Can we talk about replacement part pricing on these cars..

[minibishi2]

In the 2 years I've owned this car I've found just about everything on this car is priced as though it's a high end luxury car. Although nearly every part is sub par in construction and used throughout nearly all years of production it seems that our car parts are very pricey compared to other similar cars of the same year and even other mitsubishi.. Finding aftermarket parts in the US also seems nearly impossible for a majority of parts even though it's a common car around the world and has a long production history. Is this intentional from mitsubishi due to the lower sale price of the care in order to make up for their profit?

[foama]

Mitsu part prices are certainly high, but you don't need many parts if you look after your car and don't abuse it.

There are some aftermarket parts at better prices. Also a few parts are shared with other makes and models. The water pump for example, the head and exhaust manifold gaskets and the timing chain from some SMART cars. You have to take a very good look.

[Mark]

In the 2 years I've owned this car I've found just about everything on this car is priced as though it's a high end luxury car. Although nearly every part is sub par in construction and used throughout nearly all years of production it seems that our car parts are very pricey compared to other similar cars of the same year and even other mitsubishi.. Finding aftermarket parts in the US also seems nearly impossible for a majority of parts even though it's a common car around the world and has a long production history. Is this intentional from mitsubishi due to the lower sale price of the care in order to make up for their profit?

What parts are you talking about?

I've had my Mirage for 5 years, & I have only needed items like engine oil, manual transmission oil, engine oil filter, engine air filter, cabin air filter, brake pads, rotors, wiper blades, tires, & I can't think of anything else. I don't feel any of these items were hard to get or more expensive than for any other car.

What are finding to be more expensive?

[Christopher_B]

What are finding to be more expensive?

Well Dirk's alternator was fairly pricey unless going used.

Unfortunately , there isn't as much aftermarket support as there could be, at least here in the USA.
I don't foresee TOO many issues, however. If anything needs replaced on mine, I am lucky enough to be able to take the part with me to work and usually can research it until I find a suitable solution. Direct fit parts like exhaust, axles, calipers, etc that may be model specific may prove to be an issue other than going salvage. These cars are totaled very easy and there are plenty of used parts available.

Normal maintenance items, as Mark points out, seem to be very reasonable and available.

[Dirk Diggler]

You want real pain. Go to the OEM Mitsubishi "Discount" parts website. Freaking $700 radiators, $200 drums, $6k CVT, etc. It'll blow your mind. I have no idea how Mitsubishi thinks this is a good business strategy.

[Fummins]

Go price out a new tesla battery.

[Mark]

You want real pain. Go to the OEM Mitsubishi "Discount" parts website. Freaking $700 radiators, $200 drums, $6k CVT, etc. It'll blow your mind. I have no idea how Mitsubishi thinks this is a good business strategy.

It's not a good business strategy. I would only use a dealership for recall or warranty work.

You can buy a Mirage radiator for $85 @ rockauto.com, & they also have 3 others for under $125 each.

There's nothing special about an OEM radiator.

Once all the Mitsubishi models become rebadged Nissans, maybe the OEM parts will become cheaper?

[minibishi2]

You want real pain. Go to the OEM Mitsubishi "Discount" parts website. Freaking $700 radiators, $200 drums, $6k CVT, etc. It'll blow your mind. I have no idea how Mitsubishi thinks this is a good business strategy.

That's what I'm saying. They wanted around $90 for like 5 bolts when I did my exhaust.. I went to tractor supply and spent around $4..

[AtomicPunk]

Go price out a new tesla battery.

Preach.

[Top_Fuel]

If you plan and source your parts in advance, you can do OK even with OEM parts. The last few OEM Mitsubishi parts I have purchased have been on eBay from a seller in the United Arab Emirates!?! Sounds crazy but even with shipping, their parts prices are usually better than anything in North America. This probably won't work for a fender, but they shipped me some OEM wheel bearings that got here just fine.

Some things have improved over the years. OEM loaded brake drums from Mitsubishi used to be the only option. Now I'm seeing more cheap aftermarket drums showing up even at normal auto parts stores like AutoZone and O'Reilly.

My only observation is that nobody ever has Mirage stuff in stock locally. Need a drum brake hardware kit for a Mirage? No problem...it's only $12. But they have to get it from the warehouse in Buttcrack North Dakota so it won't be in the store for 5 days. So this isn't the best car to own if you're used to rolling into Autozone with a laundry list of parts and expect them to have everything in stock right now.