2011 Mitsubishi I: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Track rod ends3.2× usual
  Mitsubishi I

  15.2% All 2011 cars

  4.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, 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.

• Rigid brake pipes2.8× usual
  Mitsubishi I

  16% All 2011 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, 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.

Common 2011 Mitsubishi I MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 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.

• Brakes
  34% 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
  22% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Lights and electrics
  8% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Rust and bodywork
  7% 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 2011 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 track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2011 Mitsubishi I as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2011 Mitsubishi I as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?