Faults:

So far, the only thing that went wrong was both wheel bearings started failing at about 60,000 miles. Another drawback is that Mitsubishi admitted a flaw in this design as they will seize inside the hub and cannot be removed. 6 1/2 ton press proved this to be true.

General Comments:

Great gas saver of a car. With a unrestricted intake (IE after-market intake) this car regularly gets 36-37 MPG with mixed driving (80% highway).

The car, even though is kind of bland in the front came optionally with a Sport Package (side skirts, white gauge faces, performance tires, rear wing) that made the car stand out.

This car is sluggish unless you get a 5 speed version, then the tiny engine seems like the right size for this car.

Parts are difficult to find if you need to replace them.

Faults:

Reverse gear can be a bit hard to find, but never impossible. Dealer put different oil in, which helped a bit, as does selecting 1st gear prior to reverse.

One rear shocker groans a bit on hard bumps. Dealer 'wrapped' the coil springs, which helped.

Visors tend not to stay right up--worse in cold weather. Dealer replaced them once.

General Comments:

Very smooth, quiet and economical engine--17 kilometers per litre average.

Great load space with the rear seats down.

Suspension not the greatest, but it's a light car. Fitted Michelin tyres which have helped road-holding.

Rear seats have slots for headrests, but none are available from the dealer, so I bought 2nd hand Mitsubishi Magna ones which fitted straight in.

Faults:

Have been involved in a minor fender-bender, the damage was restricted to a paint-scraped and cracked bumper bar, slightly crimped bonnet and a slightly bowed-in radiator though the core was not shattered. As it turns out, replacement Mitsubishi parts are quite expensive (total repair costs were $3500 AUS).

General Comments:

The Mirage still retains its gutsy 1.5L SOHC engine which delivers excellent torque and performance. Rolling response from a standstill however is still only average.

The Mirage now has a driver's airbag as standard which is quite reassuring. Pity there is no airbag (s) for passengers.

Still the best manual gearchange in the industry in my opinion. It is light to use, is a great match for the engine's torque characteristics and helps exploit the engine's great punchiness to its maximum potential.

The build quality and feeling of solidity is as superb as ever. Top marks for excellent panel fit/finish and excellent standard of paintwork.

Excellent all round vision is afforded by the Mirage.

Great handling and sure-footedness on both sealed and unsealed roads.

Handling is further improved by the fitting of 14 inch tyres instead of the standard 13 inch tyres.

Service and support provided by Mitsubishi Australia I have found to be excellent.