Hello Everyone

[Johnny Mullet]

Welcome to the site!

[Mark]

I think I may have a coworker who's family runs one of those businesses, although i was planning on undercoating because I've seen it work. I own a 1984 Ram 50 that my Grandpa bought new and promptly got undercoated and only now 40 years later is rust starting to develop on the frame and fender corners and other rust prone spots (the undercoating started to crack maybe 10 years ago)

The place I shared wants you to come back once a year, & they do a $20 inspection/touch up. Don't quote me on that price, because everything has gone up these days. I haven't gone back recently. If a person followed their advice, I think you would stay on top of the rust proofing pretty well.

[Gracie-C3]

I can't believe that I didn't put it together that SE stands for special edition

[MetroMPG]

Congrats on your new Mirage!

my PT Cruiser

...

I cant believe how nice these are!

It's all relative! Every fall when I put away my crapcan 35 year-old Miata and get back into my ten year old Mirage, I think I've landed in the lap of luxury!

THAT'S why I think the car reviewers bash the Mirage so much. They're spoiled brats, driving brand-new, high end cars & trucks week after week. They get used to them, and forget the purpose & value of "cheap", efficient cars at the extreme other end of the spectrum.

[Eggman]

Just bought my Mirage SE yesterday. Been wanting one for about a year now and it took my PT Cruiser's starter failing to get me to finally give in to my wants. Was surprisingly able to get one in the color I want from my local dealership. Can't wait to have a proper nice car to commute to work in and not have the anxiety of a 20 year old warranty-less beater hanging over my head. I cant believe how nice these are! With the scathing reviews you see from big automotive media outlets you'd expect it to be held together with used chewing gum, but they're really well designed and built.

Hey Gracie congratulations on your new Mirage. There's nothing quite like the jump from an old worn-out car to new.

They don't need much but there's some modifications that pay for themselves.

The little 3-cylinder engine is very efficient with fuel, and doesn't generate much waste heat. This was especially noticeable in winter. I added a engine block heater that helped not only on cold winter days but warmer days as well. It helps the engine warm up faster, and normal operating temperatures is where it runs best & at it's most efficient. For freezing cold temps consider adding a grill block.

Also, keep the tires aired up to decrease rolling resistance. There's lots of discussion here on the forum about the pros & cons, but I overinflated my Enasaves from 45 to 50 psi. There was a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, but overinflating tires isn't for everyone so find what you are comfortable with. Even sticking with the factory recommended inflation helps with fuel economy, and doesn't cost much.

Other modifications like loud stereos or fatter tires don't have quite the same payback.

Again, congratulations on your new car. Please keep us updated.

[Gracie-C3]

Thanks for the advice! I debated having the dealer install a block heater for a while, until I realized that I have nowhere to plug in at work, and I'd have to run an extension cord out of the garage and wrap it up every night. As for modifications, I'm planning on installing window and hood deflectors, as well as Mud Guards. I've been toying with some visual modifications I could make to it (Stock style badges, side graphics, things like that) but nothing concrete for now.

[Eggman]

Thanks for the advice! I debated having the dealer install a block heater for a while, until I realized that I have nowhere to plug in at work, and I'd have to run an extension cord out of the garage and wrap it up every night.

Good point, you might not be able to use a block heater every time. But even if you only pre-heat at home, that's half of the cold starts eliminated. Theoretically...

As for modifications, I'm planning on installing window and hood deflectors, as well as Mud Guards.

Debate about deflectors & mud guards affecting aerodynamics can be offset by the protection they provide. Over time, those who have installed them either like them or haven't given a lot of negative feedback on 'em.

I've been toying with some visual modifications I could make to it (Stock style badges, side graphics, things like that) but nothing concrete for now.

If there's not a dedicated sticker thread by now, there should be. Some stickers & graphics are known to increase horsepower by +5, so do your research.