CarCostCheck

MITSUBISHI COLT (2003)

Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 73 real MOT tests in 2024.

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MOT Pass Rate

62%

Total Tests (2024)

73

Avg Mileage

83,879 mi

Est. Annual Cost

£2,027

Is the 2003 MITSUBISHI COLT reliable?

Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 20 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.

At 21 years old, 62% of MITSUBISHI COLTs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 73 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 83,879 miles.

How does the 2003 MITSUBISHI COLT compare?

Rank among all 2003 cars426th out of 445(top 96%)
Rank among all MITSUBISHI models391th out of 408(top 96%)
vs national average-20% (82% avg)
vs 2003 cars average-10% (72% avg)
vs MITSUBISHI average-18% (80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

The average 2003 MITSUBISHI COLT has 83,879 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.

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%. Consider a different year if reliability is a priority.

How much does a 2003 MITSUBISHI COLT cost to run?

⛽Fuel (Petrol, 1597cc)
£1,137
🏛️Road Tax
£135
🔧MOT Test
£55
🛠️Predicted Repairs

Higher than average due to low pass rate

£700
Total per year£2,027
Per month£169/mo

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
201383%86066,024 mi
201280%2,45069,102 mi
201179%2,68476,628 mi
201075%4,37580,694 mi
200972%6,96183,817 mi
200870%7,85986,756 mi
200771%6,38790,616 mi
200671%4,92392,982 mi
200569%3,58996,004 mi
200469%70795,647 mi
200362%7383,879 mi
200274%11575,553 mi
200172%5371,977 mi
200073%8971,639 mi
199965%14170,385 mi
199867%30887,244 mi
199771%12877,861 mi
199665%10183,131 mi
199567%3083,382 mi
199161%3692,792 mi

Checking a specific MITSUBISHI COLT?

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About the 2003 MITSUBISHI COLT

The 2003 MITSUBISHI COLT is a small family car with a 1597cc petrol engine. 73 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 96% of 2003 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 83,879 miles at 21 years old, MITSUBISHI COLT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2003 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 2003 MITSUBISHI COLT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,027 (£169/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 62% 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 2003 MITSUBISHI COLT

At 21 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. Note: with only 73 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.

Alternatives to the 2003 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: