MITSUBISHI LANCER (2016)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 95 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,897
£158/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£315
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £1897/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Based on 1998cc
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
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
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 10 years old, 94% of MITSUBISHI LANCERs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 95 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 81,847 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
81,847
Average miles
74,000
Expected for age
The average 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER has 81,847 miles on the clock, which is in line with the expected 74,000 miles for a 10-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
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Best Year to Buy?
The most reliable year is the 2014 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 2010 model has the lowest at 72%. The 2016 sits between the two at 94%.
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
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About the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER
The 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 95 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 2016 cars for reliability.
With an average of 81,847 miles at 10 years old, MITSUBISHI LANCER owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER Fuel Costs
The 1998cc 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 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,897 (£158/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £315 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% 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 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER
At 10 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%. Note: with only 95 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 10 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
Medium riskWith an average of 82k 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 2016 MITSUBISHI LANCER stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MITSUBISHI LANCER(2016) | 94% | £1327 | £315 | Grp 18-32 | £1897 |
| FORD FOCUS(2014) | 80% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£220 |
| NISSAN QASHQAI(2014) | 78% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£70 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£315 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(2015) | 88% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£220 |
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.
Related Mitsubishi Models
Explore other Mitsubishi cars or similar models in the same category.
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