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Thread: Am I a good Mirage candidate?

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    Am I a good Mirage candidate?

    I've recently gotten small-car fever; recently purchased a 3 1/2 year old Fiat 500 for my wife, and am considering a used Mirage, manual-shift for my future to replace a 2007 mid-sized sedan (Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid). The Aura has been super reliable and a smooth ride and a fantastic engine braker due to regenerative braking, but it's got a lot of body roll at 3600 pounds; achieves less than 30 mpg in a very mpg-friendly commute situation. The Aura also has the GM transmission software issue where they design it to try and stay in a high gear all the time to trick the mpg estimate equipment but is aggravating for real-world driving; especially in hilly areas like where the wife and I live. Also, as empty nesters, a mid-size sedan really has little use for us these days.

    Our original plan was to find one of these Fiat 500s used and sell the Aura, and that would leave us a near bare-bones, regular cab 2015 pickup truck that achieves up to 24 mpg (fantastic for a full size pickup, but not fantastic as a general commute vehicle) and the Fiat. After purchasing the Fiat, however, we're finding that we like having two cars and one truck, and we really do need a truck or a trailer, as we were constantly having to borrow a truck, and I'm no fan of hooking up and towing around and backing up trailers. With two subcompact cars and a pickup truck, we could use the late-model pickup for mostly pickup truck duties going forward and occasional weekend driving, etc.; and only rarely use it as a commute vehicle and maybe keep it forever. There is the added expense of insurance, maintenance, and registering another vehicle, but we have this unexpected emotion of liking the idea of two cars in our small fleet; but two small cars might be even better; especially if one of the two small cars had 4 doors and a hatch. Also, I recently sold a motorcycle that achieved 75 mpg commuting in the Summer, but I rarely rode it due to how our situation has changed as explained below and how impractical a motorcycle is for transportation as compared to how I envisioned it being when I bought it. So really, right now, we're back to three road vehicles total.

    We live in rural, hilly, Upper Cumberland region of middle Tennesse; we each have a 54-58 commute along state highway routes, going through one small town with 5 traffic lights and mild traffic, which equates to speeds from 45-65 mph. No high-speed highway driving unless we travel out of our area. We commute probably two-thirds of the time, but sometimes, because our schedules don't exactly match up, we drive separately; especially during the Summer.

    My rationale: I've always had a desire to achieve great mpg. The Fiat 500 has an mpg rating of something like 28 city and 33 highway, but, although we've yet to hand calculate, our first tank showed on the computer at or about 36.2, which supports my long-held theory that most small cars are underrated by EPA's system, whereas larger cars and pickup trucks are often overrated. The Fiat, for some reason, has a poor highway rating for the 6 speed auto, whereas the straight shift is 5 mpg higher for the highway rating. Also, since trading my 2006 VW Jetta TDI (diesel) for a needed pickup truck, I really, really miss driving a stick shift and I also miss really great mpg that the diesel returned for commuting. The diesel had 100 horsepower and weighed 3200 pounds, so I'm fine with slow-go, but did like the great torque of the diesel, which would not be available in a naturally-aspired gasser. Also, once I began shopping for a super compact car, I realized how the value of these things drop like a rock, and I'm thinking that a Mirage, thanks to it's poor professional reviews (that are contradictory to consumer reviews) could be had in a late model choice for not-too-many-$$$.

    So if I purchase a three or four year old Mirage 5 speed and use it mostly for commuting in a rural area; mostly at speeds from 45-65 along fairly hilly terrain; would this be a good choice as a commuter and errand-running car; sort of a replacement for an impractical motorcycle you could say; but a car that I could drive 365; rather than a motorcycle that's more like 80 days a year unless ridden in uncomfortable situations, which I'm not a fan of. I realize that due to the value dilemma; much like it is with the Fiat, I can't think of such a purchase as an investment. It would be just something to drive until the wheels fall off, but I'm thinking that I'd be alright with that. Another option would be one of the Mirage competitors with low resale value, like another Fiat 500 or a Chevy Spark, but I think a 5 door might be a better second choice, and the next-larger Fiat weighs 800 pounds more.

