2008 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT pass rate: 69.9% (4,239 tests)
Is the 2008 Lancer getting worse?
Pass rate of 2008-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 70.1% +4.7 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 69.4% +4.6 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 70.3% +5.1 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2008 Lancer
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 1,033 | 24.0% |
| 2 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 946 | 22.0% |
| 3 | Brakes | 798 | 18.6% |
| 4 | Steering | 362 | 8.4% |
| 5 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 320 | 7.4% |
| 6 | Tyres | 302 | 7.0% |
All Lancer years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3,025 | 74.2% | +9.7 pts | 83,513 |
| 2006 | 2,884 | 72.4% | +7.9 pts | 84,314 |
| 2007 | 2,547 | 70.7% | +5.6 pts | 82,139 |
| 2008 (this page) | 4,239 | 69.9% | +4.8 pts | 91,105 |
| 2009 | 3,353 | 67.5% | +1.1 pts | 99,526 |
| 2010 | 4,852 | 65.1% | -2.3 pts | 99,142 |
| 2011 | 3,576 | 65.1% | -4.1 pts | 96,753 |
- Free MOT history checkThe exact car’s failures, advisories and mileage trail — sellers can’t edit it
- Topdon OBD2 scannersTopdon diagnostic scanners with full-system readouts
- XTOOL diagnostic toolsXTOOL code readers for petrol and diesel cars
- Autel UK testersAutel professional-grade diagnostic testers
FAQs
Is a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
2008-registered examples passed 69.9% of their MOT tests (4,239 tests, 2023–2025), +4.8 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 18 years old with a median 91,105 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2008 Lancer?
The median tested example shows 91,105 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Should I buy the petrol or diesel 2008 Lancer?
In this cohort petrols pass 71.3% of tests against 60.9% for diesels. Mileage and use can explain part of that gap, so treat it as a reason to inspect DPF and emissions history, not a fuel-type verdict.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.