Used car guide

2007 Mitsubishi Colt: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2007 Mitsubishi Colts, from 2,825 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,825MOT tests in 2025
50%pass first time (all 2007 cars: 57%)
4,900typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2007 Mitsubishi Colts than on all cars registered in 2007.

  • Track rod ends2.2× usual
    Mitsubishi Colt
    12.9% All 2007 cars
    5.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6%, against 2.5% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Ball joint dust cover2.3× usual
    Mitsubishi Colt
    11% All 2007 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.9% of all 2007 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.

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.3× usual
    Mitsubishi Colt
    10.4% All 2007 cars
    4.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.1% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Number plate lights1.7× usual
    Mitsubishi Colt
    14.8% All 2007 cars
    8.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 2.3% of all 2007 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.

  • Anti-roll bar link bushes5.6× usual
    Mitsubishi Colt
    6.2% All 2007 cars
    1.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.2% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

    At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Better than most

Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2.3% here, against 10.9% of all 2007 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 2.8% here, against 11.2% of all 2007 cars.

By area

The share of 2007 Mitsubishi Colt MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    50% 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
    45% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    35% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    27% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    15% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Driveshafts and joints
    11% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Looking at a Mitsubishi Colt?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20121,388Suspension 38%
20111,562Suspension 40%
20102,379Suspension 47%
20093,414Suspension 49%
20083,434Suspension 48%
20062,081Lights and electrics 51%
20051,464Suspension 53%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2007 Mitsubishi Colts registered in 2007. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score