MITSUBISHI COLT (2004)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 707 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
69%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1499cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
69% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 13 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1499cc
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 13 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 22 years old, 69% of MITSUBISHI COLTs from 2004 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 707 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 95,647 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
95,647
Average miles
162,800
Expected for age
The average 2004 MITSUBISHI COLT has 95,647 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 162,800 miles for a 22-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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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 2004 sits between the two at 69%.
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 2004 MITSUBISHI COLT
The 2004 MITSUBISHI COLT is a small family car with a 1499cc petrol engine. 707 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2004, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 95,647 miles at 22 years old, MITSUBISHI COLT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2004 MITSUBISHI COLT Fuel Costs
The 1499cc 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 2004 MITSUBISHI COLT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 69% 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 2004 MITSUBISHI COLT
At 22 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%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2004 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.
Clutch Wear
Medium riskWith an average of 96k 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 riskHigh-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 69% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2004 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(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| FORD FOCUS(2006) | 73% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| MINI MINI(2005) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2006) | 80% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £1867-£290 |
| HONDA JAZZ(2006) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
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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