2005 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

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

  21.4% All 2005 cars

  5.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 12.2%, against 2.6% 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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes8.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  13.8% All 2005 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 0.4% of all 2005 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.

• Track rod ends2.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  16.9% All 2005 cars

  5.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.9%, 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.

• Headlights1.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  24.2% All 2005 cars

  13.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.9%, 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.

• Rigid brake pipes1.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Space Star

  25.7% All 2005 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.6% of all 2005 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 2005 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2005 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
  57% 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
  54% 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
  42% 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.

• 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% 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 2005 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 4× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 8.1× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2005 Mitsubishi Space Star petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?