Used Mitsubishi Space Wagon MPV 1998 - 2004 review

Not to be confused with the Space Star or Space Runner, the Mitsubishi Space Wagon is a proper people carrier, with the option of six or seven seats. The layout is either 2+2+2, with captain's chairs throughout, or 2+2+3, with a bench across the back.

In or out of town, the MPV cruises happily along, making it a popular used choice for families wanting a budget runabout. The soft suspension makes it wallow about on rougher roads, and you'll crash through potholes, but it can cope with fast, smooth trips comfortably. There's a bit of wind and road noise at the motorway speed limit, but generally it's a peaceful enough experience.

Excellent steering wheel and seat adjustment keep mum and dad happy, although the front chairs are a bit spongy and short of support. However, the dashboard layout is sensible, albeit very drab by modern standards, and the high-mounted gearstick gives room in the footwells for odds and ends.

It may sound odd, but the Space Wagon is a desirable motor for families with three or more kids. That and its reliability have kept prices higher than average, and also means you shouldn't lose a fortune if you keep it for a year or two and sell it on.

Poor fuel economy is one of the downsides. The 2.0-litre only returns 30mpg, while the more powerful car offers just under that. You'll get slightly better figures out of a Ford Galaxy or Renault Espace.

Servicing could also be an issue, because the Space Wagon needs a check-up every 9000 miles, compared with 12,000 on the Ford.

With no diesel engine, it's a choice between the 2.0-litre 134bhp and 2.4-litre 147bhp petrols. Both are fine performers, but the latter is more modern and refined, and it features Mitsubishi's respected GDI direct injection technology. The older engine needs to be worked that bit harder to make decent progress.

Standard kit on all 2.0 Space Wagons is high, with even the basic GL getting power steering, twin front airbags, alloys, CD player, electric windows and mirrors. GLX adds air-conditioning, while GLS gets a sunroof and sidebags.

The 2.4 comes in Equippe trim, which had everything on it. All this is great for the used buyer - it means there's no dodgy base model that should be avoided at all costs.

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