Mitsubishi Shogun (2003)
Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 2,397 MOT tests in 2024.
Annual Cost
£3,303
£275/month
MOT Pass Rate
73%
Average
Road Tax
£790
Estimated/year
Est. Insurance
Grp 35-50
3200cc Petrol
Check Carefully
73% pass rate, £3,303/year to run. 9 points below average.
Check a specific Mitsubishi Shogun
Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.
Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Estimated CO2 band
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.
73% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Shoguns from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 2,397 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 135,166 miles.
Got a Mitsubishi Shogun you're looking at?
Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.
How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
135,166
Average miles
155,400
Expected for age
The average 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun had 135,166 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Looking at a specific Mitsubishi Shogun?
Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
Best Year to Buy?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 70%. The 2003 scores 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Mitsubishi Shogun by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 92% | 2,485 | 33,104 mi | |
| 2020 | 91% | 1,335 | 38,989 mi | |
| 2019 | 90% | 1,494 | 49,790 mi | |
| 2018 | 91% | 2,145 | 68,319 mi | |
| 2017 | 88% | 2,163 | 61,220 mi | |
| 2016 | 86% | 3,021 | 67,974 mi | |
| 2015 | 86% | 3,665 | 73,543 mi | |
| 2014 | 83% | 3,098 | 85,646 mi | |
| 2013 | 82% | 1,755 | 95,477 mi | |
| 2012 | 78% | 1,389 | 102,910 mi | |
| 2011 | 80% | 2,115 | 113,371 mi | |
| 2010 | 75% | 2,178 | 119,428 mi | |
| 2009 | 75% | 1,398 | 123,757 mi | |
| 2008 | 75% | 2,117 | 121,685 mi | |
| 2007 | 75% | 3,877 | 128,337 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 3,415 | 132,975 mi | |
| 2005 | 73% | 4,002 | 134,378 mi | |
| 2004 | 73% | 4,159 | 139,286 mi | |
| 2003 | 73% | 2,397 | 135,166 mi | |
| 2002 | 75% | 1,224 | 130,659 mi | |
| 2001 | 74% | 526 | 132,508 mi | |
| 2000 | 76% | 462 | 134,000 mi | |
| 1999 | 77% | 892 | 137,340 mi | |
| 1998 | 81% | 1,200 | 131,076 mi | |
| 1997 | 77% | 703 | 128,946 mi | |
| 1996 | 76% | 586 | 133,576 mi | |
| 1995 | 79% | 409 | 148,949 mi | |
| 1994 | 70% | 213 | 136,701 mi | |
| 1993 | 82% | 114 | 133,566 mi | |
| 1992 | 65% | 63 | 120,304 mi | |
| 1991 | 79% | 77 | 117,765 mi | |
| 1990 | 79% | 68 | 157,321 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
Check a Specific Mitsubishi Shogun
Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.
Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.
About the 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun
The 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3200cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 2,397 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 135,166 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Shogun owners drive about as much as the UK average.
2003 Mitsubishi Shogun Fuel Costs
The 3200cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 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 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun?
Total estimated annual running cost is £3,303 (£275/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £790 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 73% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
Mitsubishi Shogun Reliability Trend
Newer Mitsubishi Shoguns pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
Buying a Used 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun
At 23 years old, the Mitsubishi Shogun 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 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 92%.
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 outAt 23 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 riskLarger 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 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
Watch outWith an average of 135k 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.
Engine Mounts
Medium riskWorn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.
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 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun 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 Shogun(2003) | 73% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303 |
| BMW 3 Series(2001) | 77% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958-£345 |
| Mercedes E(2004) | 78% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,303same |
| Porsche Boxster(2005) | 86% | £1,958 | £790 | Grp 35-50 | £3,153-£150 |
| Volvo XC90(2005) | 73% | £1,958 | £445 | Grp 30-42 | £2,958-£345 |
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 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 73% of MOT tests on 2003 Mitsubishi Shoguns ended in a pass, from 2,397 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 9 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.
How much does a 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun cost to run?
Our estimate is £3,303 a year (£275 a month): £1,958 fuel, £790 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 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun?
73% of 2,397 MOT tests on the 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 205th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top half).
Which year Mitsubishi Shogun has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Mitsubishi Shogun has the highest MOT pass rate at 92% and the 1994 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.
What is the average mileage for a 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun?
The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Mitsubishi Shogun is 135,166 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.
Related Mitsubishi Models
Explore other Mitsubishi cars or similar models in the same category.
Mitsubishi Outlander
2015 · 1998cc Hybrid
Mitsubishi L200
2017 · 2442cc Diesel
Mitsubishi Eclipse
2018 · 1400cc Petrol
BMW 3 Series
2001 · 3000cc Petrol
Mercedes E
2004 · 3199cc Petrol
Porsche Boxster
2005 · 3197cc Petrol
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Mitsubishi Shogun.
Cheapest Cars to Run in 2026: Running Costs From DVSA MOT Data
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Run in the UK: A Complete Cost Breakdown
11 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Common Problems: 7 Issues That Could Cost £1,500+ (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific Mitsubishi Shogun
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a Mitsubishi Shogun? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
With outstanding finance included