Am I crazy? 2017 Fit vs 2018 Mirage..

[vldsvljvc]

Hello all,

Currently drive a 2017 Fit EX manual, it's got good features but I don't like the engine (no response), clutch has no feeling, and while Honda makes nice shifters, I'm also not fond of the shifter feel.

I'm also leasing it, and over-mileage, so I consider the Mirage a nice way to absorb the negative equity (low selling price).

The Mirage has a more mechanical feel, and indeed it is. Has a cable clutch, and the timing chain also seems bulletproof. I like how slow the vehicle is, forces you to drive relaxed and not be anxious to get to your destination.

I also like the key blade ignition, smooth steering and soft ride. My father, and EVERYBODY else told me not to get this car. One thing they mentioned: if Mitsubishi goes bust, is the warranty still valid? If not, how is parts/maintenance on these?

How would you guys compare the 2 vehicles? Am I crazy for going from Fit to Mirage?

[Top_Fuel]

Currently drive a 2017 Fit EX manual...but I don't like the engine (no response)

Umm...you realize that a Mirage has 1 less cylinder and 40% less horsepower than your Fit, right?
If you are looking for responsive acceleration, then yes...you might be crazy.

The Mirage...I like how slow the vehicle is

So it sounds like you're OK taking a performance hit with a Mirage?

[vldsvljvc]

I learned how to drive on slower, older vehicles (Volvo's, Yugo's, Lada's, Fiat's, etc.) and in this Mitsubishi Mirage I felt that nostalgia. I can enjoy the "old car" feel but have a brand new car with new car reliability.

By the way, the slowness of the Mirage provides for a greater sense of occasion. And as I previously said, it forces you to drive more relaxed.

As long as the Mirage is mechanically a good car, I don't care for power. And frankly, it has better seats according to my spine, and the ride is a lot softer.

[MetroMPG]

Mitsubishi's not going anywhere. U.S. sales have been increasing for years from the bottom; they're introducing new models; and Nissan bought a controlling stake in the company last year, so they're backing it up.

It sounds like you were surprised by how much you liked the Mirage. It definitely has more character than a Fit!

[MetroMPG]

If you like a soft ride, hunt down a 2014 model. . They tightened it up noticeably from 2017.

Mechanically, these are solid little cars. You will want to get the rear alignment checked though. Some rear axles have been out of spec from the factory (I understand this was a Fit issue also), and may require a warranty replacement. Not a deal breaker.

[Eggman]

Hello all,

Hello vldsvljvc and welcome to the forum.

Currently drive a 2017 Fit EX manual, it's got good features but I don't like the engine (no response), clutch has no feeling, and while Honda makes nice shifters, I'm also not fond of the shifter feel.

Top_Fuel's got a point. Soon you set this concern to a side, and I really appreciate the way - the words you choose to explain why.

I'm also leasing it, and over-mileage, so I consider the Mirage a nice way to absorb the negative equity (low selling price).

These can be difficult waters to navigate as it's all to easy to get further in debt. I suppose selling your Fit yourself rather than trading it in will help, but only so much.

The Mirage has a more mechanical feel, and indeed it is. Has a cable clutch, and the timing chain also seems bulletproof. I like how slow the vehicle is, forces you to drive relaxed and not be anxious to get to your destination.

I also like the key blade ignition, smooth steering and soft ride.

Well said.

My father, and EVERYBODY else told me not to get this car. One thing they mentioned: if Mitsubishi goes bust, is the warranty still valid? If not, how is parts/maintenance on these?

Site admin MetroMPG covered this. Keep in mind both GM and Chrysler went bankrupt, if that means anything here. Mitsubishi has introduced another new model to North America, the Eclipse Cross. I get the feeling they are trying to take advantage of the popularity of Subaru's market with Mitsubishi's long-established all wheel drive technology.

How would you guys compare the 2 vehicles? Am I crazy for going from Fit to Mirage?

