2006 Mitsubishi 380 ES from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Nothing.

I'll start off by saying that these cars are hugely underated.

I bought mine at a Perth auction for fleet vehicles for 22 thousand; much cheaper than the Commodores and Falcons on offer at the same venue.

It is an ex goverment fleet, and apart a small dent in the lhr door, is in perfect condition.

It is extremely quiet good on fuel and feels very solid on the road. Has all the mod cons - CD, mp3, cruise control, everything you could want.

This car is serously quick.

I also own a BA Falcon v8 ute; I have had that since new, and while it hasn't been a bad car, it has had its warranty issues. I also know a few people with Commodores who have had some problems too. The 380 has had nothing go wrong with it.

I will admit it looks a little plain with its factory hubcaps, but I've seen a few around with tinted windows and aftermarket wheels, and I think they look pretty slick.

I would like to hear some comments from other 380 owners.

I have a 380 SX with tint and 17" alloys and it makes all the difference in appearance. Sports suspension helps too. The 380 is a wonderful car. It's certainly quicker than I expected and comfortably leaves Commodores in the dust and will keep up with a non-turbo XR6. Not bad for a (relatively) cheap front driver. Flawless reliability, comfortable and loaded with goodies. I hope you enjoy your 380 as much as I enjoy mine!

I recently acquired a late 2005 380LX for an amazing price...AU$23,000 (was AU$46,000 new). These cars are just flawless, everything you could want with reliability as well. I understand from a friend the new Commodore has already had several recalls...380 Nil recalls!! make the smart move and get one you won't be disapointed.

Update.

Have now fitted it with a set of 17 inch alloy wheels and a dark tint. It has lifted its looks dramatically without looking to out of my age range (well I am 40).

Recently took the 380 on a long drive deep into Western Australia's out back. With 2 adults and one child, and a boot full of the usual luggage, the 380 performed faultlessly. Passing b doubles with ease. Didn't really keep an eye on fuel economy; have never really been the sort of person who does, but it seemed to be acceptable. Still no problems at all. It has now done 20 thousand klms.

I just bought a 2006 380 ES that has done 30k privately for $17000. I was looking at commodores and falcons, but thought I'd take the 380 for a test drive as a comparison because they were about $5000 more.

The 380 is so much better to drive. Hey, I'm just a mum that doesn't know a hell of a lot about cars, but I know what feels good!

I've had it for 2 weeks now and nothing has annoyed me yet. I feel like I'm driving a sporty little Audi A4 (that was my last car, but had to upsize due to an increase in family size) instead of a cumbersome VZ commodore like my mum owns (maybe the new holden is better, but the VZ was in my price range 20K and under).

Little things about the 380 impress me. The interior styling is unbelievably better that the Commodore. The dash has a textured finish which I love because it doesn't show up the dust too much. You don't need to "pop" the petrol cap, it works like the Audi A4, car on cap unlocked, car locked cap locked. So simple! And you get the 5 speed auto with sports transmission! I live in the country and constantly get mileage of 9L/100km.

This car is grossly underrated and I actually get a bit sad when I drive it because it's only by accident that I even tried it out. If Aussies new how good it was and had given it a shot I think that the Mitsubishi plant in Adelaide would still be thriving.

Oh... and how good is this. The car is immaculate cost 17k and I still have 3.5 years of new car warranty. Absolutely unbelievable!!!

I'm looking to change my car and I think the 380 GT or VRX look the part and I agree they are certainly underrated which I don't mind as I'll be able to pick up a bargain! I think Mitsubishi's wrong move was to produce this as a front wheel drive so not in people's best interest when towing (especially in Australia with our vast distances) when consumers look for Holden or Fords. I've driven a friends 05 Magna ES TL (70,000kms) and that felt tight and responsive and super quiet, totally different to my 04 BA Ford that rattles and moans at 80,000 kms

Just bought a 2005 base model 380 5 speed manual and after 2 weeks it's really starting to grow on me. My previous car was a EA Falcon S MPFI manual and I can say that car development has come along way in 18 years! The 380 has a lot more power below 3000rpm and with the shorter gearing it's get up and go is a lot faster than my previous car. The clutch is easier, gear change and fuel economy on par and the sound system is great (I can play my CD's in the car now!). First saw the 380 4 months ago then finally bought it after a couple of price reductions (patience has it's rewards) and have booked it in for it's 45000km service in order to retain the warranty and roadside assist. The rubber strip above windscreen coming adrift is the only problem I've had (so far).

Having owned a 2007 Suzuki Swift (great car but I ended up longing for something bigger), I came across a 2006 ES Series II for under 15 grand with less than 40k on the clock. I didn't even test drive it (which was a concern as an afterthought) but all fears were erased once I took delivery of the car. It just feels so... good. It's hard to describe but I'm sure most owners here would know what I mean.

I've owned 4 cars prior to this (Toyota, Ford, BMW + Suzuki) & this is the very first car that just feels so good to sit in, yet alone drive.

I was looking at a BF Futura Falcon before this & the difference in the 2 is remarkable... The Ford felt like it was falling apart even after 2 years, whereas the Mitsubishi feels rock solid & well built going on the same age.

Fuel economy all depends on how you drive it & I'll admit I did get 420kms out of a tank but that was due to me getting used to the transition from 1.5L to 3.8V6 so you can't really blame me :) Otherwise, if driven responsibly, this will & has returned an average of 8 to 9L per 100 kms combined. Excellent for such a huge car with so much power under the bonnet.

Mitsubishi are selling some of these now like mine with the 5 year warranty diamond advantage for around the 15k price mark. Yes it may depreciate more than most but if your after a solid, reliable car that is so comfortable to drive & looks so much better than a Commodore & Falcon, this can't be beat in value for money. I really do love this car!

I agree they're so underrated...

I just purchased an 06 DB11 ES 5speed with 18 inch rims, black on black with 11k on the clock for 17k, best buy ever. Only had it a week so far but it beats the other big three easily in all areas.

These cars will be the buys of the coming yrs... I know a mechanic with the RACQ and he's never had to go to a breakdown on a 380...

Yep, I just bought myself a 380 SX series 3 in blue. They really are an amazing car to own and drive. The handling leaves my VZ Acclaim miles and miles behind and it stops extremely well too. Not a single thing has gone wrong and I don't expect it to. If anybody is in doubt about them, just do all us 380 fans a favour and just buy it, you will not regret it!!!

Just bought a 2007 series III SX for $18450 with 5 years warranty and roadside assist. What a fabulous under rated car. I test drove a VE Commodore and a late model BA Falcon and they just do not feel as tight or well put together as my 380... Loads of extras, more than enough power... Love it love it love it.

I bought a DBLS 380... last 2006 model... only 57k on the clock... It is a semi-auto with 5 speed gears...

I had a Ford and a Commodore earlier, but I'm PROUD to have this 380 now... When you drive it on the freeway, it feels that it has got magnetic power, which makes her stick to the road... man.. it's an awesome buy...

Highly recommended guys... try and feel the difference with all the luxuries you may look for...

Cheers

HEM.