Mitsubishi Space Star 2002-2006 Buying Guide

The revised Space Star is a fair small-MPV buy when the cabin is intact and the history is clear. Confirm the offered Mitsubishi Space Star 2002-2006 matches its paperwork, then book an inspection that covers its construction and fitted equipment.

I used RAC used-car review when preparing this November 7, 2026 guide. Those sources describe the model engineering and historical context, not every surviving chassis. So, the checks below turn that background into questions for a seller and a workshop; they do not assign a failure rate or current market value.

Separate the 2002 car from the Colt Space Star

The revised Space Star is a fair small-MPV buy when the cabin is intact and the history is clear. RAC says the Colt Space Star had been sold in Britain since late 1998, and a new Space Star without the Colt name arrived in July 2002. The 1.3 and 1.6 petrol engines carried over, the 1.8 GDI was dropped and a 1.9 DI-D diesel joined. Trims were Mirage and Equippe, with a Classic version from early 2003. Check the build date and engine against the logbook.

Look hard at the cabin

RAC says the interior is better than before but still not hewn from rock, and that it is obvious where costs were cut. Check the seats for tears and stains and look for snapped-off fittings. RAC also advises inspecting the luggage area and seat backs for loading damage. Open every cubby, test the rear cupholders and check that the seat adjusters lock firmly. Ask for the service history; RAC credits Mitsubishi with a reputation for durability, but records still matter.

Choose the engine and gearbox to suit you

RAC calls the 1.3 slow and suggests the 1.6, which came with a five-speed manual or the INVECS II four-speed automatic that adapts to driving style. On a permitted road test of an automatic, check that shifts are smooth from cold and that it does not hunt between gears. On a manual, feel for a slipping clutch. For a 1.9 DI-D diesel, ask about injector and turbo history and watch for smoke under load.

Budget for the exhaust

RAC singled out the exhaust as the expensive item on a 1.3, especially with the catalyst. Ask a workshop to check the whole system on a lift, including the hangers and the catalyst body. Listen for blows at cold start. RAC notes that every model was fitted with alloy wheels, so check them for kerb damage and cracks, and look at the tyres for uneven wear that could point to alignment problems.

Check supply for less common parts

RAC quoted parts prices for a 2002 1.3i, such as a clutch around 170 pounds. Those numbers are history. Ask a supplier for current prices and confirm whether the part fits the 2002 car or the earlier Colt Space Star, since every exterior panel changed. Photograph any broken trim and send it with the chassis number when you ask.

Put the identity and import file beside the inspection

The physical chassis identifier must agree with the sale documents before a report is ordered. Use our VIN identity checks to organise that comparison and our imported-car report guide to understand why foreign history may be thin. Ask for original registration, import and ownership papers as applicable. NMVTIS offers a U.S. title-history route with defined coverage; it does not certify a bespoke build or replace foreign records. A fake PDF can disguise an ownership gap, so verify evidence through the issuing source rather than accepting a seller screenshot.

Agree the specialist work before leaving a deposit

Tell the shop which version and components it will see, then agree lift access, a controlled road test and a written description of limitations. Our pre-purchase inspection checklist helps frame the appointment, while NYC used-car guidance recommends an independent mechanic. Ask the specialist to separate immediate safety work from cosmetic preferences and optional upgrades. Look, a repair estimate is useful only if a supplier will actually provide the required part. Have the shop obtain a response for any known missing item.

Keep the offer conditional on the findings you care about. Put any seller repair promise in the purchase agreement. If the workshop cannot establish structural condition or a route to a needed safety part, defer the deal rather than inventing a discount. The final decision should reflect the documented car and your intended use, not a figure copied from a launch story.

We are a licensed CARFAX and AutoCheck reseller, not affiliated with CARFAX, AutoCheck or Experian. Wholesale reports cost a few dollars; confirm current coverage and the total at checkout. A quiet report can miss unreported repairs. Keep the independent inspection even if the seller sends an impressive PDF.

Sources

• RAC used-car review
• U.S. DOJ NMVTIS
• NYC used-car buying guidance