2005 Mitsubishi Colt: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Mitsubishi Colt?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt than on all cars registered in 2005.

• Coil springs1.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Colt

  18.5% All 2005 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.9%, against 2.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Track rod ends2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Colt

  12.5% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 2.7% of all 2005 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.

• Number plate lights1.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Colt

  14.3% All 2005 cars

  8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 2.3% of all 2005 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.

• Headlight aim1.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Colt

  13% All 2005 cars

  6.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 13%, against 6.8% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

• Ball joint dust cover2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Colt

  9.9% All 2005 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.8% of all 2005 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2005 Mitsubishi Colt MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 Mitsubishi Colt MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Lights and electrics
  51% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• Tyres
  36% 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
  31% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  11% 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.

Known faults on the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt

The RAC calls its reliability excellent, and What Car? says it hasn't heard of any particular problems. Check the exhaust and tyres, and look for hard use on the turbocharged CZT.

Source: RAC: Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2013) used car review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Mitsubishi Colt

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Colt as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?