Faults:

Minor rattling in and around the dashboard at low and medium RPM.

Problem with gear change from 1 to 2 gear, but only minor.

Had to change 2 wheel bolts on right front wheel. Broke off during wheel change.

Exhaust middle part rusted of (lot of road salt). that is changed.

General Comments:

Handling: A bit slow if you turn fast in high speeds.

Engine: Quick and reliable. No problem pulling small trailers.

Comfort: Simple controls. Window and AC all manual.

Noise can be a problem from the tires.

Done all repairs to the car myself. Very easy car to fix.

Faults:

Nothing of any significance really. I have applied faithfull servicing and use the best rather than budget parts.

General Comments:

This is as reliable as Night follows Day. I find the car was heavily discounted from new and that continued into the second hand value.

Pick one of these up, in good condition for Mini money. The Carisma has absolutely no Charisma whatsoever, and can only have been named with a twist of irony from its parentage, which it surprised me to find is... HOLLAND and not the land of the rising sun.

It does most things well, but I find the visibility is bloody awful... especially when reversing. You can damage the rear bumper at incredibly low speeds.

All in all a good mode of transport for little cash. The GDI is petrol and remarkably frugal for a 16v twin cam... You can cane it and it still delivers a smooth and quiet ride with few fuel pump stops.

Perhaps if Mitsubishi were looking to introduce a new model they could call it the STAID or the SENSIBLE... They already have the makings and underpinnings with the CARISMA (even the spellings naff)

As always drive carefully and remember - you're not the only one on the road.

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with this car in over 200k!!!

Only consumable parts have been replaced including brakes, a clutch (at about 160k) and two exhausts.

For the person who is worried about the GDI being a bit noisy (especially at start up)... mine has been a bit rattly since 50k ish. Its been so long now I've forgotten!

General Comments:

Just amazing reliability. Check out the Warranty Direct ratings for an early (Mk 1) Carisma - must be the lowest score ever surely.

Bizarrely enough the only thing it doesn't have is charisma.

Faults:

My carisma has done only 56000 but sounds very noisy when started from cold. Dealer states this is not a problem, but I have concerns.

General Comments:

The vehicle seems slow going up hills needing to drop down into third on inclines that on my previous vehicle would shoot up in fourth.

Dealer states this is due to gearing of vehicle.

Faults:

I received a letter from the local main dealer, requesting the car be returned for a free inspection and repair to the rear brake shoes, as a fault had been found with one type. The shoes were replaced free of charge.

No other faults at all.

General Comments:

The car is very responsive and economical for it's size.

There aren't nay manuals available for servicing the car, making some tasks a dealer only option.

The Avon tires that are normally fitted are not to be recommended in the wet. In the dry, they are excellent.

A few irritating squeaks are the only real niggle with the car.