2002 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings3.6× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  23.9% All 2002 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12%, against 3.5% of all 2002 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.

• Headlights2× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  21.2% All 2002 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 4.3% of all 2002 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.

• Ball joint dust cover3× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  12.5% All 2002 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.5% of all 2002 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.

• Brake pads2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  14.2% All 2002 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 1.6% of all 2002 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes3.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  8.9% All 2002 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2002 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  58% 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
  53% 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
  44% 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
  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
  16% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  15% 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 2002 Mitsubishi Space Star 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 rust around suspension or steering mountings? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2002 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2002 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?