"AS-IS special" I got at a North Toronto Toyota dealer with 145,000 km on the clock (90k miles).
Came with a clean Carproof report, service history from the Mitsu dealer next door (one owner, relatively well maintained).
It's so much nicer to drive than the 2000 Metro winter beater it replaces!
Other nicknames considered: Lifestyle Inflation, Metro DeVille, Silver Poupon, Mirage #1 of N
New, this car cost $15,898 + $1450 mandatory freight charge = $17,348. With taxes: $19,603. Doesn't include unknown dealer charges. Basically, $20k out the door.
Details
Whoopsie-daisy on the front left corner contributed to its low, low price. Several other misc scuffs & chips in the paint around the car.
So, so dirty. The Toyota dealer didn't even bother vacuuming it.
Busted antenna, so the radio reception isn't very good right now.
Looks like it still has the original battery.
Cadillac soft! So soft.
Came with Dunlop WinterMaxx snow tires 165/65r14 size and lots of tread. Looks like the wheels have never been cleaned - the finish is stained from all the brake dust!
- disabled automatic resistive heater element (yanked the relays)
- A/C disabled (yanked the relay, for auto-defrost defeat)
- manual control of Daytime Running Lights (DRL's)
Nice Mirage Metro MPG. I like your name Metro DeVille: the soft ride makes the Mirage feel bigger. I would go with Mirage DeVille. And the Mirage interior's style feels very upscale.
Got a few odds and ends to fix eh. Whatever it's fun. Like your radio antenna might be hard to replace. I am glad you are liking your new Mirage. Right on it's a manual tranny.
One thing MetroMPG, let us know how you do with aluminum rim cleaning. I bought identical used rims like you got, off someone on Kijiji. I gotta clean them up in the spring.
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View my fuel log 2014 Mirage ES 1.2 manual: 42.2 mpg (US) ... 17.9 km/L ... 5.6 L/100 km ... 50.7 mpg (Imp)
Definitely. I forgot how hilarious the suspension is: I save fuel in the lowered Metro & Miata by carrying lots of momentum through the curves, and waste it by slowing down for bumps. The Mirage is the opposite.
One thing MetroMPG, let us know how you do with aluminum rim cleaning. I bought identical used rims like you got, off someone on Kijiji. I gotta clean them up in the spring.
Yeah, these are badly stained by brake dust. I have cleaned the dust off, but the finish was yellowed underneath. You need a very strong cleaner. I think I've used oven cleaner on rims this bad before.
Originally Posted by Wallythacker
So when the next cheap 5MT or CVT, I'm open to either, materializes I can take a run at it since you have yours now?
Or are you already contemplating getting a second? LOL
Go for it!
The honest truth is I'd prefer a base model (lighter, simpler, less stuff to break). But I'm hanging on to this one for the foreseeable future.
The only feature I'd truly miss by going with a base model would be cruise control, and Tim has us covered with his kit. I probably should have bought that private sale Kermit green base Mirage in Ottawa in the spring - half the kms, slight body damage, $2700 asking price -- probably could've negotiated down to the same price as this one. And green's my favourite colour on these cars. Next time!
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Rear brakes came in at the parts store. I guess I have a busy evening ahead.
Mechanical/safety inspection is scheduled for Wednesday.
They were about 75% worn. And I believe that was the 2nd set of pads, based on the service history. So, this car was not a highway commuter.
Coulda guessed that from the petrified crust of brake dust on the wheels I guess.
Those pads probably would have lasted a few more years the way I drive. But my mechanic wouldn't have liked them.
I cleaned up the rotors with a wire wheel on the grinder. They were kinda crusty around the edges, as you can see in the pic.
I was going to check the rears, but I don't have the right size socket to pull the drum. (Anybody know what size, offhand? I hear there's a search feature around here somewhere. )