Should I check the MOT history before buying a 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon?

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 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon?

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 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon?

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.

Is the 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon reliable?

Based on MOT data from 268 vehicles, the 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon has a first-time MOT pass rate of 59.6%, indicating average reliability for its class. Always check the full MOT history of any specific vehicle before buying.

Do I need an HPI check when buying a 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon?

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 Wagon (1990)

268 real MOT outcomes analysed • 59.6% first-time pass rate

1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon

CarHunch analysed 268 real MOT records for the 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon. 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 MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

We have limited data for the 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon — treat the figures below as indicative rather than definitive.

⚠️ About 1 in 12 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

59.6%

UK average ~80%

Below average

Dangerous (ever)

11.9%

At least once in MOT history

Check this vehicle

Avg failures / car

1.37

Over 3.3 tests on record

High

Typical mileage

116k

Middle half: 96k–132k

For context

These stats describe 268 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 268 Mitsubishi Space Wagon cars.

Before you buy a 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon

Based on MOT data from 268 vehicles — here's what to check.

📋 Check the full MOT history. 11.9% 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 (96%)	256	59.9%	1.32

Colour Breakdown

Based on 18,759 Mitsubishi Space Wagon vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Blue 30.1%

5,645

Silver 22.6%

4,242

Red 22.4%

4,196

White 10.4%

1,951

Green 6.2%

1,160

Grey 3.4%

635

Beige 1.7%

310

Maroon 1.1%

200

Black 0.7%

138

Gold 0.6%

114

Purple 0.5%

Brown 0.4%

Mileage Distribution

Most 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon 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.

115,590

typical

96,421

low mileage

132,442

high mileage

Half of all 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon vehicles fall between 96,421 and 132,442 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?

✓ Under 96,421 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.

✓ 96,421–132,442 miles — normal for age. This is where most 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagons sit.

⚠ Over 178,796 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

MOT History Averages

3.3

Avg MOT tests per vehicle

1.37

Avg failures per vehicle

3.1

Avg advisories per vehicle

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

1989 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

Or browse all models: Mitsubishi →

Compare with another model

See how the 1990 Mitsubishi Space Wagon stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on