1998 Mitsubishi Mirage 1.5 from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

Some noise from front shock absorbers at 45,000km.

Factory tyres are rididulous. Once i replaced them with top of the line 'Goodyear' tyres, the car was alot quiter and the handled 100 times better. Would recommend you change them straight away as a good set of tyres will give u a great car.

Attractive car from the rear.

Australian version has the large chrome plated letters ' M I R A G E ' spaced widely apart on rear hatch door - small innovative feature I haven't seen on any other car.

But front end looks rather ordinary, but the back makes up for it. Would look even better with a spoiler and a nice chrome exhaust.

What brand & model tyres cames as factory equipment?

And what did you not like about the tyres?

Don't you just hate when the original reviewer doesn't answer questions regarding the review?

I certainly hope one of his new tyres didn't blowout on him.

Perhaps since the original writer is yet to respond, why doesn't the curious go to a dealer and sticky beek at the rubber on a new one to gauge the tyre brand for oneself? Just a thought...

Here is some useful info in relation to the review above from a current mirage owner. Factory tyres are Bridgestone Potenza's 185/65 R14's. I recently had these replaced (after significant cracking) with Firestone Firehawks. As all four tyres were being replaced it is possible to fit slightly wider 195/60 R14 tyres. This has resulted in significantly higher levels of grip especially in the wet, and has resulted in higher levels of grip through corners!! Noise is reduced and the ride is much smoother. An easy upgrade which reaps huge benefits!!

I would like to thank the review comments, I am now aware of some of the mistakes or issues with the mirage. I am looking for a used car so with this in mind I can now look out for various modifications made.

I'm looking to buy a mirage, 1998 variant. how quick are the little buggers at take off? Would you compare their acceleration to a Lancer of the same year?

Driven a girlfriend's one today. These little things are friggin hilarious. I drive Audi S4 B6 and I'm seriously considering picking one up for commute, since they cost nothing and it put a huge smile on my face, not with speed or anything, but I don't know, something about cheap small cars that write a smile on my face giving me a break from the Audi clinical sense of humor. Very chuckable car, heaps fun with the handbrake.