Yep, you're crazy to think about getting what many would consider less vehicle when you are driving a new car right now. But you came to hear from the Peanut Gallery to see what owner's think. Well, we think it's a great little car.

But let's look at it this way: The Mirage was built for Economy - to be affordable to purchase and affordable to operate. There are not many Mirages here in North America when compared to the Fit, but of those who care to join and share their experiences report it to be reliable transportation.

I think if you are really concerned about driving dynamics, I would expect the Fit to win. If you appreciate a simpler, more honest form of transportation, the Mirage wins. I haven't driven a Fit, so I really can't offer a comparison - only guesses. I'm also going to guess that you have a European outlook / frame of reference.

Tough call. If you drive many miles, the fuel efficiency of the Mirage will help offset your added expenses.

[Top_Fuel]

These can be difficult waters to navigate as it's all to easy to get further in debt.

+1

The negative equity in the Fit makes this a more complicated decision. It sounds like you are a good candidate for a Mirage 5-speed, but only if it makes financial sense.

Let's talk economics for a second. You're upside-down in the Fit lease. So you aren't getting out of that without paying the lease company for your mileage, or you roll those fees into another car loan. That's not an ideal situation but it's reality.

Suppose you buy a new $13,000 Mirage tomorrow. You borrow the entire amount of the purchase, and you roll $2,000 of negative equity into the deal. You have a new Mirage, but you now have a $15,000 loan.

On a 5 year loan @ 4% interest, that's $276 per month. Add on the mandatory gap insurance that you'll have to carry, and that number is probably closer to $300/month.

After 1 year....your Mirage will be worth $10,000...but your loan payoff will be $12,300.
After 2 years...your Mirage will be worth $8,000....but your loan payoff will be $9400.
After 3 years...Your Mirage will be worth $6500.....and your loan payoff will be $6300.

So after 3 years...you will have made almost $11,000 in car payments, and you will have almost no equity in the car.


What's my point?

#1 - Make sure if you buy a Mirage, that it's the car for you. Because if you have to bail out of it in the first few years of ownership, you are going to be in another negative equity situation that may be worse than you have now.

#2 - Consider a used Mirage. There are lots of good deals out there on lightly used Mirages. Let someone else eat the depreciation for you. You will still be under water for a while, but it won't be as bad as if you purchased new.

[Car Nut]

I really like how the Fit has the special fold up rear seat. Instant cargo van. Unfortunately the front seats in the Fit are very uncomfortable for me, as are the Civic seats for the last 20+ years. My daughter complained about the seats in her Accord. We finally sold it and got a different car because of her issue. Lots of different complaints online about Honda seats. The Mirage seats are just about perfect for me.

[Wallythacker]

I really like how the Fit has the special fold up rear seat. Instant cargo van. Unfortunately the front seats in the Fit are very uncomfortable for me, as are the Civic seats for the last 20+ years. My daughter complained about the seats in her Accord. We finally sold it and got a different car because of her issue. Lots of different complaints online about Honda seats. The Mirage seats are just about perfect for me.

Sciatica and degenerative nerve root disease, herniated disc here. The Mirage is one of very few cars that allow me complete comfort while driving short to intermediate length distances.

[vldsvljvc]

I appreciate everyone's input.

The Mirage has unusually comfortable seats, much better than most Honda's (both new and used). I'm over 6-foot tall and these are surprisingly some of the most comfortable seats in this "genre" of cars.

As for financial details, I would put money down, obviously. Enough to get the payments on the new Mirage to $199. I know it is not the best financial decision, I've since made payments on my fit to reduce the buy-out, and dealers are willing to bump up the trade value. That, combined with sub-$10k selling price, financed, is realistic.

You must also consider I really want this vehicle. I also really want BMWs, Porsches, etc. but if I need one reliable daily vehicle that is still pleasant to drive, the Mirage is one of the most desirable... or a used 500 Abarth with warranty.