Mitsubishi 3000 (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 140 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£3,088

£257/month

MOT Pass Rate

64%

Below Avg

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

3000cc Petrol

Proceed With Caution

64% pass rate, £3,088/year to run. 18 points below average.

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Petrol3000cc28 years old140 tests84k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 3000cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£3,088

Per month£257/mo

Per week£59/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

64% MOT pass rate(Below Avg)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.

64% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi 3000s from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 140 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 83,887 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models304th of 325(bottom 7%)

Rank among Mitsubishi models369th of 390(bottom 6%)

vs average of all models-18%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-11%(75% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average-16%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

83,887

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 had 83,887 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 83%, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 64%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mitsubishi 3000 by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	65%	46	119,663 mi
2003	100%	46	88,766 mi
2002	72%	50	94,782 mi
2001	51%	49	103,646 mi
1999	83%	132	91,824 mi
1998	64%	140	83,887 mi
1997	71%	98	87,436 mi
1996	97%	36	102,298 mi
1993	74%	42	89,025 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW Z3

1999 · 3201cc Petrol

£2,888/year

78%

+14%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+18%

Porsche 911

1999 · 3387cc Petrol

£2,738/year

87%

+23%

Mercedes C

1999 · 2799cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+18%

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About the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000

The 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 is a large car. Our records list a 3000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 140 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 7% of 1998 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 83,887 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi 3000 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1998 Mitsubishi 3000 Fuel Costs

The 3000cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1998 Mitsubishi 3000?

Total estimated annual running cost is £3,088 (£257/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.

Buying a Used 1998 Mitsubishi 3000

At 28 years old, the Mitsubishi 3000 is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 28 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 84k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Higher Than Average Failure Rate

Watch out

With a 64% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mitsubishi 3000(1998)	64%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£3,088
BMW Z3(1999)	78%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,888-£200
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£350
Porsche 911(1999)	87%	£1,958	£375	Grp 35-50	£2,738-£350
Mercedes C(1999)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£350

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. 64% of MOT tests on 1998 Mitsubishi 3000s ended in a pass, from 140 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 18 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 cost to run?

Our estimate is £3,088 a year (£257 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £700 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Mitsubishi 3000?

64% of 140 MOT tests on the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 304th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom 7%).

Which year Mitsubishi 3000 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1999 Mitsubishi 3000 has the highest MOT pass rate at 83% and the 1998 the lowest at 64%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1998 Mitsubishi 3000?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mitsubishi 3000 is 83,887 miles, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.