Mitsubishi Chariot (1998)
1998 Mitsubishi Chariot
CarHunch analysed 116 real MOT records for the 1998 Mitsubishi Chariot. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1998 Mitsubishi Chariot is a struggling performer, with a first-time pass rate of just 67.8%—well below the UK average of 80%—and nearly one in five have encountered a dangerous defect at some point. This is a vehicle that demands serious pre-purchase inspection and won't be a low-maintenance ownership prospect.
At around 110,000 miles these are well-used examples, yet they still average 3 failures per test and nearly 10 advisories, suggesting systemic wear rather than isolated problems. If you're considering one, budget for immediate remedial work and get a thorough independent inspection focusing on brakes, suspension, and emissions systems before committing.
What to check before buying a 1998 Mitsubishi Chariot
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mitsubishi Chariot
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (97%) | 113 | 68.1% | 3.04 |
| Diesel (3%) | 3 | 55.6% | 2.67 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Mitsubishi Chariot vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1998 Mitsubishi Chariot vehicles fall between 78,206 and 135,842 miles.
1998 Mitsubishi Chariot — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 13 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2017 (33% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2017.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Mitsubishi Chariot
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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78.4%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive
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58.3%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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55.8%
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
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48.7%
Oil leak
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44.2%
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive
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41.2%
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive
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39.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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33.2%
Exhaust emits blue smoke during acceleration
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mitsubishi Chariot?
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