Mitsubishi Carisma Hatchback 1996-
  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very low second-hand prices - whole lot of car for the money - can find excellent seven year old one for less than a grand.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Mitsubishi parts astronomical (e.g. £600 for new Cat) but there are enough around so most parts are easily available from breakers - Servicing pretty easy, but diagnostics tricky as only Mitsubishi and Specialists have computer to plug into 96-99 cars

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Not the most exciting drive - but feels like a very modern car - steering a bit too heavy at low speeds - difficult to reverse into parking space due to bad rear visibility.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Handling good - 1.8 GDI engine is a rocket - a lot of power and the insurance companies don't know about it - also extremely economical 42MPG.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Made in Holland - Since buying it I have had nothing but emissions problems, despite full service history - GDI engine prone to carbon build-up - blows Lamda sensors - impossible to fix nobody wants to know - car failed MOT (again), will be scrapped

    Image

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Poor image - but in dark colours (part. black) it looks good and people don't seem to recognise it. - also still a Mitsubishi for very little money

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very comfortable seats and ride - but a bit noisy at speed - I drove from Norwich to North Wales with two passengers recently and they said it was most comfortable car they have been in - Air Con helped.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good locks - difficult to break into - plus nobody wants to steal them.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Mitsubishi charged me £40 for a diagnosis which was incomplete - failed to get money back or even apology - Stay away from Holden Mitsubishi Norwich.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Emission Problems - Impossible to Fix - Also noisy valve lifters.

    Other

    Interior trim quality not up to Japanese standards - bulbs behind dash go, as does the clock.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No