MITSUBISHI CARISMA (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 352 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,057
£171/month
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1870cc Diesel
Proceed With Caution
64% pass rate, £2057/year to run. 18 points below average.
Check a specific MITSUBISHI CARISMA
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~48 mpg
Based on 1870cc
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.
Get an insurance quote for this MITSUBISHI CARISMA
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
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 22 years old, 64% of MITSUBISHI CARISMAs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 352 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 106,533 miles.
Got a MITSUBISHI CARISMA you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
106,533
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA has 106,533 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.
Looking at a specific MITSUBISHI CARISMA?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
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%. The 2004 sits between the two at 64%.
MITSUBISHI CARISMA by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mitsubishi Carisma
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
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 2026, 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 22 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 £2,057 (£171/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £265 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 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 MITSUBISHI CARISMA's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Watch outShort journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.
Turbo Wear
Watch outDiesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.
EGR Valve
Watch outExhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.
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 107k 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 64% 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 2004 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(2004) | 64% | £1037 | £265 | Grp 18-32 | £2057 |
| FORD FIESTA(2006) | 70% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1490-£567 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2006) | 72% | £1037 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1727-£330 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2006) | 68% | £905 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1690-£367 |
| VAUXHALL ASTRA(2005) | 69% | £905 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1795-£262 |
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.
Related Mitsubishi Models
Explore other Mitsubishi cars or similar models in the same category.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
2015 · 1998cc Hybrid
MITSUBISHI L200
2017 · 2442cc Diesel
MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
2018 · 1400cc Petrol
FORD FIESTA
2006 · 1399cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2006 · 1896cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2006 · 1400cc Diesel
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mitsubishi Carisma.
Petrol vs Diesel in 2026: Which Actually Costs Less to Own?
8 min read
Reliability20 Most Reliable Used Cars UK 2026: Real MOT Pass Rate Rankings
10 min read
ReliabilityMost Reliable Used Cars UK 2026 (Data From 50M Real MOT Tests)
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific MITSUBISHI CARISMA
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a MITSUBISHI CARISMA? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data