1997 · 27 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1997 Mitsubishi L200 MOT pass rate and common faults

108 MOT tests in 2024. 64.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time64.8%
Failed or needed repairs35.2%
Typical mileage at test130,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 108 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.6%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.6%
  3. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.6%
    11 marked dangerous
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.7%
  6. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.7%
  7. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.7%
  8. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.8%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.8%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Body & chassis23.1%
  2. Lights & electrics20.4%
  3. Suspension19.4%
  4. Brakes18.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.6%
  6. Emissions & leaks5.6%
  7. Tyres4.6%
  8. Steering4.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded30.6%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.7%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play12.0%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.0%
  5. Chassis condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced10.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All L200 years1998 L200 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Mitsubishi L200?

In 2024, 64.8% of 1997 Mitsubishi L200 cars passed their MOT first time, across 108 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Mitsubishi L200?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle. The biggest problem area was body & chassis.

Is the 1997 Mitsubishi L200 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).