Fairly sure the Mirage has one real improvement in paint, which actually is the primer. Modern primers are not paint and thinner as they were back in the old days. I found this out using some of my friends body shop primer which is a 4 to 1 combination that hardens like a urethane epoxy. Leaving a primed panel outside was an invitation to ruined sheet metal, with the new primer it's a different story. Even a couple of YEARS, as long as there is any depth will not rust outside. The old stuff would have been long gone.
Modern design and rust proofing processes will also make a big difference. I have 14k miles on mine now and I'm not seeing what I would consider sub standard paint, but then you get what you expect in most cases. Mitsu's car building history goes back just under 100 years. They know how to make good cars. This one was just done to a price point, funny how quickly it's compared to cars costing thousands more. Driving since 1965, when Mitsu hit the market back in the 70s they were allied with Chrysler and built some real rocket ships. This is the exact opposite and once you really understand THAT, you can appreciate the value conscious design.
I could do with a lot less, doors, gadgets, power things, but then I have to look at myself as an old obsolete design, going back to the under dash "fresh air" flaps on a 1963 Valiant or the fact I could change a dash light bulb with no tools back then.
regards
mech
Last edited by deleted user; 02-09-2016 at 12:12 PM.
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View my fuel log 2015 Mirage de 1.2 manual: 55.7 mpg (US) ... 23.7 km/L ... 4.2 L/100 km ... 66.9 mpg (Imp)