Used car guide

2008 Mitsubishi Colt: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2008 Mitsubishi Colts, from 3,434 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

3,434MOT tests in 2025

50%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)

4,900typical miles a year

2.7×the usual rate for track rod ends

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2008 Mitsubishi Colts than on all cars registered in 2008.

Track rod ends2.7× usual

Mitsubishi Colt
14.9% All 2008 cars
5.5%

Failed outright at MOT: 7%, against 2.5% of all 2008 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.
Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual

Mitsubishi Colt
14.2% All 2008 cars
7.2%

Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, against 3.2% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
Wipers2.5× usual

Mitsubishi Colt
9.6% All 2008 cars
3.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
Ball joint dust cover2.1× usual

Mitsubishi Colt
9.9% All 2008 cars
4.8%

Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 2% of all 2008 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.
Anti-roll bar link bushes5.6× usual

Mitsubishi Colt
5.6% All 2008 cars
1%

Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.2% of all 2008 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: 1.9% here, against 11.3% of all 2008 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 2% here, against 9.6% of all 2008 cars.

By area

The share of 2008 Mitsubishi Colt MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Suspension

48% 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

43% 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

28% 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

14% 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

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2012	1,388	Suspension 38%
2011	1,562	Suspension 40%
2010	2,379	Suspension 47%
2009	3,414	Suspension 49%
2007	2,825	Suspension 50%
2006	2,081	Lights and electrics 51%
2005	1,464	Suspension 53%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2008 Mitsubishi Colts registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score