MITSUBISHI CARISMA (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 54 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,397
£200/month
MOT Pass Rate
59%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1834cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
59% pass rate, £2397/year to run. 23 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1834cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 23 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 25 years old, 59% of MITSUBISHI CARISMAs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 54 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 112,157 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
112,157
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 MITSUBISHI CARISMA has 112,157 miles on the clock, 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?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 59%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.
MITSUBISHI CARISMA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
The 2001 MITSUBISHI CARISMA is a family car with a 1834cc petrol engine. 54 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 98% of 2001 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 112,157 miles at 25 years old, MITSUBISHI CARISMA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 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 £1,327 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2001 MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,397 (£200/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 59% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MITSUBISHI CARISMA Reliability Trend
Older MITSUBISHI CARISMAs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 10 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2001 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
At 25 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. Note: with only 54 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 MITSUBISHI CARISMA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 outWith an average of 112k 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 riskHigh-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 outWith a 59% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Service History
Low riskAlways 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 2001 MITSUBISHI CARISMA stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MITSUBISHI CARISMA(2001) | 59% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £2397 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£675 |
| MINI MINI(2003) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£570 |
| FORD FOCUS(2003) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£370 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2003) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£475 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
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