    Any suggestions, comments or ideas are welcome. Thanks for the site!



  2. #2
    I'd recommend a Mirage. I maintain a fleet of almost 40-2015-2017's. The highest mileage one has 221000 miles. The only major problem I've seen with the Mirage is the Cvt, one failed at 189k miles and another at around 140k miles(I forget exactly). The highest mileage car we have is used on the highway(obviously) at 60-70mph 90% of the day, and averages 39mpg for the life of the car. Most of the other cars we have are a mix of city and freeway, they average 40-46 US mpg.
    One bonus with the Mirage is it has 3 seatbelts in the rear, and actually has a spare tire, a jack and tire iron. I can't say for the new ones but the 2014 spark we had didn't have those things. And it was a turd pail that was sold the minute warranty was over.
    Mirage videos:

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE wussie cvt edition. 1.2 automatic: 37.7 mpg (US) ... 16.0 km/L ... 6.2 L/100 km ... 45.3 mpg (Imp)


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    Senior Member Cobrajet's Avatar
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    Truth be told, the Mirage is only good at three things: cost, fuel economy, and reliability. If these are the top three things on your list, I would heartily recommend the Mirage.

    If you value much else then there will be compromises to make...

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    Moderator Eggman's Avatar
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    If you want to freely giveyour hard-earned money away to a large faceless corporation, then no.

    If you want efficient reliable transportation, then yes.

    Yes.

    Go drive one and see for yourself.

    From the choir: everyone should have one.

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2015 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 49.6 mpg (US) ... 21.1 km/L ... 4.7 L/100 km ... 59.5 mpg (Imp)


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    Definitely consider the Mirage!

    Quote Originally Posted by gregsfc View Post
    Any suggestions, comments or ideas are welcome. Thanks for the site!
    My 2011 Subaru Forester has extra snow tires, trailer hitch, and is set up to haul kayaks on top. I was racking up the miles on my Forester, & I wanted it to last me several more years. I pull a trailer quite often. I can't give that up, & the newer model Foresters aren't rated to pull as much (2,500 older models vs. 1,500 pounds newer models). I bought a new 2017 Mirage ES (manual) last October. For 80% of my driving, the Mirage is my go to car. I prefer driving my Mirage. I also have a daughter that lives overseas. When she visits the states for extended periods of time, she'll borrow my Mirage.

    I wanted something affordable to purchase, dependable, and economical to drive. The awesome warranty is another big plus. My Mirage just turned over 7000 miles today, & I am enjoying it. I really like 4-door hatchbacks or small wagons. 78 hp is plenty for a car this size, and the manual is fun to drive. I live in rural southwest Wisconsin, which is somewhat hilly. I do way more country road driving than city. It's been mostly winter driving for me with this car so far, & I am getting 40-45 mpg on each tankful. That's actual miles driven divided by gas refills. I don't bother with the dash mileage figures.

    I would test drive a new Mirage. If you find a used one, you'll have something to compare it too. I test drove a 2018 model and saved thousands by buying a new 2017 model, which really wasn't much different. I haven't driven the 2014/15 models. If you are truly interested in used, you may be very happy with either type.

    I have never purchased/owned an automatic/CVT vehicle. I love manuals! At first, I thought the Mirage transmission/light clutch was a little different. After not driving my manual Subaru for extended periods of time, the Subaru now feels a little odd to me. Now, I love how the Mirage shifts. It's what you get use too! Neither of my two manual transmission vehicles are bad. They are just different. The Mirage sort of grows on you. It has for me at least. Paying less than $20 @ the gas pump spoils you quickly, too.

    I paid less than 66% window sticker for a brand new car. If I had qualified for two other rebates (Mitsubishi owner or veteran), I would have paid even less. If something happened to mine, I would replace it right away. The most my Mirage can every depreciate is what I paid for it. If I got nothing for it 10 years from now, I wouldn't feel cheated.

