Mitsubishi Challenger (1999)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 252 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,888
£241/month
MOT Pass Rate
75%
Average
Road Tax
£375
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 30-42
2972cc Petrol
Check Carefully
75% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 7 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Pre-2001 engine size rate
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.
75% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Challengers from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 252 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 133,042 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
133,042
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger had 133,042 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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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About the 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger
The 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger is a large car. Our records list a 2972cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 252 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model matches that benchmark.
With an average of 133,042 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Challenger owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1999 Mitsubishi Challenger Fuel Costs
The 2972cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 75% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Buying a Used 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger
At 27 years old, the Mitsubishi Challenger 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 27 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.
Oil Consumption
Medium riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
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 133k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Challenger(1999) | 75% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 30-42 | £2,888 |
| BMW 3 Series(2001) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958+£70 |
| BMW Z3(1999) | 78% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,888same |
| Porsche Boxster(2001) | 83% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153+£265 |
| Porsche 911(1999) | 87% | £1,958 | £375 | Grp 35-50 | £2,738-£150 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger
Is the 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 75% of MOT tests on 1999 Mitsubishi Challengers ended in a pass, from 252 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger?
75% of 252 MOT tests on the 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 174th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (top half).
What is the average mileage for a 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Mitsubishi Challenger is 133,042 miles, 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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