MITSUBISHI LANCER (2003)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 562 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
93%
Total Tests (2024)
562
Avg Mileage
80,312 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,717
Is the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 11 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 21 years old, 93% of MITSUBISHI LANCERs from 2003 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 562 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 80,312 miles.
How does the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER has 80,312 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 LANCER?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2003 sits between the two at 93%.
How much does a 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
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 |
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI LANCER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER
The 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER is a family car with a 1997cc petrol engine. 562 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. It ranks in the top 3% of all 2003 cars for reliability.
With an average of 80,312 miles at 21 years old, MITSUBISHI LANCER owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER 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 £1,327 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 LANCER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,717 (£143/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 93% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
MITSUBISHI LANCER Reliability Trend
The MITSUBISHI LANCER has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 1 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER
At 21 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 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.
Alternatives to the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER
The MITSUBISHI LANCER is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol family cars from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MINI MINI (2005) 71% pass rate (-22%) from 45,707 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2005) 71% pass rate (-22%) from 41,794 tests
- TOYOTA COROLLA (2005) 76% pass rate (-17%) from 19,418 tests
- RENAULT CLIO (2005) 67% pass rate (-26%) from 18,423 tests