1980 Mitsubishi Lancer LC 1.6L SOHC

Summary:

Reliable, fun, budget sports car

Faults:

Replaced the engine twice with an imported second hand unit from Japan.

The first engine was replaced because I was young & stupid & treated the car as a race car.

The second replacement was done because it started to give off puffs of smoke from time to time so I poured in some wynn's no smoke into the oil, this resulted in to much oil pressure & blew the engine.

The only problem I had was the engine stalling & was discovered (after a lot of frustration) to be the ballast resistor.

Cam shaft belt was replace in the last engine due to it being perished.

Split & slight drop in foam on drivers seat.

Second gear was hard to engage gear when cold, but was fine when warmed up. (common problem I am told)

General Comments:

I owned the car for 14 years & found it reliable & fun to drive.

The only modifications I had done was the fitting of extractors, a 2" sports exhaust system & KYB Gas shocks all round. This was topped of with a set of 13" mag wheels with 185x60 profile tires.

This car was easy to balance on cornering & felt very stable at high speed & under brakes.

I regret the day I sold this car & get a smile on my face when I see one on the road.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th December, 2003

1980 Mitsubishi Lancer LC 1.6

Summary:

A first car buyers dream!!!

Faults:

Had too clean carby out, but that's about it.

Can have a tendency to rattle.

General Comments:

This car has been able to beat most of the new small cars. I am thinking of turning it into a rally car.

They are very reliable car, unless you run out of fuel.

This Lancer only costs me twenty-five dollars a fortnight to run.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th May, 2002

1980 Mitsubishi Lancer LC Lancer/Celeste 1.6 petrol

Summary:

Without fault

Faults:

Nothing has serious or expensive has ever gone wrong with this car. The head has never been removed. Some of the plastic mounts behind the dash are now becoming brittle, but I've devised a way to fix that.

I have replaced the exhaust system once at 200,000 Km and the rear brake pads once at 150,000 km. I go through a set of front pad about once a year. The clutch was replaced at 210,000km, but it costs me very little. Oh; I had to replace the Uniroyal steel cat tires after a 100,000 km as they started to perish and split at the sidewalls; the tread was fine.

General Comments:

Fun to drive, deceptively fast (the faster it goes the more stable it appears) and totally reliable and economical. Why else would I have kept it for 21 years when other cars have come and gone from my household?

Fuel consumption of 42 mpg is possible and it runs OK on unleaded (better on unleaded premium).

Totally rattle free. Now needs a re-spray as the bonnet (hood) has faded somewhat, but otherwise as good as new. I'm forever running in to people who used to own one and regret selling it; they just couldn't believe their luck would hold and something wouldn't go wrong eventually.

Not a family car; no room for children.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd April, 2001

28th May 2002, 03:47

I got the same car!!!There are three in my town, not including my own, and they are mint. I wouldn't say they are good performers, but they are alright. I like the profile of them, but the steel wheels are a disappointment. I need a new engine, clutch and gearbox, along with brakes and a new light surround. Not bad cars all-up. I give them a 6/10.

1980 Mitsubishi Lancer Coupe (Celeste) 1.6

Summary:

Virtually cost free motoring

Faults:

Very little except for normal consumables - batteries, clutch etc.

General Comments:

Bought very cheaply, serviced once a year, it uses very little fuel and has been extremely reliable. Performace is quite zippy too! Used as second car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th June, 2000