    I think the Mirage may be a great choice for your situation in life. Plus, the Mirage has this wonderful forum already established! How can you beat that! Good luck in your search!
    Last edited by Mark; 03-24-2018 at 03:31 AM.

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    OP back. Thanks for the feedback. Very helpful. Good forum!

    I'm interested enough now to test drive one, but I'm determined not to buy new and take that huge hit in depreciation for a car that I'd not be buying because it's something that's a dream vehicle. Not anything like my pickup truck purchase, wherein I was super-particular about what I wanted. For the pickup, I wanted all the wear and care to be mine, and I wanted a specific configuration that is super rare and a trim and option level that is just as rare. I wanted good mpg, only a regular cab, a 6 1/2' bed, power glass and mirrors, cruise, and nothing else. With respect to a subcompact, what I've been doing is purposely looking at the lowest-rated, so that I can take advantage of a low resale value and scoop up something small but usable, light, and with a straight shift, and something I can drive to at least 200K over the next twelve years. We really like the Fiat 500 so far, but we're thinking that it's just a tad too small for a second car with respect to space behind the front seats and in the hatch area. Mirage is rated 15th out of 15; Fiat 500 is 12th.

    I recently watched three really bad reviews on the Mirage; all were on the 2017 model; two so-called professionals and one who hosts a channel, but doesn't usually review cars. The point of all three was to poke fun of this car and the company that builds it for humor value; how they can't believe a car like that is for sale in America; and also to ask 'who would consider this car?' I've also read consumer reviews and the only negative I can find has to do with rear axle alignment issues. Below are the contradictions:

    1. Performance: I get that HP is around 20 fewer than the average competitor to the Mirage; peak torque about the same (some are 40 hp more, like Fit and Fiesta), but what I'm missing from the reviews is that, from what I've researched, this car is about 400 lbs lighter than any of them and at the same time, larger than some, and so that makes me wonder how this weight difference doesn't equalize performance and handling to some degree. In fact, this car is 400 lbs lighter than the super-small 2-seat Fiat Spider and 300 lbs lighter than it's sibling Miata. The Smart 4 Two is not something I'd consider for a couple reasons, so I've not looked at its weight. Also, that 0-60 time is exactly the same as my previous Jetta TDI, and it wasn't lacking whatsoever except off the line. The diesel though, had almost three times the Miage's peak torque coming on 2600 lower RPM and averaged 46.5 mpg lifetime, hand calculated, but it weighed 1200 pounds more.

    2. Most of the reviews find little fault, or more specifically, they don't even look at or point out possible short comings that would matter to me. I want to know how well it sits from a safe and controlled driver's aspect, vision from the driver's seat all around, shifting, and all the driving aspects; not from an enthusiasts perspective but from a practicality and safety perspective. Mark's comments were very helpful in that regard. I know now that the car is worth a test drive.

    My main issues or worries choosing a Miage, over something like a Spark or another 500 are: availability, as I've found only a few and even fewer straight shifts as compared to the competition in my area; the slightly used ones I did find are all over the place in advertised price, but most are no lower than a same-year Fiesta or Spark or 500; I'm still perplexed on reliability, as there are mixed reviews; and lastly, I worry a little about Mitsubishi's future in the U.S. and how that might affect support, parts, or repair. One car I would not consider is the Versa/Note. Those interiors just look like they'd come apart.

    One of the reviews concerned me a little with respect to handling and lots of body roll. I wouldn't want a car that's so bad for handling that it would be hard to keep in the road or hard to drive or affect active safety. But I suspect that this review is like most professional reviews where they are holding all cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and crossovers to the same standard as a luxury sport sedan.

    If I do decide on a Mirage, my decision changes to what model year and that will affect the "when". The 2017 may be worth a year or more wait, as I like the style changes, like the idea of 4 more horses, and would probably like the hill assist feature, but I'd need at least a two-year-old model price.

