2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT from North America - Comments

The radiator blew at about 105,000 miles for no apparent reason.

The mass airflow sensor failed and had to be replaced at about 100,000 miles - a few hundred dollars.

I had to replace the front right wheel hub/bearing assembly at 128,000 miles.

At about 130,000 miles, the hood latch cable snapped and cost $200 to fix. (this can be prevented by lubricating the latch assembly every now and then ;)

Watch out for potholes because they will destroy the 17" alloy rims and you'll be pulling a few hundred out of your pocket to replace those.

Make sure that if you're replacing your brake rotors yourself, to match them up exact because it seems some of the after-market rotors for this car are thicker than they originals.

As a reminder, you are supposed to replace the timing belt at 100,000 miles and this is an interference engine so if the belt breaks during operation, you're screwed. I've made it to 132,000 miles without a new one so far (about $800 to get it changed at the dealer) but I don't feel good about it.

The interior is very nice and surprisingly comfortable. I'm 6'2 and, with the exception of a somewhat difficult entry, have enough room. Back seat is rather small, but if you want a big back seat, this is the wrong car to begin with. With the V6 and a manual transmission, it is indeed quick and a pleasure to drive in most conditions. It has about zero traction in snow, but I suppose that's expected. Handling is reasonable for being one of the heavier cars in it's class. Better tires certainly wouldn't hurt.

The upgraded Infinity sound system is actually pretty good in this car unlike some of Mitsubishi's other vehicles.

This review is exactly right about that 120,000 mile mark; that is when I started to see actual mechanical problems. I already got new brakes and tires, which were both very expensive, but nothing actually started breaking until this week (car just hit 121,000). I had a few of the same problems. First the "service engine soon" light came on, and the car died whenever I came to a complete stop--it was the mass air flow sensor. If this happens to you, ask the mechanic to try cleaning it first, and see if that helps-it will save you $$$. Almost immediately after that, my radiator started cracking. If you see a thin layer of smoke coming from under the hood, anti-freeze spilled on things under the hood, and smell that 'maple' smell, your radiator is probably cracking. This all happened in the time span of 3 days. And I was told that I need new struts, but I don't think I need it that badly, and can't afford it anyway--it's $1200. I don't recommend buying this car at high mileage, because maintenance costs are high--everything is difficult to get to, and that adds labor costs. But honestly, I love the car, and it has been very reliable up until now. I don't regret getting it.

I just purchased a used silver 2000 Eclipse GT ($4K paid for) for my son about 3 month ago. I'm actually a Toyota man myself and don't believe much in Mitsubishis as a car manufacturer who struggles for survival. I tried to convince my 17 year old son to get something more reliable, but he just fell in love with the looks (guess at that age looks overrules all other important characteristics).

This model is the top of the line with all kinds of extras, no visible damages on the outside, but with a hefty 132K on its back. The only thing that is not working is the passenger side window motor. Nothing really worthy to mention when it comes to rattle noises. Nothing actually disturbs the smooth ride. Tires though were worn and torn and replaced with some new 215/65 R17. It feels now like glued on the pavement.

I noticed also a little bit of oil leaking, not really much, just a drop here and there.

So far I have not heard any complaints from my son, actually the contrary is true. He gets lots of looks and compliments for such a beautiful car.

Reading through all the issues other drivers are commenting here, I'm just waiting for something to happen soon. Well, maybe we got lucky and picked the sweetest lemon available and hopefully it'll last for a couple of years more.