# Mitsubishi Colt — Used Car Buying Guide

AutoScout's analysis of the Mitsubishi Colt on the UK used-car market. Backed by 33 million DVSA MOT tests, current AutoTrader pricing, and depreciation curves derived from CAP/Glass's Guide data.

Live interactive report: https://autoscout.fyi/cars/mitsubishi-colt

## Verdict

- **Best value year**: 2010
- **Ideal trim**: CZ2
- **Target mileage**: 60,000–80,000 miles
- **Max previous owners**: 4
- **Target price**: £2,500

## Why this model

The Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2012 generation) is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a super reliable, no-frills small car that's incredibly cheap to buy and run. It's often overlooked, but these little cars are built like tanks and just keep going. They're surprisingly spacious for their size and perfect for city driving or as a second car.

## What you should pay

For a 2010-2011 model, you should aim to pay between £2,000 and £2,800 for a well-maintained CZ2 or Juro trim. Prices are very stable at this age, so you won't lose much more money on depreciation.

## Which trim to buy

The CZ2 trim hits the sweet spot. It adds a few nice-to-haves like alloy wheels, air conditioning, and electric windows all round, without pushing the price up too much. It feels a bit more modern than the basic CZ1 but still keeps running costs low and remains excellent value.

## What to check before you buy

- Minor electrical faults (e.g., central locking)
- Suspension bush wear (can cause knocking noises)
- Exhaust corrosion (common on older cars)

## Running costs

Running costs are very low. Fuel economy for the 1.3L petrol is around 47 mpg, which at current petrol prices (approx. £1.45/litre or £6.59/gallon) works out to about 14p per mile. Road tax (VED) for a 2010 1.3L model is typically around £160-£190 per year, depending on the exact CO2 emissions. Insurance is generally cheap, falling into lower groups (e.g., Group 6-10).

## Key stats

- **Fuel Type**: Petrol
- **Horsepower**: 95 hp (1.3L)
- **Mpg**: 47 mpg
- **Reliability Score**: Excellent
- **Safety Rating**: 4/5 stars (Euro NCAP 2005)

## Trim comparison

| Trim | Price new | Price used | Key features |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CZ1 | £9,000 | £1,800 | CD player; Electric front windows; Central locking |
| CZ2 | £11,000 | £2,500 | Air conditioning; Alloy wheels; Electric front and rear windows |
| Juro | £12,000 | £2,800 | Automatic lights and wipers; Bluetooth connectivity; Rear parking sensors |

## Depreciation forecast

| Year | Estimated value | Retention |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 2026 | £2,500 | 0% |
| 2027 | £2,200 | 12% |
| 2028 | £1,900 | 24% |
| 2029 | £1,600 | 36% |
| 2030 | £1,300 | 48% |

You're buying this Colt well past its main depreciation curve. The biggest drops in value have already happened, so you'll lose very little money on it each year. It's a fantastic car for minimal depreciation if you keep it for a few years, making it a very cost-effective choice.

Total value lost since new: 78%.

## Alternatives to consider

- [Ford Fiesta](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/ford-fiesta.md)
- [Vauxhall Corsa](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/vauxhall-corsa.md)
- [Toyota Yaris](https://autoscout.fyi/cars/toyota-yaris.md)

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Source: AutoScout (https://autoscout.fyi). Part of a review of the UK used-car market across 500+ models.