Mitsubishi Space Star DG0
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Careful — this is the FIRST Space Star: a compact mini-MPV on Carisma underpinnings (from 1998), not the namesake city car from 2013. A practical, tall-bodied family hauler for people who want lots of space on a small footprint at a giveaway price.
The engines: The sensible buy is the 4G18 (1.6L, 72 kW) from the Orion family — mechanically simple, good for 200,000–250,000 km. The weaknesses are age-related: oil control rings wear from ~100,000 km and drive up oil consumption (sev3), plus a leaky valve-cover gasket and the odd worn throttle body (lumpy idle). As always, the timing belt is critical (sev5 if overdue). The 4G93 GDI (1.8L, 90 kW) is the problem unit here too — intake coking (sev4/prob4), a dying high-pressure pump, fouled plugs. Only with documented history and a clean cold start.
Whole car: Rust dominates the DG0. The underbody and exhaust corrode broadly (€200–800), and the brake lines rust through (sev4/prob4, €120–500) — a genuine MOT-killer, inspect from below without fail. Add rust on the tailgate above the handle strip. Brakes wear faster than average, and the rear axle, wheel bearings and CV boots are further wear points.
Test drive: Get it on a lift — brake lines and underbody are everything. Check oil level and exhaust blue-smoke on the 4G18. Feel for a spongy brake pedal. On the GDI judge idle and acceleration.
Market 2026: €600–1,500, often a project car at the end of its life. Insider pick: a 4G18 with a dry underbody and fresh brake lines — that's the most honest car in the listing. Skip the GDI here as well.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 is available with 2 engine variants — from 98 to 125 hp.
1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine from the Orion 4G1 series with roughly 72–90 kW, mechanically simple and free of modern gimmicks. Fundamentally long-lived (200,000–250,000 km is realistic) but with two typical age-related weaknesses. First, the oil scraper rings tend to wear prematurely from around 100,000 km, probably due to a poorly dimensioned piston cooling design, leading to rising oil consumption — so keep an eye on the level. Second, like all 4G1 units the throttle body wears and causes a fluctuating idle. Timing runs on a belt, replacement around 90,000 km, interference engine: a snapped belt bends the valves. Ignition coils can drop out with age. With clean servicing and an eye on the oil, a reliable bread-and-butter engine.
- !! Timing belt failure (overdue replacement) from 100,000 km
The 4G18 uses a timing belt drive that will snap if the replacement interval is missed, causing engine damage. Replacement interval: 90,000 km or 6 years. Older vehicles with unknown service history are at risk.
Symptoms: Engine cranks without firing, loud metallic noise, engine won't start - !! Oil consumption from piston ring wear from 100,000 km
The thin oil scraper rings often wear from around 100,000 km, probably due to poor piston cooling. The result is rising oil consumption that can lead to oil starvation if not monitored.
Symptoms: Noticeably dropping oil level between changes, bluish smoke on load changes or throttle blips, oily spark plugs, possible power loss. - ! Valve cover gasket leaking from 100,000 km
The 4G18 valve cover gasket hardens with age and starts to leak. Oil drips onto hot engine components and produces a smell. Simple and cheap to replace — nothing to panic about, but check when buying used.
Symptoms: Oil drops on the underbody beneath the engine, oil smell with warm engine, visible oil on the valve cover
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Mitsubishi's first-generation gasoline direct injection (GDI) and one of the earliest production direct-injection engines at all. Technically ambitious with lean-burn operation and high injection pressure, but in practice very sensitive to poor fuel quality and short trips. The core issue is carbon coking: because no fuel washes over the intake valves, soot from the EGR and crankcase ventilation builds up in the intake tract and on the valve faces, causing stumbling, rough idle and power loss, typically around 2,000 rpm. Regular intake-tract cleaning (walnut-shell blasting) plus a working EGR and a clean throttle body are essential. The map-controlled high-pressure pump wears over time and triggers limp mode and starting problems. Oil-fouled spark plugs call for short replacement intervals. Durable with consistent care, quickly temperamental when neglected.
- !! Intake tract carboned up from 80,000 km
The first GDI generation suffers severely from carbon build-up in the intake tract and on the intake valves. Soot deposits narrow the ports and disrupt mixture formation. Forum users report this as the cause in 95% of GDI problems.
Symptoms: Rough idle through to stalling, power loss, increased fuel consumption, stumbling under load - !! GDI high-pressure pump failed from 120,000 km
The high-pressure pump of the first GDI generation is prone to leaks and pressure loss. Mitsubishi requires complete replacement — repair is not provided for. New parts cost around 1,000 EUR.
Symptoms: Engine stumbles under acceleration, starting problems, fluctuating fuel pressure, check engine light - !! Spark plugs oil-fouled and sooted up from 30,000 km
The GDI injection causes heavy oil fouling and sooting of the spark plugs. Forum reports show plugs saturated with petrol and oil. Shorter replacement intervals (maximum 30,000 km) are advisable.
Symptoms: Difficult cold start, rough idle at 300–400 rpm, stumbling at low rpm
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Underbody and exhaust rust Underbody corrosion protection is inadequate, especially with winter use on salted roads. The exhaust system also rusts through prematurely. Rear axle suspension and the exhaust are typical MOT/TÜV weak points. Symptoms: Visible underbody rust, rusted-through exhaust components, rattling exhaust | Medium | |
| Rust on tailgate above the handle strip Rust bubbles form across the full width above the tailgate handle strip. A classic weak spot of this generation; the rear fender-to-bumper transitions also rust. Symptoms: Rust bubbles and bubbling paint above the tailgate handle, later rust-through. from 130,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 15 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 (1998–2005) — 9 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: 4G93 (1.8L GDI). Typical issues affect Rust, Brakes, Suspension.
Space Star (4G18, 1998–2005) — Be Careful: Timing belt failure (overdue replacement), Oil consumption from piston ring wear, Valve cover gasket leaking. Power: 98 PS.
Space Star (4G93, 1998–2005) — Stay Away!: Intake tract carboned up, GDI high-pressure pump failed, Spark plugs oil-fouled and sooted up. Power: 118–122 PS.
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 DG0 have? +
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Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mitsubishi Space Star DG0 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee