MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR (2002)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 438 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,157
£180/month
MOT Pass Rate
64%
Below Avg
Road Tax
£265
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 12-25
1584cc Petrol
Proceed With Caution
64% pass rate, £2157/year to run. 18 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
Based on 1584cc
Higher estimate due to low pass rate
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
Below average reliability. Budget extra for maintenance and repairs. That's 18 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 24 years old, 64% of MITSUBISHI SPACE STARs from 2002 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 438 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 89,988 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
89,988
Average miles
177,600
Expected for age
The average 2002 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR has 89,988 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 177,600 miles for a 24-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?
The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 66% MOT pass rate, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 58%. The 2002 sits between the two at 64%.
MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR by Year
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2002 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR
The 2002 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR is a small family car with a 1584cc petrol engine. 438 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. It sits in the bottom 92% of 2002 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 89,988 miles at 24 years old, MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2002 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR 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 £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2002 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,157 (£180/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £265 road tax, £55 MOT, and £700 predicted repairs. The higher repair estimate reflects the 64% MOT pass rate. Cars in this bracket tend to need work on suspension, brakes, and emissions components.
MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR Reliability Trend
Older MITSUBISHI SPACE STARs tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 5 percentage points across model years.
Buying a Used 2002 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR
At 24 years old, the MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR 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 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 66%.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2002 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
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 90k 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.
Higher Than Average Failure Rate
Watch outWith a 64% MOT pass rate, this model fails more often than most. Budget for unexpected repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
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 2002 MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MITSUBISHI SPACE STAR(2002) | 64% | £1137 | £265 | Grp 12-25 | £2157 |
| MINI MINI(2004) | 71% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £1827-£330 |
| FORD FOCUS(2004) | 69% | £1137 | £135 | Grp 12-25 | £2027-£130 |
| FORD FIESTA(2003) | 71% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1722-£435 |
| VOLKSWAGEN POLO(2004) | 67% | £1137 | £30 | Grp 8-20 | £1922-£235 |
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.
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