1989 Mitsubishi Lancer GXLi review from Finland
"They don't get more reliable than this"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Some bushings were worn.
OEM water pump started to rattle.
The lids on some small compartments inside have long since broken off.
Silencer had a rusted hole through.
Power steering pump, alternator and cam belts were replaced.
Floor had some rust present.
The interior heater motor has a life of 300 000km, then it will die soon and without warning. It's rather pricey to replace.
2nd Gear's synchromesh is dying.
OEM clutch is about to die soon.
General comments?
The best daily driver you can get. Cheap, virtually maintenance free and not thirsty on fuel, either. Just change the oil on time and it'll run to world's end and back, too.
It's a great choice for cold climates. I've cold started it often at -35 Celsius with no problem, Heater could provide a bit more warmth in the winter, but seat heaters are good.
It handles is well (though it's no 205 GTI).
Most mechanical parts start to make loud noise before their eventual demise, so you don't have to keep track of kilometers to time the replace of other parts than the cam belt.
Eats a little oil at 370k (0.5l/1000km), but with no internal engine work done, that's expected at this age and I don't consider it a fault of anyone other than my own.
Fuel consumption is minimal and it has sufficient power for safe overtakes.
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 | A fun, city car that wants to be pampered |
  | Economic runabout |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1989 |
| First year of ownership | 2003 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.5 injection Manual |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 10/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 330000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 371000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Peugeot 205 |
| Date of Entry | 16th March, 2005 |