2011 Mitsubishi Lancer: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Rigid brake pipes3.4× usual
  Mitsubishi Lancer

  19.3% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 1% of all 2011 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.

• Track rod ends3.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Lancer

  15.5% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 2.4% of all 2011 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.

• Sub-frame3.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Lancer

  14% All 2011 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Mitsubishi Lancer

  11.7% All 2011 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.6% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Headlights1.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Lancer

  8.2% All 2011 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

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 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer 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
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  32% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer

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

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?