Mitsubishi Lancer (2005)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 1,953 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,228

£186/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 12-25

1584cc Petrol

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,228/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Petrol1584cc21 years old1,953 tests88k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1584cc)

~42 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,228

Per month£186/mo

Per week£43/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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

78% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Lancers from 2005 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 19 years old. That's based on 1,953 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 87,984 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2005 models162nd of 504(top half)

Rank among Mitsubishi models193rd of 390(top half)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2005 models average+6%(72% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average-2%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

87,984

Average miles

140,600

Expected for age

The average 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer had 87,984 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-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?

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 2005 scores 78%. 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

Ford Focus

2007 · 1596cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-5%

BMW 3 Series

2007 · 1796cc Petrol

£2,361/year

80%

+2%

MINI

2007 · 1598cc Petrol

£2,228/year

73%

-5%

Renault Clio

2007 · 1998cc Petrol

£2,711/year

68%

-10%

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About the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer is a small family car. Our records list a 1584cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 1,953 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2005, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 87,984 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Lancer owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Costs

The 1584cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,398 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 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,228 (£186/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2005 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 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.

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.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 88k 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 risk

High-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 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 2005 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(2005)	78%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228
Ford Focus(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
BMW 3 Series(2007)	80%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,361+£133
MINI(2007)	73%	£1,398	£275	Grp 12-25	£2,228same
Renault Clio(2007)	68%	£1,631	£325	Grp 18-32	£2,711+£483

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 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer

Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2005 Mitsubishi Lancers ended in a pass, from 1,953 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,228 a year (£186 a month): £1,398 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer?

78% of 1,953 MOT tests on the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 162nd of 504 models first registered in 2005 (top half).

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 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer is 87,984 miles, which is below the expected 140,600 miles for a 19-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.