2005 Mitsubishi Grandis petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis petrol?

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

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  27.5% All 2005 cars

  13.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 5% of all 2005 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.

• Engine warning light3.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  11.4% All 2005 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.4%, against 2.9% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Exhaust system2× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  18.4% All 2005 cars

  9.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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.

• Steering rack inner joints2.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  11.4% All 2005 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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.

• Track rod ends2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Grandis

  13.2% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, 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.

Common 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis petrol MOT failures and advisories

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

• Suspension
  54% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  46% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 an engine warning light.

• Steering
  16% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis petrol

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

1. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Grandis petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?