Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab (1998)

436 real MOT outcomes analysed • 66.9% first-time pass rate

1998 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab

CarHunch analysed 436 real MOT records for the 1998 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 1998 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab is a notably unreliable prospect: only 67% pass MOT first time, well below the UK average of 80%, and nearly a third (31%) have recorded dangerous defects at some point. This is a serious concern if you're considering one as a working vehicle or daily driver.

These trucks are racking up genuine mileage—averaging 136,500 miles—which explains some wear, but the real issue is the failure pattern: owners face an average of 4 failed items and nearly 20 advisories per test. Before committing to one, budget for a professional pre-purchase inspection focusing on the chassis, suspension and brake systems, where most dangerous defects typically cluster on vehicles this age.

Below average reliability 13.1% below UK average
66.9%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
129,715
typical mileage
102,582–163,846 middle half
31.2%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
4.05
avg MOT failures per car
over 11.6 tests on record

What to check before buying a 1998 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab

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.
  • ⚠️ 31.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
  • 📄 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 L200 Double Cab

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

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Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (100%) 435 66.9% 4.05
Petrol (0%) 1 58.3% 5

Mileage Distribution

Most 1998 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab 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.

102,582
low mileage
129,715
typical
163,846
high mileage

Half of all 1998 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab vehicles fall between 102,582 and 163,846 miles.

1998 Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 13 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2023 (8% of peak).

167 13 2014 2023

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2023.

MOT History Averages

11.6
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
4.05
Avg failures per vehicle
19.8
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab:

1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011