Used car guide

2003 Mitsubishi Space Star: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Mitsubishi Space Stars, from 229 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 229 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

229MOT tests in 2025
47%pass first time (all 2003 cars: 59%)
3,900typical miles a year
3.6×the usual rate for rust around suspension or steering mountings

What stands out

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

  • Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.6× usual
    Mitsubishi Space Star
    24% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 13.1%, against 3.2% of all 2003 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.

  • Anti-roll bar link bushes8.1× usual
    Mitsubishi Space Star
    16.2% All 2003 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, against 0.5% 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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints2.1× usual
    Mitsubishi Space Star
    14% All 2003 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 8.3%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

By area

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

  • Suspension
    59% 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
    47% 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
    46% 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
    37% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    17% 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.

  • 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2005228Suspension 60%
2004364Suspension 61%
2002153Suspension 59%

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