    At any rate, we owe $4000 on the 3 yr old Fiat and $8000 on a 2 1/2-yr old pickup. We'll have to get that Fiat paid off before changing the Saturn out for a newer, smaller car. Selling the Saturn could get us close, but it would help if it were worth something.

    Thanks again for the feed back and opinions.

    Thanks again.

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    Speaking from experience, you're putting way too much worry and concern into the purchase of a car you're not buying any time soon.
    It's pretty obvious you're trying to talk yourself into a Mirage when that's not what you really want.
    I've been a "small car enthusiast" my whole life. I've had the first gen Civic, Lynx wagon, Escort wagon, Escort, early Accents, two Mirages... I like the feel and driveability of small cars.
    I paid more than I should have for my '17 Mirage (GT) with all the available bells n' whistles because I wanted THIS car. I love driving 50km to work every morning because I get to drive this car!
    All this to say, buy whatever you LIKE that fits your needs. You will be less likely to find fault or blame others for giving you "bad" advice.
    If the Mirage doesn't tickle yer fancy don't buy one.
    Will weld for beer.

        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage SE 1.2 automatic: 45.3 mpg (US) ... 19.3 km/L ... 5.2 L/100 km ... 54.5 mpg (Imp)


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    The Mirage new or used can be a great value!

    Quote Originally Posted by gregsfc View Post
    OP back. Thanks for the feedback. Very helpful. Good forum!

    I'm interested enough now to test drive one, but I'm determined not to buy new and take that huge hit in depreciation for a car that I'd not be buying because it's something that's a dream vehicle.

    Thanks again for the feed back and opinions.

    Thanks again.
    You have definitely given a Mirage a lot of thought. Given everything you have shared, I think a used 2017/18 Mirage may be a good choice for you some day. You are thinking out loud to all of us, and there isn't anything wrong with that. I based a lot of my purchase decision on consumer reviews and this forum, too.

    I started considering the Mirage last summer. At the time, used 2017 Mirages (manuals) weren't really available, nor the best deal. Since I paid less than 66% window sticker, $14,200 became $9299 for me. My ES model had an added center armrest & bluetooth. It just came that way. I didn't request those added items. I could have bought a used 2014/15 model, but I felt drawn to the updated model. If I didn't have the means to buy a new Mirage, an older used one would have been more than ok, too.

    I plan on keeping this car for most of its life. The 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper (that does transfer to a second owner), 10-year/100,000 mile power train, and dealership unlimited mileage/lifetime power train warranties were a nice added bonus to the deal.

    At the time of my purchase, used 2017 Mirages with manual transmissions were rare. What little savings I may have received by finding a used one wasn’t worth giving up the 10-year/100,000 power train warranty. I also bought the most basic model. Several used 2017 Mirages with CVT transmissions & many other nice features were priced higher than what I paid for a new Mirage. Having said all that, I like the fact that the base model has some really nice features.

    In most cases, my preference is to buy a 1-3-year old vehicle with low mileage. The huge discounts/rebates on the new Mirages made me reconsider all that. Keep in mind that I paid $9299 for a brand new car, & I didn’t even qualify for all the rebates available. If I had been a veteran or Mitsubishi owner, I would have paid a good chunk less. If I drive this car for 10-15 years, I am not going to care what I get for it. It can’t depreciate more than what I paid for it. How many years would it take for a new $40,000-60,000 pickup to depreciate $10,000?

    I bought a Mirage, because I like driving small cars. Rather than rack up miles on a more expensive vehicle like a pickup or SUV, I don’t mind piling on the miles with my Mirage. As far as saving money on gas, I am paying extra (license, insurance) to own a second car. A person can’t totally overlook that. I have a daughter that lives overseas, & she may borrow my Mirage at times when she's in the states. I've used that small fact to justify my purchase, too.

    It sounds like you may not buy a Mirage for a year or two yet. Used 2017/18 Mirages with manual transmissions will be out there by that time. In the meantime, you’ll have to hope a new version of the Mirage doesn’t come out that just blows you away. Otherwise, you’ll still be debating on what to do!

