Mitsubishi Lancer (2001)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 223 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,361

£197/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£325

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Petrol

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,361/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Petrol2000cc25 years old223 tests74k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2000cc)

~36 mpg

£1,631

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,361

Per month£197/mo

Per week£45/wk

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

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.

89% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Lancers from 2001 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 23 years old. That's based on 223 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 73,824 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2001 models29th of 350(top 9%)

Rank among Mitsubishi models109th of 390(top half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2001 models average+16%(73% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average+9%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

73,824

Average miles

170,200

Expected for age

The average 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer had 73,824 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-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?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 95%, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2001 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Mitsubishi Lancer by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	88%	50	77,941 mi
2019	95%	66	97,178 mi
2018	92%	48	81,570 mi
2017	92%	89	81,385 mi
2016	94%	95	81,847 mi
2015	91%	137	83,291 mi
2014	96%	50	58,111 mi
2012	91%	67	60,175 mi
2011	73%	2,326	100,912 mi
2010	72%	3,172	104,196 mi
2009	76%	2,157	104,030 mi
2008	77%	2,818	98,098 mi
2007	75%	1,541	88,265 mi
2006	77%	1,902	86,458 mi
2005	78%	1,953	87,984 mi
2004	92%	776	76,874 mi
2003	93%	562	80,312 mi
2002	89%	99	81,221 mi
2001	89%	223	73,824 mi
2000	91%	246	73,093 mi
1999	88%	302	73,051 mi
1998	95%	197	80,685 mi
1997	93%	42	103,606 mi
1996	84%	57	92,249 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

MINI

2003 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-17%

Ford Focus

2003 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,428/year

68%

-21%

Honda Civic

2002 · 1590cc Petrol

£2,228/year

72%

-17%

Vauxhall Astra

2002 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,428/year

69%

-20%

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About the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer is a family car. Our records list a 2000cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 223 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 9% of all 2001 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 73,824 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Lancer Fuel Costs

The 2000cc 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 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,361 (£197/month), broken down as £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Trend

Older Mitsubishi Lancers tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 12 percentage points across model years.

Buying a Used 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer

At 25 years old, the Mitsubishi Lancer 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 1998 model has the highest pass rate at 95%.

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 out

At 25 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.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 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 out

Rubber 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 risk

Always 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 Lancer 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 Lancer(2001)	89%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361
MINI(2003)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Ford Focus(2003)	68%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£67
Honda Civic(2002)	72%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228-£133
Vauxhall Astra(2002)	69%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,428+£67

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 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer

Is the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2001 Mitsubishi Lancers ended in a pass, from 223 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,361 a year (£197 a month): £1,631 fuel, £325 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer?

89% of 223 MOT tests on the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 29th of 350 models first registered in 2001 (top 9%).

Which year Mitsubishi Lancer has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer has the highest MOT pass rate at 95% and the 2010 the lowest at 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer is 73,824 miles, which is significantly below the expected 170,200 miles for a 23-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.