MITSUBISHI CARISMA (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 543 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
543
Avg Mileage
107,548 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,027
Is the 2003 MITSUBISHI CARISMA reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 21 years old, 64% of MITSUBISHI CARISMAs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 543 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 107,548 miles.
How does the 2003 MITSUBISHI CARISMA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MITSUBISHI CARISMA has 107,548 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-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 2003 sits between the two at 64%.
How much does a 2003 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 2003 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
The 2003 MITSUBISHI CARISMA is a small family car with a 1597cc petrol engine. 543 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 91% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 107,548 miles at 21 years old, MITSUBISHI CARISMA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 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.
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 2003 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
At 21 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 2003 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 (2005) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 41,794 tests
- FORD FIESTA (2003) 71% pass rate (+7%) from 29,898 tests
- TOYOTA YARIS (2005) 73% pass rate (+9%) from 29,754 tests