MITSUBISHI CARISMA (2002)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 158 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
66%
Total Tests (2024)
158
Avg Mileage
108,780 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,217
Is the 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 16 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 22 years old, 66% of MITSUBISHI CARISMAs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 158 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 108,780 miles.
How does the 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA has 108,780 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
The most reliable year is the 1999 model with a 77% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 59%. The 2002 sits between the two at 66%.
How much does a 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MITSUBISHI CARISMA by Year
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
The 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA is a family car with a 1834cc petrol engine. 158 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 88% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 108,780 miles at 22 years old, MITSUBISHI CARISMA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 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 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,217 (£185/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 66% 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 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
At 22 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 1999 model has the highest pass rate at 77%.
Alternatives to the 2002 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2004) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 36,444 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2004) 69% pass rate (+3%) from 29,927 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+5%) from 29,898 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2004) 67% pass rate (+1%) from 26,290 tests