Used car guide

2005 Mitsubishi Delica: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Mitsubishi Delicas, from 128 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 128 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

128MOT tests in 2025
59%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
5,900typical miles a year
48%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2005 Mitsubishi Delica 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.

  • Brakes
    34% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    34% 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
    24% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    16% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Steering
    15% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2007101Suspension 34%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Mitsubishi Delicas registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score