MITSUBISHI COLT (1998)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 308 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
67%
Total Tests (2024)
308
Avg Mileage
87,244 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,922
Is the 1998 MITSUBISHI COLT reliable?
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 15 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 26 years old, 67% of MITSUBISHI COLTs from 1998 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 308 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 87,244 miles.
How does the 1998 MITSUBISHI COLT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1998 MITSUBISHI COLT has 87,244 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 192,400 miles for a 26-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 1998 sits between the two at 67%.
How much does a 1998 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 1998 MITSUBISHI COLT
The 1998 MITSUBISHI COLT is a small family car with a 1298cc petrol engine. 308 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 87% of 1998 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 87,244 miles at 26 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.
1998 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 1998 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 67% 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 1998 MITSUBISHI COLT
At 26 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%.
Alternatives to the 1998 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:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (+6%) from 8,535 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (1999) 71% pass rate (+4%) from 8,442 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+22%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (+3%) from 6,792 tests