MITSUBISHI COLT (2012)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,450 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,737
£145/month
MOT Pass Rate
80%
Good
Road Tax
£195
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1332cc Petrol
Solid Option
80% pass rate, £1737/year to run. Close to the national average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1332cc
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
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%.
At 14 years old, 80% of MITSUBISHI COLTs from 2012 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,450 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 69,102 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
69,102
Average miles
103,600
Expected for age
The average 2012 MITSUBISHI COLT has 69,102 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-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 2012 sits between the two at 80%.
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 2012 MITSUBISHI COLT
The 2012 MITSUBISHI COLT is a small family car with a 1332cc petrol engine. 2,450 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all cars from 2012, the average MOT pass rate is 78%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 69,102 miles at 14 years old, MITSUBISHI COLT owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2012 MITSUBISHI COLT Fuel Costs
The 1332cc 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 2012 MITSUBISHI COLT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 80% 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 2012 MITSUBISHI COLT
At 14 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 2012 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 2012 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(2012) | 80% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1737 |
| FORD FIESTA(2014) | 79% | £955 | £30 | Grp 1-8 | £1540-£197 |
| VAUXHALL CORSA(2014) | 76% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£15 |
| FORD FOCUS(2013) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2013) | 72% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827+£90 |
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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