Mitsubishi Carisma (1998)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 87 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,561

£213/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

1834cc Petrol

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,561/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Petrol1834cc28 years old87 tests106k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1834cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,561

Per month£213/mo

Per week£49/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

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.

72% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Carismas from 1998 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 26 years old. That's based on 87 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 106,485 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1998 models213th of 325(bottom half)

Rank among Mitsubishi models291st of 390(bottom half)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1998 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average-8%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

106,485

Average miles

192,400

Expected for age

The average 1998 Mitsubishi Carisma had 106,485 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 75%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 64%. The 1998 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mitsubishi Carisma by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	64%	352	106,533 mi
2003	64%	543	107,548 mi
2002	66%	158	108,780 mi
2001	59%	54	112,157 mi
2000	65%	62	96,336 mi
1999	77%	94	101,458 mi
1998	72%	87	106,485 mi
1997	75%	107	113,735 mi
1996	69%	55	98,435 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

+1%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-1%

BMW 3 Series

1998 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,561/year

79%

+7%

BMW Z3

1997 · 1900cc Petrol

£2,561/year

75%

+3%

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About the 1998 Mitsubishi Carisma

The 1998 Mitsubishi Carisma is a family car. Our records list a 1834cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 87 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1998, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 106,485 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Carisma owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1998 Mitsubishi Carisma Fuel Costs

The 1834cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 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 Carisma?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,561 (£213/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mitsubishi Carisma Reliability Trend

Older Mitsubishi Carismas tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 7 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 1998 Mitsubishi Carisma

At 28 years old, the Mitsubishi Carisma 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. If you're flexible on year, the 1997 model has the highest pass rate at 75%. Note: with only 87 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

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.

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

Watch out

With an average of 106k 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.

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 Carisma 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 Carisma(1998)	72%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328-£233
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW 3 Series(1998)	79%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same
BMW Z3(1997)	75%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561same

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 Carisma

Is the 1998 Mitsubishi Carisma reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1998 Mitsubishi Carismas ended in a pass, from 87 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1998 Mitsubishi Carisma cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,561 a year (£213 a month): £1,631 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

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

72% of 87 MOT tests on the 1998 Mitsubishi Carisma ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 213th of 325 models first registered in 1998 (bottom half).

Which year Mitsubishi Carisma has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1997 Mitsubishi Carisma has the highest MOT pass rate at 75% and the 2004 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 Carisma?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1998 Mitsubishi Carisma is 106,485 miles, which is below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.