Mitsubishi Space Star as a used car

The Mitsubishi Space Star is an unusual used-car proposition because it deliberately avoids many of the things that make modern small cars expensive and complicated. It is small, light, economical and mechanically uncomplicated, with naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engines and a relatively modest amount of technology. The current-generation Space Star, known as the Mirage in many markets, arrived in Europe in 2013 and remained on sale for an unusually long period, receiving significant updates during its life rather than being replaced by a completely new model. In Europe it occupied the space between traditional city cars and small hatchbacks, making it an alternative to cars such as the Hyundai i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Aygo and various small Fiat and Volkswagen models. Its basic philosophy is simple: keep the car light, inexpensive to operate and easy to manoeuvre, while providing enough interior space for everyday family use. That approach means the Space Star is not particularly exciting, refined or luxurious, but those shortcomings can become advantages when looking for an affordable used car.

Why Consider a Used Mitsubishi Space Star?

Small dimensions, big advantage in the city

The first thing you notice about the Space Star is how compact it is. Depending on model year and facelift, it is roughly 3.8 metres long and 1.67 metres wide, with a wheelbase of 2.45 metres. Those dimensions make it exceptionally easy to place on narrow streets and in crowded parking areas, while the relatively tall body gives occupants a more upright seating position than the exterior dimensions might suggest. The official Mitsubishi specifications list a turning circle of approximately 4.6 metres, which is another reason why the car feels particularly well suited to urban driving.

The compact dimensions do not mean that the Space Star is a two-seat city toy. It has five doors and five seats, and the cabin makes surprisingly effective use of its footprint. Rear-seat space is reasonable for a car of this size, although adults will naturally find longer journeys less comfortable than they would in a larger hatchback. The boot is one of the compromises: the official capacity is around 235 litres in typical configurations, increasing substantially when the rear seats are folded. That makes the Space Star perfectly adequate for shopping, commuting and modest luggage, but buyers who regularly carry bulky objects or travel with four adults should consider a larger hatchback.

Low weight helps everything

One of the Space Star’s most important characteristics is its low weight. Depending on engine and equipment, some versions weigh well under 1,000 kg, which is exceptionally light by modern standards. This benefits fuel consumption, tyre wear, braking and the amount of work required from the engine. It also contributes to the car’s relatively nimble feel in town. The trade-off is that the Space Star does not have the substantial, solid-feeling character of a heavier European hatchback, and wind and road noise can become noticeable at higher speeds.

This light construction is also one reason why the small petrol engines are sufficient for everyday use. The Space Star does not need a large engine to move its relatively small mass, allowing Mitsubishi to use simple three-cylinder naturally aspirated units rather than increasingly complex turbocharged engines. For a used-car buyer who values straightforward mechanical engineering, that is an appealing formula.

Which Engine Is Best?

The 1.2 MIVEC is the best all-round choice

The 1.2-litre MIVEC three-cylinder petrol engine is probably the most desirable engine for buyers who want a Space Star that can handle more than just urban traffic. It produces around 80 hp and 106 Nm, which does not sound impressive on paper, but the low weight of the vehicle makes the performance perfectly usable. Mitsubishi’s technical data lists a 1,193 cc displacement, 59 kW of power and 106 Nm of torque, while contemporary road tests recorded a top speed of around 180 km/h and 0–100 km/h acceleration in roughly 12–13 seconds depending on specification.

The engine is naturally aspirated, meaning there is no turbocharger to worry about, and it uses conventional multi-point fuel injection. That simplicity is valuable in an older used car. The 1.2 is still a small engine, so it needs to be worked reasonably hard when overtaking or climbing steep hills, but it is considerably more comfortable on faster roads than the smaller 1.0-litre version. If the difference in purchase price is modest, the 1.2 is generally the version worth seeking out.

The 1.0 MIVEC is ideal for urban use

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder MIVEC produces approximately 71 hp and 88 Nm. Its main attraction is economy rather than performance. Official figures for later versions show combined consumption in the region of the low-five-litres-per-100-km range under WLTP conditions, while older homologation figures could be lower because they were measured under the previous testing procedure.

