MITSUBISHI COLT (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 53 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,957
£163/month
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Average
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1597cc Petrol
Check Carefully
72% pass rate, £1957/year to run. 10 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1597cc
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.
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Reliability Verdict
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 25 years old, 72% of MITSUBISHI COLTs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 53 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 71,977 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
71,977
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 MITSUBISHI COLT has 71,977 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2013 model with a 83% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 62%. The 2001 sits between the two at 72%.
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 |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2001 MITSUBISHI COLT
The 2001 MITSUBISHI COLT is a small family car with a 1597cc petrol engine. 53 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 71,977 miles at 25 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.
2001 MITSUBISHI COLT Fuel Costs
The 1597cc 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 2001 MITSUBISHI COLT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,957 (£163/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
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 2001 MITSUBISHI COLT
At 25 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 53 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 MITSUBISHI COLT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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.
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 2001 MITSUBISHI COLT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MITSUBISHI COLT(2001) | 72% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £1957 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£235 |
| MINI MINI(2003) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£130 |
| FORD FOCUS(2003) | 68% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027+£70 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2003) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£35 |
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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