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MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER (2004)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 40 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,195

£183/month

MOT Pass Rate

70%

Average

Road Tax

£395

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2835cc Diesel

Check Carefully

70% pass rate, £2195/year to run. 12 points below average.

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Diesel2835cc22 years old40 tests186k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2835cc)

~40 mpg

£1,245
Road Tax

Based on 2835cc

£395
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,195
Per month£183/mo
Per week£42/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

70% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 12 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.

At 22 years old, 70% of MITSUBISHI CHALLENGERs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 40 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 185,779 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2004 cars342th of 491(top 70%)
Rank among MITSUBISHI models336th of 408(top 82%)
vs national average-12%(82% avg)
vs 2004 cars average-2%(72% avg)
vs MITSUBISHI average-10%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

185,779

Average miles

vs

162,800

Expected for age

The average 2004 MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER has 185,779 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200470%40185,779 mi
199975%252133,042 mi

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About the 2004 MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER

The 2004 MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER is a large car with a 2835cc diesel engine. 40 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 185,779 miles at 22 years old, MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2004 MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER Fuel Costs

The 2835cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 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 CHALLENGER?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,195 183/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £395 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 70% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Buying a Used 2004 MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER

At 22 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. Note: with only 40 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2004 MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 out

With an average of 186k 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 risk

High-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 risk

Worn 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 risk

Always 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 CHALLENGER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER(2004)70%£1245£395Grp 30-42£2195
BMW 3 SERIES(2005)78%£1245£250Grp 30-42£2050-£145
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER(2006)73%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY(2006)78%£1245£250Grp 25-38£2050-£145
LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER SPORT(2006)81%£1245£250Grp 30-42£1900-£295

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.

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Explore other Mitsubishi cars or similar models in the same category.

Related Guides

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