Mitsubishi Evo (2003)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 70 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£2,211
£184/month
MOT Pass Rate
91%
Excellent
Road Tax
£325
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 18-32
1997cc Petrol
Great Choice
91% pass rate, £2,211/year to run. 9 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.
91% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Evos from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 70 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 101,947 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
101,947
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2003 Mitsubishi Evo had 101,947 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.
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About the 2003 Mitsubishi Evo
The 2003 Mitsubishi Evo is a family car. Our records list a 1997cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 70 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 6% of all 2003 models for MOT pass rate.
With an average of 101,947 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Evo owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 Mitsubishi Evo Fuel Costs
The 1997cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 36 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,631 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2003 Mitsubishi Evo?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,211 (£184/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 91% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2003 Mitsubishi Evo
At 23 years old, the Mitsubishi Evo 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 70 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 23 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.
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
Watch outWith an average of 102k 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.
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 2003 Mitsubishi Evo stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Est. Ins. Group | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Evo(2003) | 91% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,211 |
| MINI(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£17 |
| Ford Focus(2005) | 71% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£17 |
| Toyota Corolla(2005) | 76% | £1,398 | £275 | Grp 12-25 | £2,228+£17 |
| Renault Clio(2005) | 67% | £1,631 | £325 | Grp 18-32 | £2,711+£500 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Questions about the 2003 Mitsubishi Evo
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Evo reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. 91% of MOT tests on 2003 Mitsubishi Evos ended in a pass, from 70 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2003 Mitsubishi Evo cost to run?
Our estimate is £2,211 a year (£184 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £200 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.
What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Mitsubishi Evo?
91% of 70 MOT tests on the 2003 Mitsubishi Evo ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 22nd of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 6%).
What is the average mileage for a 2003 Mitsubishi Evo?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Mitsubishi Evo is 101,947 miles, 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.
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