2005 Mitsubishi Carisma Classic 1.6 petrol from UK and Ireland
Summary:
Must be the most boring car on the planet, but it works!
Faults:
Usual mechanical wear and tear.
Air con stopped working long ago, never bothered fixing.
Seats and interior in general is VERY worn looking.
Original radio gave up long ago.
Exterior surprisingly unmarked. Engine and gearbox are good - I look after the car and service it on time.
General Comments:
Perfect example of a generic car - the Carisma will not win anyone over with looks or performance, but if you want a dependable car, look no further.
A 2005 model but still very 1990's looking. My car says it is grey in the log book, but looks like a weird mix of blue/green sort of aqua color to me. Apart from some paint fade there is no rust or nasty marks. Original wheel trims look as good as new. The car is not much to look at, but at least it is not ugly, I rather like the style of it. Looks like a Lancer from the rear.
Interior however is awful - very dull and boring. Grey/black everywhere. Mine also has excessive wear to the seats and just about everything. It is comfortable enough and OK for long journeys on motorway, though the ride is a little firm and jolting around town on bumpier roads. "Classic" trim is basic, but it does have electric windows all round.
The 1.6 petrol engine is a bit noisy on motorways and not fast at all. It will do around 38 mpg all day though. Manual gearbox is agricultural to use but works fine.
Hard to say anymore - reliable, cheap to run, OK to drive, I see no reason to change this car for now, despite being 18 years old. It's virtually identical to my previous car - an early 1990's Toyota Carina. Dull but reliable. But that's what these mid range Japanese cars do. And that is exactly all I need. Maybe I'll change it for a 2010 Honda Accord or something and I'll probably have that a long time as well despite being older cars now.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 30th December, 2023