Mitsubishi Carisma Hatchback 1.8 GLX GDI 5d (AC+ABS) (1997/R) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
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
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
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On the road
Driving
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
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.
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Living with it
Reliability
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
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
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.
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Security and Service
Security
Good locks - difficult to break into - plus nobody wants to steal them.
Service
Mitsubishi charged me £40 for a diagnosis which was incomplete - failed to get money back or even apology - Stay away from Holden Mitsubishi Norwich.
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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