2008 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  26.2% All 2008 cars

  9.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.7% of all 2008 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.

• Sub-frame2.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  17.5% All 2008 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.4% of all 2008 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.

• Track rod ends3× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  15.3% All 2008 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 2.4% of all 2008 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.

• Ball joint2.6× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  16.2% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.4%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Outlander

  18.7% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 4.1% of all 2008 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 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  64% 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
  48% 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
  40% 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
  33% 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
  14% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  12% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

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 2.8× as often on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?