Originally Posted by
MetroMPG
The Mirage front subframe assembly is a disaster waiting to happen. Safety issue? I'd bet money on it.
Geo Metro owners past & present: think about the killer front control arm mount rust issue. At least this part can be removed and a replacement part bolted on when the wheels threaten to fall off.
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The surface rust on the outside is just a distraction. It's going to rust away from the inside out (or on top) due to the openings that permit grit, salt & water into the assembly - moisture traps.
Sanding & painting the outside is just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Like dspace says, you gotta spray a rust inhibitor inside the cavity. Put it on your maintenance schedule.
Oh God, there is such a thing called the "the killer front control arm mount rust issue" ?!
I sound like the guy who claps his hands when he sees another Mirage about this point... but I am glad I Krowned my Mirage every year. I should have done it the first year, but I thought they did something at the Mitsu store. Not the spring after. I took action and have for 6 years since.
Not just my Mirage, but whatever car is next. Also makes a new car purchase a little easier pill to swallow if you can make the new car look last for decades.
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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)