2003 Mitsubishi Carisma mirage review from UK and Ireland

Car had been standing for a while and made a screeching noise on tickover. Problem traced to faulty ECU, which was an official Mitsubishi recall. Dealt with swiftly by dealer.

I have had the car for a couple of months, it was originally bought as a very cheap nearly new vehicle. 7 grand for a year old car with 6k miles.

The car is very solid with typical japanese quality even though the base model for this car is the Volvo S40, and the 102hp common rail diesel engine is out of the latest renault megane and laguna range.

The Carisma is the most ironically named car in existence, it has zero image and says nothing whatsoever about its driver, but this indeed has its advantages. You can park it anywhere, and because you got a nearly new car for no money, the last thing your going to be worried about is depreciation. You would lose more money on a new golf over 3 years than picking one of these up nearly new from a supermarket for example. However, don't touch the petrol engines as they have virtually no residuals.

Engine is a gem. Latest Renault common rail unit. Much quieter than the VW PD units which are fast, but sound like a tractor in comparison. No evidence inside the cabin to suggest this is a diesel at 70mph. Pulls like a train from 1500rpm and requires very few gearchanges. Averages around 50mpg with fairly hard driving. Ultra relaxed 5th gear gives 90mph cruising at 3000 rpm (where legal!).

Handling is a bit sloppy, its not the sort of car you chuck at bends, but the brakes are strong, steering and gearchange very light, overall an excellent long distance car, but a bit of a handful on twisty roads if you decide to press on.

A bit of an old mans car, but knowing how little you paid for it, in addition to enjoying the latest diesel technology, will keep you smiling.