Can a '94 automatic be made into a fun car?

[rawvortec]

I'm interested in a 1994 mirage es automatic with 140k miles. I wanted to know the potential with one of these cars for a daily driver and upgrading suspension/tires to make it fun. Is it possible? How much money would I have to throw at it to make it possible?

[inuvik]

It depends on your definition of “fun”. Welcome to the forum. If dumping a ton of money into a 25 yr old car is fun then “yes”. The Mirage has always been the entry level vehicle for Mitsubishi and with the exception of the turbo models of the late 80’s it’s always been a econobox. But for most of us current owners, that’s the appeal of our little cars. Don’t pay more than a couple hundred bucks for one. Because odds are after 25 yrs you are going to have to spend some $$ to keep it roadworthy. But hey, there are far worse things you could dump money into so as long as you don’t have any delusions of grandeur it could be a fun project car.

[Fummins]

Don't be like 16 year old me was, buy a 30 year old vehicle for $500 then spend $2500 getting it road worthy. Then have it nickle and dime you so you never have money in your savings account for the next 20 years lol I don't miss having to fill up the oil more often than the gas tank.

[Loren]

Since nobody else mentioned it: You're on the wrong forum. I mean, we'll talk to you and stuff... but, this forum is specifically for the 2012+ "6th Generation" Mirage. Most of us aren't exactly experts on the older Mirages.

That said, any car can be made fun... depending on what you call fun. Personally, anything with a traditional 3 or 4 speed automatic transmission and an underpowered 4-cylinder is not going make the cut. But, the same car with a manual transmission that allows you to get the most out of what little power you have... sure.

But, consider how much money you're going to spend. Then, go price a Miata of the same vintage.

[Fummins]

Everyone if right, it depends on what you consider fun. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu5wVn_8k18

[Dodge Aries K]

It won't be fun but those old ones were pretty tough. If it's inexpensive, run the hell out of it until it doesn't have any more service to give.

[rawvortec]

It's silver with some faded clear coat, but engine bay is super clean and new tires. asking $1k. Small rust spots on roof and the front seat is pretty busted. Do any of you all know much about these older models and what to look for when I go to see it for first time tomorrow?

[stevedmc]

I'm interested in a 1994 mirage es automatic ........... to make it fun. Is it possible?

It depends on how good you are with explosives.

[inuvik]

It's silver with some faded clear coat, but engine bay is super clean and new tires. asking $1k. Small rust spots on roof and the front seat is pretty busted. Do any of you all know much about these older models and what to look for when I go to see it for first time tomorrow?

I wouldn’t pay more than $500 and that would be a stretch. Don’t forget the MSRP of this car new was probably about $4k. It’s really only worth it’s value in scrap metal and not much more. Don’t forget the fact it’s a 25 yr old automatic transmission that if it hasn’t failed yet then it’s way over due.

[stevedmc]

I wouldn’t pay more than $500 and that would be a stretch. Don’t forget the MSRP of this car new was probably about $4k. It’s really only worth it’s value in scrap metal and not much more. Don’t forget the fact it’s a 25 yr old automatic transmission that if it hasn’t failed yet then it’s way over due.

Automatics suck but if the car runs, has new tires, and passes state inspection, I’d say it’s worth at least $1,000. It’s never going to be a fun car but I’d be happy with it for simple transportation. According to the Huffington post, the average car payment is nearly $500. If the car lasts two months it’s paid for itself.