Item: Used Mitsubishi Space Wagon MPV 1998 - 2004
Rating: 3
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

<p dir="ltr">While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.</p>

<p dir="ltr">More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.</p>


MITSUBISHI

SPACE WAGON

<p>The Mitsubishi Space Wagon is a comfortable family cruiser with good interior space, but it lacks versatility</p>


Used Mitsubishi Space Wagon MPV 1998 - 2004

<p>It may sound odd, but the Space Wagon is a desirable motor for families with three or more kids. That and its reliability have kept prices higher than average, and also means you shouldn't lose a fortune if you keep it for a year or two and sell it on.</p>

<p>Poor fuel economy is one of the downsides. The 2.0-litre only returns 30mpg, while the more powerful car offers just under that. You'll get slightly better figures out of a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/galaxy/mpv/review/n142">Ford Galaxy</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/renault/espace/mpv/used-review/n565">Renault Espace</a>.</p>

<p>Servicing could also be an issue, because the Space Wagon needs a check-up every 9000 miles, compared with 12,000 on the Ford.</p>

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The Mitsubishi Space Wagon is a comfortable family cruiser with good interior space, but it lacks versatility

<p>With no diesel engine, it's a choice between the 2.0-litre 134bhp and 2.4-litre 147bhp petrols. Both are fine performers, but the latter is more modern and refined, and it features Mitsubishi's respected GDI direct injection technology. The older engine needs to be worked that bit harder to make decent progress.</p>

<p>Standard kit on all 2.0 Space Wagons is high, with even the basic GL getting power steering, twin front airbags, alloys, CD player, electric windows and mirrors. GLX adds air-conditioning, while GLS gets a sunroof and sidebags.</p>

<p>The 2.4 comes in Equippe trim, which had everything on it. All this is great for the used buyer - it means there's no dodgy base model that should be avoided at all costs.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of space for all the family and their paraphernalia</li> <li>Comfortable ride for everyone inside</li> <li>Seats with plenty of adjustment and versatility of layout</li> <li>Engine that can cope with a full load of people and luggage</li> <li>Excellent efficiency to avoid big fuel bills</li></ul>

<p>Practicality is king in the MPV market, which has taken a hit as buyers have turned towards trendier SUVs. There are still plenty of decent offerings to suit most budgets, though, with Citroën fielding a particularly strong line-up. The French manufacturer’s Berlingo offers bags of space for not much money and you can easily haggle off thousands of extra pounds in discounts, too.</p>

<p>Citroën also scores with the larger Grand C4 Spacetourer, which offers seven seats, lots of oddment space and appealing running costs for something so large. A similarly priced and even better option is the Volkswagen Touran. Meanwhile, if you prefer a premium badge, there's always the BMW 2 Series Active and Gran Tourers or Mercedes B-Class and V-Class.</p>

<p>But for something sizeable that's still decent to drive, we’d recommend you check out the Ford Galaxy, which can offer three rows of seats and decent luggage space at the same time. It’s not that much pricier than the smaller S-Max.</p>

<p>If there's one thing you can say about Japanese cars, it's that they are generally very reliable, and the Mitsubishi Space Wagon is no exception.</p>

<p>Mechanical gremlins are few and far between, although there were reports of petrol smells in the cabin because of leaky fuel tanks. The brake booster unit on some early cars requires modification to keep it working efficiently, so check that's been done if you're considering a '98-'99 model.</p>

<p>Both issues were the subject of manufacturer recalls in the UK, so ask the seller if the vehicle was affected. Splitting front brake hoses were also a fault on some cars, and it's worth looking out for suspension damage, given how firmly the Space Wagon can ride down bumpy roads.</p>

<p>Finally, look for broken switchgear and shabby upholstery caused by younger passengers who can't sit still, as the quality of the interior is average in comparison to rivals'.</p>

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<p>Not to be confused with the Space Star or Space Runner, the Mitsubishi Space Wagon is a proper people carrier, with the option of six or seven seats. The layout is either 2+2+2, with captain's chairs throughout, or 2+2+3, with a bench across the back.</p>

<p>In or out of town, the MPV cruises happily along, making it a popular used choice for families wanting a budget runabout. The soft suspension makes it wallow about on rougher roads, and you'll crash through potholes, but it can cope with fast, smooth trips comfortably. There's a bit of wind and road noise at the motorway speed limit, but generally it's a peaceful enough experience.</p>

<p>Excellent steering wheel and seat adjustment keep mum and dad happy, although the front chairs are a bit spongy and short of support. However, the dashboard layout is sensible, albeit very drab by modern standards, and the high-mounted gearstick gives room in the footwells for odds and ends.</p>

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Used Mitsubishi Space Wagon MPV 1998 - 2004 review

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Used Mitsubishi Space Wagon MPV 1998 - 2004 review

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