    If you take a test drive, you’ll have to let us know what you think. Personally, the Mirage didn’t blow me away during the test drive. Now that I have had it for 5-6 months, I just really like the darn thing. I wouldn’t give it up!

    Good luck with whatever you decide to do!

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    Thanks again for opinions and feedback. I'm conflicted somewhat, because I really would rather be driving / owning a small car with a manual transmission than the mid-sized Saturn we have, but, on the other hand, the only way we could make that move without a third auto payment is to find a beater that's worth no more than the Saturn, and that's hard to justify, because the Saturn is a really nice car and has much more real value than book value. I'm sure many Mirage owners understand the value dichotomy.

    In one sense, IchabodCrane is right that the Mirage is not what I really want, but what I really want is not manufactured. So thinking about everything in the market that is available to drive 365, day or dark, in all weather conditions, considering price and what I've learned on this thread, I can't think of anything that tops the Mirage.

    Great mpg and shifting manually is my passion as a motor enthusiast, which is why I sought out and purchased a 75+ mpg, mid sized motorcycle. My secondary passion as a motorist is low-rev performance, which the motorcycle also had with 44 ft-lb torque available from 3500 RPM, which is unlike any other small or medium-sized bike, but the bike didn't work out as practical transportation. I had never owned one previous and so I did not think through the hassle and expense and the sacrifices that it takes to regularly commute long distances on a motorcycle including 35 degrees and below. Great mpg and great low-end torque can be realized choosing a diesel or electric or a hybrid, but diesels these days are out-of-this-world expensive and there are maintenance and reliability concerns created with all the exhaust treatment systems. Moreover, with regards to modern diesels, there only about three choices, and they are not subcompacts and only two choices with manual transmissions and this takes a lot of bucks to buy one and too much to maintain. I'm not closed-minded against electrics, but the bang-for-the-buck is not there yet, and the risk of having to replace very expensive batteries and the shrinking fuel tank are just aspects of electrics that I'm not excited about. Also electricity currently cost about double that of gasoline, and even if the price of gasoline doubles, we could expect the price of electricity to increase as well, as all fuels tend to increase when fuel prices increase. So when I think of an electric car with up to 100 mpg-e, I have to consider the negatives as well. With respect to hybrids, especially parallel hybrids, I have to admit that I am biased against one car with two fuels, two motors and two drive systems working in parallel as a transportation future.

    My dream vehicle then would be what was proposed with the Elio 3-wheel concept that is an improbable proposition. Eighty-four mpg, weather protected and $6700.

    So considering my passions, and what's out there, and the fact that I could care less about any of the negatives that have been proclaimed about the "worst car in America", I think I may be a good candidate, but need to get the Fiat paid off first, and by that time, the truck will be $5000 away from me holding the title. I can sell the Saturn for near nothing and get a late model subcompact with a 5-speed.

    Thanks for the help everyone.

  13. #10
    Quote Originally Posted by gregsfc View Post
    One of the reviews concerned me a little with respect to handling and lots of body roll. I wouldn't want a car that's so bad for handling that it would be hard to keep in the road or hard to drive or affect active safety.
    The 2014 Mirage SHOCKED me at how soft the suspension was. It was obviously tuned for ride comfort over handling -- more than any other car I've driven. (Some people have said it was calibrated for the developing markets where the roads may not be great, and where car sells in the biggest numbers.) On the other hand, they achieved the objective: the 2014 had the smoothest ride of any small car I've been in. It's a champ at soaking up bumps. But the body roll in hard cornering or in an emergency maneuver was alarming.

    If you get a '14 or '15, you will definitely want to add a rear anti-roll bar.

    The 2017's and up were tuned a bit stiffer (and the steering was improved). It was a noticeable improvement in my opinion. It's how the car should have been calibrated from the get-go for the North American & Euro markets.


        __________________________________________

        click to view fuel log View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 63.2 mpg (US) ... 26.9 km/L ... 3.7 L/100 km ... 75.9 mpg (Imp)


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