Mitsubishi Space Star A05
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
This is the SECOND Space Star — and something entirely different: a city car from 2013, sold globally as the Mitsubishi Mirage, built in Thailand. Buyer profile: someone who wants a near-new, dirt-cheap, frugal city car with a long warranty and minimal running costs. No handling promises, just honest basic transport.
The engines: Both are well-behaved. The 3A91 (1.0L, 52 kW) is a tiny three-cylinder with MIVEC and a timing chain instead of a belt — extremely durable in town. Early 2013–2014 cars had premature plug failures and starter engagement issues (both only sev2). The 3B20 (1.2L, 59 kW, also CVT) is the rounder choice — smoother, more torque, equally low-maintenance. One note: the chain can lightly rattle on cold start at high mileage (sev3). Raised oil consumption only shows up late.
Model years: Favour 2015 and later — the early starting niggles are sorted by then. The facelift also added a bit more kit.
Whole car: The biggest money risk is the CVT auto: shudder and delayed shifts can get pricey (€800–4,500). If that worries you, take the manual. Underbody rust and corroded brake drums are age-related (€200–800), and front discs wear early (from 50,000 km). Inside: barely any sound deadening, creaky seats, and weak heating in winter. There's also a recall on the auto stop-start ECU.
Test drive: On the CVT, watch for shudder when pulling away and shift hesitation — that's the deal-breaker. Early cars: cold-start it several times. Check the heater at idle. Ask about recall status.
Market 2026: €4,000–8,000 depending on year and mileage. Insider pick: a 1.2 manual from 2015 on — tough, frugal and free of CVT risk, the most honest cheap city runabout going.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mitsubishi Space Star A05 is available with 2 engine variants — from 71 to 80 hp.
Small naturally aspirated three-cylinder with MIVEC intake cam phasing and a timing chain instead of a belt. Mechanically robust and simply built, extremely durable in city traffic with regular oil changes. Earlier build years up to 2014 saw occasional premature spark plug failures and starter engagement problems causing hard starting. Otherwise the engine is low-maintenance; keep the throttle body clean and the battery healthy and it runs trouble-free for very high mileages.
- ! Spark plug failure (model years 2013–2014) from 65,000 km
Vehicles from model years 2013 and 2014 show increased spark plug failures. Early production batches are primarily affected. Normal replacement interval is 60,000–80,000 km.
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, idle fluctuation, increased fuel consumption - ! Starter motor spins without engaging from 120,000 km
Multiple owners report the starter motor not engaging the engine correctly. Occurs mainly after extended operation or in cold weather. Starter motor or overrunning clutch pinion worn.
Symptoms: Engine spins freely during starting, starter fails to engage, cranking noise without ignition
Slightly larger naturally aspirated three-cylinder of the MIVEC family with a timing chain. In daily use smoother and torquier than its smaller sibling, while just as simple and durable in construction. The timing chain can rattle slightly at higher mileages, usually from reduced chain tension on cold starts. Elevated oil consumption is rather rare and tends to appear late. Overall a mature, low-maintenance engine that easily reaches very high mileages with regular servicing.
- !! Timing chain/tensioner rattle on cold start from 120,000 km
At higher mileages the timing chain can stretch and the tensioner can lose pre-load. The result is a brief rattle right after a cold start. Caught early, often only the tensioner needs replacing.
Symptoms: Brief metallic rattle in the first seconds after a cold start that disappears once oil pressure builds up. - ! Elevated oil consumption at high mileage from 150,000 km
Only at high mileages can oil consumption rise above normal, usually due to ageing valve stem seals or minor leaks. Up to 250 ml/1000 km is normal; over 300 ml indicates wear.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between changes, slight blue smoke on load changes, occasional oil smell.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake discs wearing prematurely The front brake discs wear at an above-average rate, often within five years. The low vehicle weight masks the wear in everyday use, which can lead to late detection. Symptoms: Vibration when braking, squealing or grinding, visible grooves in the brake discs from 50,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 11 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Space Star A05 (2013–2020) — 4 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Brakes, Rust, Electronics, Interior. Considered reliable: 3A91 (1.0L MIVEC), 3B20 (1.2L MIVEC).
What to watch out for with the Mitsubishi Space Star? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mitsubishi Space Star A05 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Mitsubishi Space Star A05? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mitsubishi Space Star A05 engine is the most reliable? +
Which Mitsubishi Space Star A05 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mitsubishi Space Star A05 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Mitsubishi Space Star A05? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee