MITSUBISHI COLT (1991)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 36 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
61%
Total Tests (2024)
36
Avg Mileage
92,792 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 21 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 33 years old, 61% of MITSUBISHI COLTs from 1991 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 36 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 92,792 miles.
How does the 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT has 92,792 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 244,200 miles for a 33-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
Best year to buy a MITSUBISHI COLT?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 83% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 62%. The 1991 sits between the two at 61%.
How much does a 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT 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 COLT by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 83% | 860 | 66,024 mi |
| 2012 | 80% | 2,450 | 69,102 mi |
| 2011 | 79% | 2,684 | 76,628 mi |
| 2010 | 75% | 4,375 | 80,694 mi |
| 2009 | 72% | 6,961 | 83,817 mi |
| 2008 | 70% | 7,859 | 86,756 mi |
| 2007 | 71% | 6,387 | 90,616 mi |
| 2006 | 71% | 4,923 | 92,982 mi |
| 2005 | 69% | 3,589 | 96,004 mi |
| 2004 | 69% | 707 | 95,647 mi |
| 2003 | 62% | 73 | 83,879 mi |
| 2002 | 74% | 115 | 75,553 mi |
| 2001 | 72% | 53 | 71,977 mi |
| 2000 | 73% | 89 | 71,639 mi |
| 1999 | 65% | 141 | 70,385 mi |
| 1998 | 67% | 308 | 87,244 mi |
| 1997 | 71% | 128 | 77,861 mi |
| 1996 | 65% | 101 | 83,131 mi |
| 1995 | 67% | 30 | 83,382 mi |
| 1991 | 61% | 36 | 92,792 mi |
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI COLT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT
The 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT is a small family car with a 1298cc petrol engine. 36 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 95% of 1991 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 92,792 miles at 33 years old, MITSUBISHI COLT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
1991 MITSUBISHI COLT Fuel Costs
The 1298cc 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 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,922 (£160/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 61% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MITSUBISHI COLT Reliability Trend
Newer MITSUBISHI COLTs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT
At 33 years old, the MITSUBISHI COLT 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 2013 model has the highest pass rate at 83%. Note: with only 36 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1991 MITSUBISHI COLT
If reliability is your priority, there are 4 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1991) 80% pass rate (+19%) from 5,191 tests
- ROVER MINI (1990) 80% pass rate (+19%) from 2,886 tests
- FORD ESCORT (1990) 85% pass rate (+24%) from 2,672 tests
- PEUGEOT 205 (1990) 80% pass rate (+19%) from 1,931 tests