2007 Mitsubishi I: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2007 Mitsubishi I?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2007 Mitsubishi I than on all cars registered in 2007.

• Ball joint dust cover2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi I

  9.4% All 2007 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 1.8% of all 2007 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.

• Wipers2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi I

  8.6% All 2007 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 2.7% of all 2007 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Common 2007 Mitsubishi I MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2007 Mitsubishi I MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  38% 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.

• Tyres
  31% 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
  31% 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
  30% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Rust and bodywork
  11% 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 2007 Mitsubishi I

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

1. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2007 Mitsubishi I as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2007 Mitsubishi I as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?