Hi there!
I recently bought a 2018 GT and loving it so far.
Story time:
For the past 5 years, I was driving a 2012 Ford Focus Hatchback and it just went over 100k miles. My wife's cousin, who's caring for her grandparents, had a less than reliable car and are not in a position to buy a decent used car. The Focus was already paid off so we figured we could donate it to her cousin who couldn't find a better job because of the transportation issue. So I researched for a replacement car under $18k pretty thoroughly and found the Honda Fit. It was perfect; great cargo, gas mileage, and Android Auto. To my sadness, I found out that the base model, LX, did not include Android Auto and the model up was just out of our budget. So, because the Ford Focus is an extremely reliable car (as long as it has standard transmission), we decided to get another one. Unfortunately, the one Focus we found with Android Auto had an automatic transmission (major issues with those trans around 50k). We found a used manual Focus at a local Mitsubishi dealership. Alas, no AA. So, I told the salesman what I was looking for: hatchback with over 30mpg that included AA under $18. He then introduced me to the Mirage! Apparently the upgrade from an SE to a GT was only $500 extra which included better wheels (I guess), headlights (I guess), and heated seats (sold!).
I had not seen this on Autotrader or the other car sites and was pleased with the test drive. It is an automatic transmission, which I'm getting used to rather quickly. I had not known that Mitsubishi had so few dealerships; my town has 1 of 2 in Tennessee.
So far, I'm digging this little car.
A few minor things I'm not digging so much:
- Non-telesoping steering wheel/column (My arms are either extended all of the way or my knees are touching the column or I'm sitting straight up uncomfortably)
- Steering seems a bit stiffer than the Focus
- Cargo floor is surprisingly flimsy, needs to be reinforced
- My left elbow has nothing to rest on!
- Radio turns on when the car does; I wish it would start with 'A/V Off'
- Sun glare off of the dash! I experienced this one today for the first time and will be looking for a dash cover quickly.
- Costco doesn't sell 175/55R15 tires
So the Focus was a little better in the comfort department but I'm extremely excited about this car. I hope I can find information on this forum to make it even better. I've read something about a sway-bar upgrade here.
Glad to join this community!
-Rowsdower