1983 Mitsubishi Starion JA review from Australia and New Zealand

When I first bought it the engine and turbo needed to be replaced. Finding a matching engine was hard, but I eventually got a reconditioned one, with a turbo, for a bout $2000. This new engine was fine, though it did ping and so I ran it on higher octane fuel (that fixed it).

Rear brakes and rotors needed to be replaced at about 220,000 Kl-ms. This was about $700.

A little rust started to appear in the fenders behind the front wheels.

Power steering had a large leak.

Hydraulic clutch slave cylinder broke. About $300.

Radiator replaced, about $300.

Rear struts reconditioned at around 210,000klms. About $1000.

Leather interior in back seats began to tear because of passengers moving awkwardly in and out.

This was my first car and I abosuolutrly loved it. It was very quick for a car of its era and handled very well. I also much appreciated it rear wheel drive.

I loved it uniqueness and style. Often I would get curious people come up and have a chat at petrol stations.

However, parts (in Australia) at least were very hard to come by and items (like the rear suspension struts) could only be reconditioned as companies no longer made them (God help me if the large rear window smashed.)

Eventually, I started uni and could no longer afford the large repair bills so I had to regretfully sell. Still there is no reason that with a little care and attention a Starion would make a great car even today.