Considering the purchase price and maintenance and repair costs when looking for a used car is essential. Mitsubishi is generally a reliable brand with reasonable ownership costs. However, one Mitsubishi model has the highest annual maintenance and repair costs of over $600.

Mitsubishi cars’ annual maintenance and repair costs

According to RepairPal, all Mitsubishi models’ average annual maintenance and repair costs are $535. RepairPal provides ratings and reviews for auto repair shops and estimates for common repairs and maintenance costs for various vehicle models. The site calculates annual repair costs by considering the frequency and severity of reported repairs and the cost of parts and labor.

The annual repair cost rating that RepairPal provides is a valuable tool for consumers, as it can help them anticipate the cost of ownership over time. Though Mitsubishi’s average annual repair costs might be higher than other brands, it’s important to note that proper maintenance can help reduce the likelihood of major repairs and keep a car running smoothly.

Regularly servicing a Mitsubishi and addressing any issues promptly can also help prevent minor problems from turning into significant, costlier repairs.

The Mitsubishi Lancer has higher-than-average maintenance and repair costs

The Lancer is a compact car known for its sporty design and performance. However, like all cars, the Lancer requires maintenance and repairs over time. According to RepairPal, it has an average annual repair cost of $646, making it Mitsubishi’s most expensive model to maintain.

One of the most commonly reported issues is a hard-to-turn HVAC temperature knob. That affects eight with the Lancer model years (2002 to 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2012) and has been reported by 174 owners. The average mileage of affected vehicles is 108,872, and the issue can be resolved with a cabin air filter replacement, which costs between $55 and $71, or an A/C diagnosis, costing $88 to $111.

The most expensive Mitsubishi Lancer repair is the throttle body replacement, costing between $1,232 and $1,251. This fix might be necessary if the vehicle experiences issues with acceleration, stalling, or rough idling. That applies to any Lancer model year.

Though the Mitsubishi Lancer has higher annual repair costs than some other cars, regular maintenance and inspections can help identify and address issues before they become significant problems.

The Expo has the lowest maintenance costs

The Mitsubishi Expo stands out for its low annual maintenance costs. According to RepairPal, this ’90s minivan has an average annual repair cost of only $254, making it one of the few Mitsubishi models with a maintenance cost under $300. However, that doesn’t mean the Expo is immune to issues.

One of the most commonly reported problems concerns the seatbelts, which might not retract properly. Seven owners across four model years, from 1992 to 1995, have reported the issue. It can be particularly concerning because it might reduce passenger safety.

Another common problem with the Mitsubishi Expo is premature clutch failure. Six owners have reported the issue, occurring around 50,000 miles. It affects four model years — 1992 to 1995 — and can be resolved with a clutch replacement, which costs $878 to $1,029. That might seem like an expensive repair, but it’s still significantly lower than the cost of repairs for other Mitsubishi models. So, if you’re in the market for a used Mitsubishi Expo, check for these common concerns and ensure they’ve been addressed.