2001 Mitsubishi Space Star: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Mitsubishi Space Star?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Mitsubishi Space Star than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings2.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  21% All 2001 cars

  7.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.7%, against 4.1% of all 2001 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.

• Tread depth1.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  28.7% All 2001 cars

  15.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.1% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  19.5% All 2001 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3.7% of all 2001 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.

• Brake pads2.4× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  14.3% All 2001 cars

  6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.4% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

• Ball joint dust cover3.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  11.4% All 2001 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.3%, against 1.3% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Mitsubishi Space Star MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Mitsubishi Space Star MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  55% 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
  50% 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
  41% 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
  40% 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
  19% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Mitsubishi Space Star

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

1. Any recent work on the rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Mitsubishi Space Star as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tread depth? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2001 Mitsubishi Space Star as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2001 Mitsubishi Space Star as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?