Originally Posted by
Mark
Cruise, A/C, power windows, remote power locks, Radio (antenna & speakers), Tachometer, Traction/Stability Control, Backup Camera, Bluetooth, Intermittent/Speed Sensitive Wipers, TPMS, MPG gauge, Hill Start Assist, Tilt Steering, Rear Window Wiper, Rear Window Wash, 6-way adjustable driver's seat.
My previous economy car had none of these features. The 2019 Mirage ES MANUAL has all of them! If you prefer a more bare-bones vehicle, it's not the Mirage. Bare bones cars don't really exist in the U.S. any more. Bare bones means something else to me at least.
Canada has a more bare bones Mirage ES 5MT for $10,998 ($8,313 USD).
I am 6' 1" & 250+ pounds. I don't find the Mirage to be uncomfortable in the least, & my Mirage doesn't have the 6-way adjustable driver's seat like the 2019. I have owned both the 1st & 2nd generation Honda CRV. As far as comfort goes, the Mirage is just fine. I actually like the seats. I have no discomfort on long trips. My parents live 4 hours away. I do that distance often. I have done double that distance a few times. I have no issue with comfort.
Adding a radio is not a big deal. The car I mentioned above didn't even come with an antenna or speakers. Adding a radio, speakers, and antenna wasn't even that expensive. I wouldn't judge a car by something like that.
You don't seem to be in a hurry, & that can work in your favor. I found shopping for a Mirage to be somewhat ridiculous. Prices were all over the place. Rebates were confusing. I simply cut through all that crap. It's the dealers job to figure that all out for you. Make them do it.
This is just an approximate number, but I feel anything around 70% window sticker is a pretty good deal on these cars. I personally wouldn't pay more than that, but each person has to decide that for themselves. Just as a reference point, this is how things played out for me.
I test drove a 2018 Mirage ES (MANUAL) in October of 2017. My local dealer wanted over $13,000 OTD. I don't remember the exact figure any more. When I did the test drive, I already knew I could get a brand Mirage for $9,000. I asked this dealer if they would get me a discounted 2017 Mirage. They started making excuses. I cut them off and thanked them for the test drive.
The dealer I bought my Mirage from was White Bear Mitsubishi. They were advertising $9,500 Mirages most of the summer back then. When I finally called the general manager (now owner), he told me how I could get it for $9,000. After my local test drive, I call Richard Herod III back. I told him that I wanted a $9,000 Mirage. Keep in mind, he was sold out of them, too. He asked me for my top 3 color choices. About an hour or two later, he came back with my first color choice. The Mirage he found had the center armrest, Bluetooth (not standard then), and Pulse already added. He asked me if I was willing to pay $9299 or should he look for another $9,000 Mirage. I wasn't going to bicker at that point. The salesman that delivered my Mirage to my home said, my Mirage had 60 miles on it when he left the dealership. Thus, Richard didn't travel that far to get it for me. My car was not on cars.com or autotrader.com, but he knew where it was. It was at another Mitsubishi dealership in the Twin Cities that has since closed their doors.
I paid 10,153.73 OTD for my 2017 Mirage ES MANUAL. Window stick on my Mirage was $14,220 ($9,299/14,220 = 65.4%) If I had qualified for current Mitsubishi owner or military discounts it would have been less. I bought my Mirage from my recliner, & I saved myself well over $3,000 doing so.
Contrary to what some will say, I could have bought a Mirage for $9,000 all summer long. I waited until Fall, because of family (daughters weddings). In the past two years, more stuff has been added to the base Mirage. I wouldn't expect to find one under $10,000 any more. One of those new added features is cruise and that is a nice one.
If I was buying a Mirage today, it would have to in that $10,500-11,000 range. I really like my Mirage, but I wouldn't pay more than $12,000 OTD for one.