2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings4.3× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  26.4% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 18.6%, against 3.1% of all 2003 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  24.7% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 16%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes8.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  17.3% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 0.5% of all 2003 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.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  29.4% All 2003 cars

  14.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.4% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  25.5% All 2003 cars

  12.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  62% 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
  55% 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
  47% 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
  37% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Driveshafts and joints
  24% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel

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 4.3× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 8.7× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?