Should I check the MOT history before buying a 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star?

Yes. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. A full MOT history analysis will highlight patterns that a single test result won't reveal.

What corrosion should I look for when inspecting a 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star?

Check brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that is expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.

How are tyres and brakes typically on a 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star?

Tyres and brakes are the most common advisory items on vehicles of this age. Budget for replacement if they are near the limit, and factor this into your offer price.

How many 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star vehicles have had dangerous defects recorded?

41% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Search the registration on CarHunch — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star reliable?

Based on MOT data from 3,935 vehicles, the 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star has a first-time MOT pass rate of 71.6%, indicating generally reliable for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star?

Yes. The MOT history will not show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status. An HPI check covers these areas and should be part of any used car purchase.

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Mitsubishi Space Star (2003)

3,935 real MOT outcomes analysed • 71.6% first-time pass rate

2003 Mitsubishi Space Star

CarHunch analysed 3,935 real MOT records for the 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

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.

The 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star has a below-average first-time pass rate (71.6% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.

First-time pass

71.6%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

40.9%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

4.93

Over 16.5 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

59k

Middle half: 44k–72k

For context

⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.

🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 23.4 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.

🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 3,935 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 3,935 Mitsubishi Space Star cars.

Before you buy a 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star

Based on MOT data from 3,935 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 40.9% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection →
📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History Get 20% off via CarHunch

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

Colour Breakdown

Based on 17,432 Mitsubishi Space Star vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 41.3%

7,197

Blue 25.9%

4,509

Grey 13.1%

2,286

Black 9.8%

1,705

Red 6.8%

1,184

Green 2.2%

380

White 0.8%

145

Purple 0.1%

Gold 0.1%

Brown 0%

Mileage Distribution

Most 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

58,584

typical

44,068

low mileage

72,166

high mileage

Half of all 2003 Mitsubishi Space Star vehicles fall between 44,068 and 72,166 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 44,068 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.

✓ 44,068–72,166 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2003 Mitsubishi Space Stars sit.

⚠ Over 97,424 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2003 Mitsubishi Space Star — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 7% of 2003 Mitsubishi Space Stars are still active.

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.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

16.5

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

4.93

Avg failures per vehicle

23.4

Avg advisories per vehicle

Other model years — Mitsubishi Space Star: All Space Star years → Which year to buy? →

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Buyer beware — pass it on