New Silver ES

[Mark]

A part of me is interested in minimalism and I get a kick by doing the most I can with the least necessary. Maybe that's why I like the Mirage. 78 hp and a small cargo area is ok with me. It's doing everything I need my car to do.

A/C
auto climate controls
ABS
stability control/traction control
intermittent wipers
tachometer gauge
power steering
power window
power locks
remote entry
cruise control
rear wiper
TPMS
forward collision mitigation
HSA (hill start assist)
backup camera
6-way adjustable driver's seat
air bags
radio/speakers/antenna
4-doors
No darn cupholders!
& whatever I may have forgotten.

I felt driving a 1990 Ford Festiva L (63 hp) with 12" steel wheels was being a "minimalists" for 14 years, because it didn't come with any the above standard features found on a base level Mirage in 2022.

I miss base level cars, because they don't really exist any more. I am not knocking those who love features, however. I just wish car were simpler/cheaper. In my opinion, screens on vehicle dashes should be illegal, but I understand emergency braking might have that covered?

[Cobrajet]

What size chrome nuts do we use? Also I need a professional to paint my wheels. The last time I did it on my 2014, it looked like sh$t. Any recommendations?

https://mirageforum.com/forum/showth...Dorman-611-141

[7milesout]

I felt driving a 1990 Ford Festiva L (63 hp) with 12" steel wheels was being a "minimalists" for 14 years, because it didn't come with any the above standard features found on a base level Mirage in 2022.

That is an amazing list. Gosh, back in 1990, I hated the Ford Festiva. I graduated high school that year. I guess in my mind, it was an image thing. But now, I think owning and driving said Festiva would be a BLAST. However, living down here in the dirty south, I'd want A/C. And I love cruise control, I use it everywhere. That would be the only 2 things I'd want. I could live with roll down windows and everything else. 12" wheels? They're clown car wheels, but I'd still be OK with them. I knew a guy who had a Festiva. He told me that when he would drive it to Florida, he'd just put his foot to the floor, run about 80 mph, and get about 40 mpg. Sounds feasible.

If I do the black painted wheels, which I might, I'm going to wait until I'm about to replace tires. And just use the Enasaves as the masking.

[Little Magician]

Total cargo volume room is second only to the Honda Fit. The Mirage has more room than most hatchbacks a class size above it IIRC.

True, I did some searches for a used Fit but they're overpriced for their age and miles these days. (what isn't?) Honda really did a great job using all of the available space in such a small hatch.

[Little Magician]

LOL! These days, that is considered bare bones! Plus, my wife argued successfully for getting power windows.

A/C
auto climate controls
ABS
stability control/traction control
intermittent wipers...

[Dirk Diggler]

https://mirageforum.com/forum/showth...Dorman-611-141

Thanks Cobra, now to just find them in chrome.

[Dirk Diggler]

That is an amazing list. Gosh, back in 1990, I hated the Ford Festiva. I graduated high school that year. I guess in my mind, it was an image thing. But now, I think owning and driving said Festiva would be a BLAST. However, living down here in the dirty south, I'd want A/C. And I love cruise control, I use it everywhere. That would be the only 2 things I'd want. I could live with roll down windows and everything else. 12" wheels? They're clown car wheels, but I'd still be OK with them. I knew a guy who had a Festiva. He told me that when he would drive it to Florida, he'd just put his foot to the floor, run about 80 mph, and get about 40 mpg. Sounds feasible.

If I do the black painted wheels, which I might, I'm going to wait until I'm about to replace tires. And just use the Enasaves as the masking.

Come help me do my steelies and I'll return the favor. Also, I got extra OEM steel wheels too if you need them.

[Mark]

That is an amazing list. Gosh, back in 1990, I hated the Ford Festiva. I graduated high school that year. I guess in my mind, it was an image thing. But now, I think owning and driving said Festiva would be a BLAST. However, living down here in the dirty south, I'd want A/C. And I love cruise control, I use it everywhere. That would be the only 2 things I'd want. I could live with roll down windows and everything else. 12" wheels? They're clown car wheels, but I'd still be OK with them. I knew a guy who had a Festiva. He told me that when he would drive it to Florida, he'd just put his foot to the floor, run about 80 mph, and get about 40 mpg. Sounds feasible.

If I do the black painted wheels, which I might, I'm going to wait until I'm about to replace tires. And just use the Enasaves as the masking.

I agree cruise & A/C are nice features to have. Cruise control becoming standard for the 2019+ Mirage ES was a nice addition, especially for those who prefer manuals. Then again, cruise is something that can be added to any car.

Base mode 1988-93 Festiva L came with 145SR12 wheels. They were tough little cars. I would do things with that car that I would not do with my Mirage. If they were still offered today, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. $5,300 brand new in 1990, but that's equivalent to $11,471 today with inflation. Prior to this recent price trend, a highly discounted base level Mirage offered a lot of nice features for the money.

The Festiva was replaced by the Ford Aspire, but I don't think it had the same charm.

[Dirk Diggler]

https://mirageforum.com/forum/showth...Dorman-611-141

Cobra you think these would work on my steelies?

https://www.amazon.com/White-Knight-...44789634&psc=1

[Dirk Diggler]

I agree cruise & A/C are nice features to have. Cruise control becoming standard for the 2019+ Mirage ES was a nice addition, especially for those who prefer manuals. Then again, cruise is something that can be added to any car.

Base mode 1988-93 Festiva L came with 145SR12 wheels. They were tough little cars. I would do things with that car that I would not do with my Mirage. If they were still offered today, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. $5,300 brand new in 1990, but that's equivalent to $11,471 today with inflation. Prior to this recent price trend, a highly discounted base level Mirage offered a lot of nice features for the money.

The Festiva was replaced by the Ford Aspire, but I don't think it had the same charm.

Mark you doing OK up there with that artic weather coming?