Common Mirage problems? (Considering buying one.)

[jwaltwright]

Hello, new to the forum. Looking at buying one of these cars. Owners seem to love them, "pro" reviewers hate them. The utilitarian and no frills aspect appeals to me, as well as the fuel economy. However, I dont notice much being actually "wrong" with the car, except the rear axle alignment glitch. Am I mistaken in thinking this car has no apparent faults?

[Daox]

You're pretty much right. I think the rear axle alignment is the largest issue to look for.

There are some lesser prevalent issues as well. I think some Mirages had issues with the a/c compressor failing. I think most of them were 2014s, and maybe 2015s. I haven't heard of any of the newer ones failing. There are also some who have had issues with their heater core heating the cabin unevenly. Again, this seems to be older vehicles as well.

Overall, these cars are really reliable.

[Loren]

The rear axle is a big one, but even most people who have that problem... it's not a huge deal, just causes accelerated rear tire wear.

I think the CVT requires some maintenance that you don't want to ignore.

The clutch disk in the manual trans is a weak point for those who drive aggressively. The springs are weak, so don't hold up to heavy abuse. For normal commuters, this shouldn't be a problem.

Some of us have a manual trans that is finicky going into reverse. I'm sure it's just a shift cable adjustment, but I've not looked into it yet.

Aside from the usual "cheap lightweight car" stuff, it's pretty darned reliable! Lots of cheap plastic throughout. The sheet metal is thin and very easy to dent.

It does require that you accept a "relaxed" pace of acceleration, which some people (mostly those car reviewers that spend too much time driving 400 hp cars that cost 6x as much) can't handle. It also requires that you accept the fact that 165 width eco tires are not the grippiest. In spite of the ABS, traction control and stability control, you CAN overload the tires and get yourself into trouble. Stopping distances on the factory tires are adequate, but not great.

But, yeah... from a reliability perspective, the car is fantastic!

[Top_Fuel]

Consider renting one for a day or two if you can...especially if you are considering a Mirage with a CVT instead of a 5-speed. Despite the published numbers, manual transmission Mirages can get better fuel economy than CVT-equipped models when driven conservatively.


This isn't really a problem...but it is a consideration when shopping for a Mirage...

Resale value of the Mirage isn't good. So if you buy a new one, do your homework and stack all the rebates and incentives that you possibly can. This is not a car that should be purchased anywhere near MSRP. Some dealers discount more than others, so shop around and buy out of your area if you have to.

[jwaltwright]

Consider renting one for a day or two if you can...especially if you are considering a Mirage with a CVT instead of a 5-speed. Despite the published numbers, manual transmission Mirages can get better fuel economy than CVT-equipped models when driven conservatively.


This isn't really a problem...but it is a consideration when shopping for a Mirage...

Resale value of the Mirage isn't good. So if you buy a new one, do your homework and stack all the rebates and incentives that you possibly can. This is not a car that should be purchased anywhere near MSRP. Some dealers discount more than others, so shop around and buy out of your area if you have to.

I will be looking at the 5 speed model. Also, this is a used 2017 with 44k miles, $8,900 from my local dealer. I'll see what I can actually get it for. I want a car like this to save money for my fun cars haha.

[Top_Fuel]

...this is a used 2017 with 44k miles, $8,900 from my local dealer. I'll see what I can actually get it for.

You might be able to get a new Mirage for not much more than that. So shop around aggressively for a new one and see what you can find. Even a base model Mirage has almost every option you'd ever need in a daily driver. The 2019 base even comes with cruise control.

I want a car like this to save money for my fun cars haha.

Understood. I drive one of these daily to fund the Z06 or Viper that will be in my garage down the road.

[Mark]

I will be looking at the 5 speed model. Also, this is a used 2017 with 44k miles, $8,900 from my local dealer. I'll see what I can actually get it for. I want a car like this to save money for my fun cars haha.

A highly discounted Mirage ES (manual) is a great value! New 2017 Mirage ES (manual) were selling for $9500 at times last year. If you qualified for a military discount or current Mitsubishi owner, you could have bought these cars for even less. I paid $9299, which came out to $10,153.73 out-the-door (tax, title, license, new plates, etc...) for a new 2017 Mirage ES (manual) with added Bluetooth & useless center armrest. I did not qualified for any of the special discounts, and I still got this new car at that price. Plus, the dealer delivered the car to my home (200 miles) for free, & they added their dealer unlimited mileage powertrain warranty, too.

Thus, $8900 for a used 2017 with 44,000 miles is an ok deal, but may not be a spectacular one. If the car you are listing is an SE model, that would give it some added perks. In 2017, you could buy a manual in the ES or SE trim levels. Since 2018, only the ES can be had with a manual.

Like mentioned already - new Mirages come with awesome bumper-to-bumper & power train warranties. Plus, you get 5 years/unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

Keep in mind (regarding base models) -

2017 were the new updated models of the Mirage.

2018 added back up cameras to all models.

2019 added 6-way adjustable driver's seat & cruise control.

Thus, a slight bump in price is justified. At times, new 2018 Mirage ES (manual) have been @ $9,999. That price is from an up front dealership (no hidden extra costs), & anyone could buy that car at that price. If you qualified for some extra discounts, you may even do better. It pays to shop around. Sadly, not all Mitsubishi dealership are the same.

I bought my Mirage in October of 2017, & I am near 19,000 miles. I have no regrets with this purchase. I would have considered a used 2017 Mirage, but they didn't exist when I bought mine. If I could get a new Mirage for only a $1500-2000 more than a used one, I surely wouldn't rule out a new one.

I hear some people complain about the depreciation of these cars. I plan on driving my Mirage for 10 years or so. It can't depreciate more than what I paid for it in that time. I really like my Mirage. Having said that, there isn't anything that you could add to a Mirage that would make me pay more than $10,000 to $12,000 for one.

This car is affordable, reliable, & economical. If you get a good deal on one, you will appreciate this little car!

[RodeRoNL]

Consider renting one for a day or two if you can...especially if you are considering a Mirage with a CVT instead of a 5-speed. Despite the published numbers, manual transmission Mirages can get better fuel economy than CVT-equipped models when driven conservatively.


This isn't really a problem...but it is a consideration when shopping for a Mirage...

Resale value of the Mirage isn't good. So if you buy a new one, do your homework and stack all the rebates and incentives that you possibly can. This is not a car that should be purchased anywhere near MSRP. Some dealers discount more than others, so shop around and buy out of your area if you have to.

There is no significant difference in fuel consumption in the numbers published by owners between CVT and manual in my country.

[jwaltwright]

Also, does the Mitsubishi warranty transfer to the second owner?

[Top_Fuel]

Also, does the Mitsubishi warranty transfer to the second owner?

The bumper-to-bumper warranty does. The 10 year powertrain warranty does not. Normally that would concern me...but not with a 5-speed Mirage. I don't think we've had anyone with a single powertrain failure (that wasn't self-induced...lol).