Mitsubishi Space Star (2003)
2003 Mitsubishi Space Star
CarHunch analysed 3,935 real MOT records for the 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star passes its MOT just 71.6% of the time—well below the UK average of 80%—and nearly 41% of these vehicles have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, making this a genuine reliability concern for buyers. Petrol and diesel versions perform almost identically (71.3% and 72.2% pass rates), so fuel type won't help you dodge the problem.
At around 59,000 miles median, these cars are showing typical mileage for their age, but they're generating nearly five failures and 23 advisories per test on average, pointing to widespread wear on fundamentals like brakes, suspension, and exhaust systems. If you're considering one, budget for immediate pre-purchase inspection by a specialist—don't rely on a passing MOT, since nearly 30% fail it.
What to check before buying a 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star
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.
- ⚠️ 40.9% 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 Space Star
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (62%) | 2,441 | 71.3% | 5.11 |
| Diesel (38%) | 1,489 | 72.2% | 4.65 |
| LPG (0%) | 3 | 86.5% | 2 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 0% | 1 |
| Electric (0%) | 1 | 83.3% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star 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 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star vehicles fall between 44,068 and 72,166 miles.
2003 Mitsubishi Space Star — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 216 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (7% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Mitsubishi Space Star?
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