Used Mitsubishi Space Star

What to know before buying: Mitsubishi Space Star

From 2 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The 80 hp 1.2-litre engine feels lively and sufficiently powerful in town, but a full load or air conditioning makes it work harder.[4]one source
• The soft suspension absorbs potholes and bumps well, but outside town there is noticeable body roll and clumsy weight transfer.[4]one source
• The tested 1.2-litre car returned 5.7 l/100 km on highways, 6.0 l/100 km on mixed routes and 6.5 l/100 km in heavy urban driving.[4]one source
• Owners reported no problems up to about 80,000 km with a 1.3-litre car and 60,000 km with a 2005 1.6-litre car, apart from routine servicing.[2]one source
• The older minivan's boot was described as fairly small but tall; another owner found it slightly smaller than a Scenic's.[2]one source

Typical faults

• On 2012+ cars, 3A9x petrol engines may develop increased oil consumption and blue exhaust smoke from roughly 100,000 km.[3]one sourceSpace Star (2012+)

  100 000+ km · 3A90 1.0, 3A92 1.2

• Some 2012+ CVT-equipped cars may exhibit vibration, delayed engagement or noises, especially when maintenance has been inadequate.[3]one sourceSpace Star (2012+)

  0+ km

• On some cars built from 2011 to 2018, faulty battery-charge detection software may cause the engine to stall while using Start-Stop.[3]one source

  2011–2018

• On a 1999 1.3 4G13 car, poor economy and jerking on the first cold take-off were traced to a burnt distributor rotor; cap terminals were corroded.[5]one source

  1999–1999 · 1.3 4G13

• One owner review of a 1999 2.0-litre petrol minivan reported small rust spots.[1]one source

  1999–1999 · 2.0 petrol

Which engine and version to take

• The 80 hp 1.2-litre petrol is a sound city choice: it felt lively in testing and returned 5.7–6.5 l/100 km depending on the route.[4]one source
• The older minivan's 1.3-litre version merits consideration for gentle use: one owner reported no problems to about 80,000 km and roughly 7 l/100 km.[2]one source

What to avoid

• Avoid a 2012+ car with a 3A9 1.0 or 1.2 engine if it emits blue smoke or loses significant oil; the risk becomes more relevant from about 100,000 km.[3]one sourceSpace Star (2012+)
• Do not buy a 1999 1.3 4G13 example that jerks on cold take-off and uses excessive fuel until its distributor rotor and cap have been checked.[5]one source

What to check at the inspection

• On a 2012+ car, check the oil level, start the engine cold and watch the exhaust; blue smoke may indicate increased 3A9x oil consumption.[3]one sourceSpace Star (2012+)
• Test the CVT both cold and warm, request its oil-service history, and watch for vibration, noises or delayed engagement.[3]one sourceSpace Star (2012+)
• Use the VIN to confirm whether a 2011–2018 car received the Start-Stop recall and battery-charge detection software update.[3]one source
• Test a 1999 1.3 4G13 from fully cold. If it jerks or uses excessive fuel, inspect the distributor rotor, cap terminals and ignition parameters.[5]one source
• Inspect an older minivan's body and underside carefully, as a 1999 owner's review mentioned rust spots.[1]one source
• Check reverse-gear engagement on the test drive: in the tested 1.2-litre car it could grate even at rest, especially if the car was still moving.[4]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]auto.jautajums.lv — Mitsubishi Space Star atsauksmes | jautajums.lv - Auto, moto · forum
2. [2]avtomobilizem.com — Poglej temo - mitsubishi spacestar · forum
3. [3]autoradars.lv — Mitsubishi Space Star Space Star (2012+): problēmas un riski · press
4. [4]actualidadmotor.com — Mitsubishi Space Star 1.2 Motion tests, dzinējs, braukšana ... · press
5. [5]fcd.eu — Mileage problem of Mitsubishi Space Star · press

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