In town, the 1.0 is entirely adequate. Its small dimensions and light weight mean that acceleration from traffic lights is acceptable, and the engine can deliver very low running costs when driven gently. On motorways, however, the limitations become more obvious. Overtaking requires planning, and maintaining speed on steep inclines can require frequent downshifts. For someone who spends most of their time driving around a city or suburban area, this may not matter at all. For regular motorway travel, the 1.2 is the better compromise.

What About the CVT Automatic?

Convenient but worth checking carefully

The Space Star was available with a CVT automatic transmission on selected 1.2 versions and, depending on market and model year, other configurations. A CVT suits the character of the car surprisingly well because it allows the small engine to remain in an efficient operating range without requiring the driver to shift constantly. For urban commuting, it can make the Space Star particularly easy and relaxing to drive. Mitsubishi’s own specifications confirm the availability of the CVT alongside the five-speed manual on relevant versions.

A used CVT nevertheless deserves a careful inspection. Reports of Space Star problems include hesitation, jerking or limp-mode behaviour associated with ageing or contaminated transmission fluid and possible sensor problems. That does not mean every CVT-equipped car is troublesome, but it does mean that the transmission should be treated as a component requiring proper maintenance rather than something that can simply be ignored.

During a test drive, accelerate gently from a standstill and then more firmly at different speeds. The engine speed should rise smoothly and the vehicle should accelerate without pronounced shuddering or unexplained hesitation. Any transmission warning light should be investigated before purchase. If the seller cannot provide a convincing maintenance history for the CVT, a manual car may be the safer choice for a buyer whose priority is long-term simplicity.

How Reliable Is the Mitsubishi Space Star?

Simple mechanical design is a major advantage

The Space Star’s reliability story is generally encouraging, particularly because the car is mechanically less complicated than many newer small cars. The naturally aspirated petrol engines do not rely on turbochargers, and the car’s low weight reduces the loads placed on many mechanical components. ADAC breakdown data has also shown relatively low breakdown rates for several later model years, although the figures naturally vary according to age and year of registration.

That should not be interpreted as meaning that a Space Star will never develop faults. Age-related problems still occur, and maintenance items such as brakes, suspension joints, tyres, batteries and spark plugs can cause problems as the car gets older. Recent used-car inspections have specifically highlighted brakes and suspension as areas worth checking carefully, while earlier examples can show weaknesses involving steering or suspension components.

Suspension and brakes deserve attention

The suspension is relatively conventional, with MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion-beam-style rear arrangement. This simple design is inexpensive compared with sophisticated multi-link systems, but bushes, joints, springs and dampers still wear with mileage. Knocking noises over rough roads, excessive bouncing or uneven tyre wear should therefore be investigated.

Brakes are another area that should not be overlooked. Used-car inspection data has identified brake components among the more frequent areas requiring attention. Check the condition of discs and pads, make sure the car stops in a straight line and listen for grinding or excessive vibration. Because the Space Star is light, brake components can last a reasonable amount of time, but an old city car may have experienced repeated short journeys and frequent stop-start driving, which can still take its toll.

What Are the Main Weaknesses?

The interior is functional rather than luxurious

The Space Star’s cabin is one of its clearest reminders that this was designed as an affordable car. Hard plastics dominate the interior, sound insulation is limited and some controls and displays look dated compared with newer rivals. Buyers accustomed to larger hatchbacks may find the dashboard and seats rather basic. However, the simplicity also means there is less to distract from the car’s practical purpose. Higher trim levels can add useful equipment such as heated seats, infotainment systems and other convenience features, so it is worth looking for a well-equipped example if the price difference is small.

The seats and driving position are generally suitable for everyday use, but long motorway journeys expose the car’s limitations. Wind noise, engine noise and the relatively short wheelbase make the Space Star feel much more at home in town than on an unrestricted motorway. This is not a defect so much as a consequence of its design philosophy.

Safety and refinement are not its strongest points

The Space Star was developed as an inexpensive global city car, and it does not offer the same level of structural sophistication, insulation and driver-assistance technology found in more expensive contemporary models. Buyers should therefore pay attention to the exact model year and equipment level rather than assuming that all Space Stars have identical safety equipment.

