Used car guide

2003 Mitsubishi L200: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Mitsubishi L200s, from 1,265 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,265MOT tests in 2025
57%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
5,500typical miles a year
5.3×the usual rate for chassis rust or damage

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Mitsubishi L200s than on all cars registered in 2003.

  • Chassis rust or damage5.3× usual
    Mitsubishi L200
    21.2% All 2003 cars
    4%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 1.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Engine oil leaks2× usual
    Mitsubishi L200
    32.8% All 2003 cars
    16.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

  • Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
    Mitsubishi L200
    33% All 2003 cars
    18.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.7% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

  • Wheel bearings3.8× usual
    Mitsubishi L200
    14.6% All 2003 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 1.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Anti-roll bar bushes and joints6.8× usual
    Mitsubishi L200
    12.3% All 2003 cars
    1.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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

Headlights: 2.7% here, against 12.1% of all 2003 cars. Brake discs: 3.6% here, against 12.7% of all 2003 cars.

By area

The share of 2003 Mitsubishi L200 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    49% 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
    48% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Brakes
    44% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    35% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    30% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Tyres
    23% 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20212,586Tyres 18%
20204,645Brakes 20%
20198,559Brakes 24%
20187,689Brakes 28%
20177,899Brakes 33%
20166,447Brakes 34%
20156,329Brakes 41%
20144,464Brakes 42%
20133,486Brakes 41%
20122,658Brakes 45%
20113,714Brakes 48%
20103,230Suspension 51%
20092,109Suspension 50%
20082,234Suspension 50%
20073,394Suspension 53%
20064,071Suspension 53%
20052,406Lights and electrics 51%
20041,809Suspension 48%
2002638Lights and electrics 48%
2001329Suspension 50%
2000185Suspension 52%
1999128Suspension 50%
1998105Lights and electrics 55%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Mitsubishi L200s registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score