MITSUBISHI LANCER (2018)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 48 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,777
£148/month
MOT Pass Rate
92%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 18-32
1998cc Petrol
Great Choice
92% pass rate, £1777/year to run. 10 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~36 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
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 10 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 8 years old, 92% of MITSUBISHI LANCERs from 2018 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 48 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 81,570 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
81,570
Average miles
59,200
Expected for age
The average 2018 MITSUBISHI LANCER has 81,570 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
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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 2018 sits between the two at 92%.
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 2018 MITSUBISHI LANCER
The 2018 MITSUBISHI LANCER is a family car with a 1998cc petrol engine. 48 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2018, the average MOT pass rate is 89%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 81,570 miles at 8 years old, MITSUBISHI LANCER owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2018 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 2018 MITSUBISHI LANCER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,777 (£148/month), broken down as £1327 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 92% 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 2018 MITSUBISHI LANCER
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2014 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. Note: with only 48 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2018 MITSUBISHI LANCER's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 8 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.
Suspension Wear
Medium riskShock absorbers, springs, and anti-roll bar links typically need attention around this age. Listen for clunks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear.
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 2018 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(2018) | 92% | £1327 | £195 | Grp 18-32 | £1777 |
| FORD FOCUS(2016) | 87% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1677-£100 |
| VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| FORD KUGA(2018) | 90% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
| MINI COOPER(2018) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£195 |
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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MITSUBISHI L200
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MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
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FORD FOCUS
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VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2019 · 1498cc Petrol
FORD KUGA
2018 · 1499cc Petrol
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