This is particularly important when comparing an early 2013–2015 car with a later facelifted example. Mitsubishi made several updates during the model’s long production life, and later cars generally benefit from newer equipment and styling. If the budget allows, a later, well-maintained car can make more sense than buying the oldest possible example simply because its purchase price is lower.

What Should You Check Before Buying?

A used Space Star should begin its inspection with the basics: service history, cold-start behaviour, body condition and evidence of proper maintenance. Start the engine from cold and listen for unusual noises or an unstable idle. Check that the engine responds smoothly to throttle input and that there is no excessive exhaust smoke. Because these are small petrol engines, neglecting basic oil and spark-plug maintenance can have a noticeable effect on how smoothly they run.

Next, drive the car over several different surfaces. Listen for suspension knocks, test the steering and brakes, and check whether the car tracks straight. On a manual model, make sure the clutch engages smoothly without slipping. On a CVT, pay particular attention to smooth acceleration and any signs of juddering or hesitation. Finally, test all electrical equipment, including the air conditioning, windows, mirrors, infotainment system, lights and any available driver-assistance equipment.

The exterior also deserves a proper inspection. Look for previous accident repairs, inconsistent paintwork, corrosion and damage underneath the bumpers and sills. A small city car may have accumulated plenty of parking dents and scratches, so cosmetic imperfections should not automatically rule it out. More important is whether the body has been properly repaired after serious damage and whether corrosion has progressed into structural areas.

Which Mitsubishi Space Star Should You Buy?

For most used-car buyers, the ideal combination is the 1.2 MIVEC with a five-speed manual gearbox. It provides enough performance for mixed urban and occasional motorway driving while retaining the simplicity of a naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine. The 1.0 MIVEC is an excellent option if the car will spend almost all of its time in town, especially when low fuel consumption is the main objective. The CVT is attractive for city drivers who want maximum convenience, but its condition and service history should be examined carefully.

Later facelifted examples are particularly interesting because they combine the basic Space Star formula with improvements to styling, equipment and refinement. However, an older car with excellent maintenance history is still preferable to a newer example that has been neglected. The Space Star is one of those used cars where condition, ownership history and servicing can matter considerably more than the number printed on the registration document.

Mitsubishi Space Star as a Used Car: Final Verdict

The Mitsubishi Space Star will not appeal to everyone, and that is actually part of its charm. It is not a premium small car, it is not particularly fast, and its cabin lacks the sophistication of many newer competitors. What it offers instead is a combination of low weight, compact dimensions, simple petrol engines and low operating costs. For a driver who primarily needs reliable transport for commuting, shopping and urban driving, those characteristics can be much more valuable than a fashionable badge or a long list of electronic features. Recent used-car assessments have generally found the Space Star to be a solid proposition, although brakes, suspension and lighting are among the areas that deserve particular attention as the cars age.

The best used Space Star is therefore not necessarily the cheapest one. A well-maintained 1.2 manual with a clear history can be an excellent low-cost daily driver, while a 1.0 is perfectly sensible for predominantly urban use. CVT versions provide additional convenience but require greater attention to transmission condition. If you approach the purchase with realistic expectations and inspect the car carefully, the Space Star can make a surprisingly rational second-hand choice.

Its biggest virtue is perhaps the absence of unnecessary complexity. At a time when even small cars can have turbochargers, sophisticated hybrid systems, dual-clutch transmissions and extensive electronic equipment, the Space Star remains refreshingly straightforward. For buyers who want inexpensive transport rather than automotive theatre, that simplicity can be exactly what makes it worth considering.

Mitsubishi Space Star Technical Specifications

*Specifications vary according to model year, facelift, market, equipment and transmission. Mitsubishi’s European documentation lists the 1.0 MIVEC at 999 cc, 71 hp and 88 Nm, and the 1.2 MIVEC at 1,193 cc, 80 hp and 106 Nm. The later car is approximately 3,845 mm long, while earlier versions were around 3,795 mm. Official documentation gives a 35-litre fuel tank, 2,450 mm wheelbase and approximately 235 litres of standard luggage capacity. *