MITSUBISHI CARISMA (2004)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 352 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Total Tests (2024)
352
Avg Mileage
106,533 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,927
Is the 2004 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 20 years old, 64% of MITSUBISHI CARISMAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 352 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,533 miles.
How does the 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA has 106,533 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 148,000 miles for a 20-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 2004 sits between the two at 64%.
How much does a 2004 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 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
The 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA is a family car with a 1870cc diesel engine. 352 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 94% of 2004 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 106,533 miles at 20 years old, MITSUBISHI CARISMA owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA Fuel Costs
The 1870cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,927 (£161/month), broken down as £1037 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 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
At 20 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 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2006) 70% pass rate (+6%) from 81,463 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2006) 72% pass rate (+8%) from 60,321 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2006) 68% pass rate (+4%) from 39,766 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2005) 69% pass rate (+5%) from 29,377 tests