Faults:

Check engine light is on, most likely an idle control valve.

It runs too low at idle when cold, and too high when warm, see above, but it still gets me where I need to go.

Has developed a pronounced "lifter tick" especially when cold, but comes and goes even when warm. This ticking has stayed even after oil changes, and as far as I can tell there's nothing wrong with the engine itself. I write it off as a sign of old age and "wear and tear".

Front end alignment was way out of whack when I bought it, it shredded the front tires, most likely due to some previous owner hitting a curb too hard. Had it fixed at a reputable mechanic and slapped new tires on it; sticks to the road like glue and runs straight and true.

Gas struts holding the rear hatch up have failed; "fixed" with a wooden stick kept in the trunk.

General Comments:

I bought this car dirt cheap as a stop-gap because I had to go cross-country and needed a car quick. It did what I needed it to and has been with me ever since.

It's hard to start during winter, but I've managed it by tightening the idle-screw on the intake as the weather gets colder.

It feels heavier than it is with its soft suspension, and the ride quality is good, especially on long trips. I really like the adjustable lumbar support! The seats are comfortable and supportive, even in the rear where leg-room is adequate but not great. Plenty of space in the trunk and the folding rear seats make this a capable make-shift hauler, although the slanted rear hatch can complicate moving larger square/rectangular objects.

The engine - bearing in mind that this is by no means a sporty car, and in fact, quite heavy for its size - is adequate and has a very pleasing "growl" when pushed beyond a leisurely cruise!

All in all, a comfortable, reliable car.

Faults:

Gearbox failed 500 miles after purchase.

Heater matrix core replaced. Replacement part was cheap but it needed a lot of work to fit.

Thermostat replaced. This only cost £7.

Despite that I believe this car is very reliable if not neglected for too long. However, the original Mitsubishi parts can be very expensive and because of the rarity of the model second hand parts are difficult to trace.

General Comments:

I always wanted to buy a Galant. I loved its looks and I had heard about the Mitsubishi built quality.

I bought this (my first Galant) for £300. Unfortunately it had been seriously neglected and previous owner was a bit of a boy racer. The gearbox failed soon after purchase and was replaced with second hand for £100. The coolant mustn't have been changed for ages so heater matrix corroded and was replaced with a used one for £20.

The engine however pulled like new. Once I travelled 1000 miles in one day when the car had around 150000 miles on the clock. No overheating, no nothing. It kept going on and on. I did almost 16000 with no service and I had no problems.

Especially when driving on the motorway the Galant is at its element. You just cruise and rarely get tired. The velour seats are just superb and you can also adjust height, lumbar support and the level of the steering wheel. The soundproofing is very good too and both the engine noise and road noise don't become disturbing even at high speeds. You also get comforts such as electric windows, electric sunroof & electric heated mirrors.

The handling is very good but I wouldn't say it is outstanding. I think it could handle better with wider tyres (mine had the 185/R14 ones). Also fuel economy in the city circle isn't very good, although it is excellent on the motorway.

Overall I would say that the Galant is a great vehicle for those who value comfort more than performance and are also interested in a car that doesn't break down easily.