Fancy Metro (Mirage #1) :: 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage SE (Garage entry)

[MetroMPG]

As of Feb 17, 2020

Instrumentation:

- ScanGauge II (primarily used to monitor "instant" MPG and coolant temp)


Aerodynamics:

- full upper & partial lower grille block
- front air dam
- side skirts
- Kammback / rear spoiler extension
- side mirrors removed/replaced with interior A-pillar convex mirrors
- smooth wheel discs
- radio antenna relocated to inside
- passenger side wiper sometimes removed
- hood/headlights gaps sealed
- foglight gaps sealed
- rear fender skirts


Drivetrain:

- warm air intake
- engine kill switch
- 1000 watt coolant pre-heater (not installed yet)
- increased tire pressure


Electrical:

- 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)


Other:

- weight reduction (rear seat removed)

[dspace9]

(Reserving this post)

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.

[MetroMPG]

Thanks!

the soft ride makes the Mirage feel bigger.

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.

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!

====

Rear brakes came in at the parts store. I guess I have a busy evening ahead.

Mechanical/safety inspection is scheduled for Wednesday.

[MetroMPG]

(Reserving this post..)

[Eggman]

Nice! Looking forward to where you go with this. I fully expect lots of eco-mods here.

[MetroMPG]

Ha! I started modding before it left Toronto:



Temporary, easy ones. ( I wonder if I kept the coroplast bits I made for the car Mitsu Canada loaned me in 2014.)

I also deleted the passenger mirror. That'll have to go back on for the safety inspection this week.

Doing the front brakes right now...

[Eggman]

Feel free to take advantage of the forum Fuel Economy Log. There, you can track (and perhaps even brag about) your lifetime fuel economy numbers.

I see your signature line has some entries, but they appear rather old.

[Basic]

Fancy Metro... hahaha I love it

[MetroMPG]

Eggman, you're being terrible.

.........

Front brakes done!



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. )