as well as the two extra doors - makes it the best choice.
As for trims, this is an expensive car, so it's best to stick with the most basic - Classic. Besides, it's hardly Spartan: it has alloys, air-con and a full complement of safety kit. Equippe, Elegance and Warrior add things such as climate control, an electric sunroof and leather upholstery, but this just raises the already expensive price.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
