Hello people, I am Gilbert from California USA.
YES YOU HEARD ME RIGHT... Mitsubishi KNOWS how to make a car! This is a "J" car. Why I say "J" car?? It's cause it's one of those cars that has a letter "J" for the first letter on it's VIN number. Now for these cars, I have heard that these are definitely from Japan. Cause American OR import name, If the first letter is NOT a "J", it's not made in Japan. I try avoiding buying used cars that don't have a "J" as the first letter. This is cause for me, Japanese cars HAVE BEEN PROVEN to me to be FAR better quality than american made cars.
As far as I'm concerned, Mitsubishi are GOOD cars. They are well made and lots of quality.
My 1997 Mitsubishi Mirage is as good of quality as a Toyota or Honda, BUT they are as BORING in style as a mid 90's Ford Contours or Ford Tempo.
I had replace my dud 1994 Ford Escort which died at 133k miles. What I really like about my 97 Mitsubishi IS THE QUALITY!!!
This 97 Mitsubishi Mirage has gone 65000 miles since I bought it. I had NEVER NEVER had major problems! No engine, or transmission issues whatsoever!!!
I NEVER even had any problems (EVER) with passing the smog inspections every other year, NEVER had "Check Engine" lights.
The only biggest problem was the water pump! THAT'S IT! So far anyway.
What's funny here, is that I BEAT UP my car too! I drive it HARD! "pedal to metal" 3/4 of the time! I use this car for my job of a delivery driver. 250 miles a day!!! Yes 250 a day!!!
I may "beat up" my car, but I DO still keep up all oil changes etc. I replaced transmission fluid once only.
As of now, my car loses or consumes a little oil, I do see a small puddle of oil on the floor.
I do notice that my car stresses a little on the SUPER hot days. That's about all the issues I'm having with my Mirage.
So overall quality is A1!!!
What I DON'T like my 97 Mirage, the ride is very choppy. This is a BORING style of car. It's TOO typical and everyday looking.
