2003 Mitsubishi L200: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Mitsubishi L200?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Mitsubishi L200 than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  30.9% All 2003 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, 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.

• Chassis rust or damage5.3× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  19.2% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 1.1% 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.8× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  33.5% All 2003 cars

  18.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 3.1% 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

  14.5% 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 joints7.1× usual
  Mitsubishi L200

  12% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  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.

Common 2003 Mitsubishi L200 MOT failures and advisories

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.

• 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.

• 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
  45% 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
  33% 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
  28% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Mitsubishi L200

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.3× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi L200 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?