Mitsubishi Carisma (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 94 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,328

£194/month

MOT Pass Rate

77%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1597cc Petrol

Check Carefully

77% pass rate, £2,328/year to run. 5 points below average.

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Petrol1597cc27 years old94 tests101k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1597cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,328

Per month£194/mo

Per week£45/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

77% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

77% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Carismas from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 94 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 101,458 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models155th of 361(top half)

Rank among Mitsubishi models217th of 390(bottom half)

vs average of all models-5%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average+2%(75% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average-3%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

101,458

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma had 101,458 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-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 1999 scores 77%. 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

Toyota Yaris

2001 · 1299cc Petrol

£2,153/year

71%

-6%

Ford Focus

2001 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-9%

Mazda MX-5

1999 · 1600cc Petrol

£2,328/year

73%

-4%

Volkswagen Golf

1999 · 1781cc Petrol

£2,561/year

71%

-6%

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About the 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma

The 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma is a small family car. Our records list a 1597cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 94 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 101,458 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Carisma owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

1999 Mitsubishi Carisma Fuel Costs

The 1597cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,328 (£194/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 77% 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 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma

At 27 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 94 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.

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 101k 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 1999 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(1999)	77%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328
Toyota Yaris(2001)	71%	£1,398	£200	Grp 8-20	£2,153-£175
Ford Focus(2001)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£100
Mazda MX-5(1999)	73%	£1,398	£375	Grp 12-25	£2,328same
Volkswagen Golf(1999)	71%	£1,631	£375	Grp 18-32	£2,561+£233

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 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma

Is the 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 77% of MOT tests on 1999 Mitsubishi Carismas ended in a pass, from 94 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 5 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,328 a year (£194 a month): £1,398 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 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma?

77% of 94 MOT tests on the 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 155th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top 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 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Mitsubishi Carisma is 101,458 miles, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.