1989 Mitsubishi Galant GSR 2.0L DOHC turbo

Summary:

Great car for my drag racing carree

Faults:

There is not much wrong with the car.

I have just had to replace the engine after it was destroyed from a dropped valve.

Some slight head lights problems (coming off high beams turns the entire lights off)

General Comments:

Repair costs for the turbo engine are very high (AU $172 for an exhaust gasket)

Other than expensive parts the car is extremely fast for a FWD, easily beats V8's. very comfy inside.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2004

1989 Mitsubishi Galant Twin Cam 2.0 Fuel Injected

Summary:

Good Riddance!

Faults:

Starter motor needed overhaul in 2002.

Bodywork would dent easily.

Poor quality metallic paintwork.

Bonnet hard to open at times.

Fuel economy pathetic, despite careful driving and maintenance.

General Comments:

This car was greedy on fuel compared with other comparable models.

Cabin and exterior seemed fragile at best.

I never drove it hard as the gearbox of this model is not known for longevity.

The "economy" mode button on the transmission console is a joke.

No problems with handling or brakes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 29th November, 2003

23rd Mar 2009, 04:16

I had the same problem with my bonnet being hard to open. I fixed it by putting oil all over the mechanism that holds the bonnet down. Now it opens every time.

1989 Mitsubishi Galant GLX 1.8L naturally aspirated

Summary:

Excellent first or second vehicle

Faults:

Oxidized paint.

Power steering fluid leak.

Minor rust spots above rear window and inside boot (trunk) seal.

Dents in rear passenger doors from the previous owner.

Mold and mildew build-up from being left outside during winter.

Mud and dirt build up behind rear mud flaps and near front doors, inside fender panels. This mud can stay wet and cause rust in colder temperatures.

Checking on official safety check failures with this general make of vehicle, I have found they mostly fail due to steering/suspension related problems as well as oil/fluid leaks.

General Comments:

Very spacious interior.

Surprisingly, the original cigarette lighter still works.

Shifts gears very smoothly and easily.

Good handling for such a large vehicle, but the suspension can still be a little soft on corners.

Decent pick up and top end speed.

I prefer classic cars and I got the car as a cheap run around vehicle. I have only owned this car for just over one month and since owning it, I have realized what a great car it is. I am going to restore it to original condition and keep it now.

A real sleeper. Nobody looks at it twice, even with the body damage it has.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th August, 2003

1989 Mitsubishi Galant GSR 2.0 DOHC

Summary:

Great car, pity it was dropped for Oz

Faults:

Very little at all. The car has had an intermittent squeal from the rear discs when reversing since new. No one has been able to entirely eliminate that I also had the previous model Galant GSR bought 12 months old. It had a timing belt bearing failure while at the dealer's workshop waiting for the bearing, the entire cost of which Mitsubishi and the dealer shared. Good back-up. The first owner hauled a horse float!

General Comments:

The car has been exposed to Australian sun - still looks great.

Still gets "nice car, what is it?" comments after all these years.

Upholstery, (woven fabric) is in good shape and the hatchback is excellent.

Handles well, goes very well on premium and shows no sign of engine wear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2003

8th Aug 2003, 04:42

I have to agree with the author. I also have a Galant GSR 1989 model - I am its second owner. The car was bought new by some guy in Benalla in country Victoria - I bought it when it had 50,000km on the clock, back in 1995. The car now has 204,000km and still looks great. The engine still loves to rev to 7,000rpm.

Problems:

- ECS (electronic suspension) packed it in at 201,000km...worn shock absorbers resulting in scrubbed rear tyres. Replaced ECS with normal suspension (as per the normal SE model)

- had to replace brake pads and rotors twice (could be my driving style...)

- CV joints replaced @ 180,000km

- new clutch @ 120,000km

- rocker cover gasket @ 195,000km.

Inside is still in mint condition, given the car is a daily driver. Fuel economy is pretty good for a 14-year old car... about 7.4l/100 highway cycle, 9.5 city cycle.

About to put in sports suspension and strut braces...

Why did Mitsubishi Motors ever drop this car? Whatever happened to the legendary DOHC engines? I love my new Lancer, but I have kept the Galant.

22nd Sep 2004, 13:37

I'm a big fan of the Galant. I have a 1989 four-door with the SOHC engine. Mitsubishi did not sell in Canada until 2002, however Chrysler sold selected models through its dealers. The Galant was known here as the 2000 GTX. Clever, huh? Every time it goes for service, they always ask for the model. When I tell them, they say: "I thought you said it was a 1989." And so on.

Mechanically, the car has been very good - except for one persistent problem. The engine is always dripping oil from some orifice. The car presently has 215,000 km. The bottoms of all the doors are starting to rust, finally. Body integrity has been excellent, compared to similar Honda and Toyota models of the same vintage. Just had the CV axles changed.

The SOHC engine only makes 102 hp, but the 5-speed wrings every pony out of it. I run premium Pirellis (I learned a long time ago not scrimp on rubber). The factory alloys still look good.

The Galant, particularly this generation (1989-93), was a very well-engineered car. I STILL can't justify replacing it with a newer model. What am I going to get? A Primera? It's too small by comparison. Most 4-cyl cars are. That's what I like about the Galant: it's big where it counts, and is still cheap to run. I've got two more years to enjoy it until the environmental cops haul me in at renewal time. Mark.

1989 Mitsubishi Galant GSR 2.0 DOHC petrol

Summary:

Solid car if in good condition, expensive to repair otherwise

Faults:

Engine lunched itself at 249000km's, no warning. Probably dropped a valve, but mechanic couldn't tell for sure. Timing belt still intact. Replaced engine with Japanese import.$1900AUS fitted.

Electronic suspension failed, replaced with second hand suspension, non adjustable. $250 fitted.

Steering rack replaced. $250 fitted.

Exterior paint is cracking and getting dull, roof and bonnet only.

General Comments:

The car is good to drive, responsive enough and good on fuel. Having now replaced the engine etc I shall probably keep it for a few more years or until I win lotto and then I will push it off the nearest cliff.

Interior is in good condition, plastic holding up well to the Australian sun, pity about the paint.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2002

22nd Sep 2005, 00:25

I agree with the paint on the 89 galant. The paint on the bonnet of mine is showing signs of sun-damage, but it is a 16 year old car so that is to be somewhat expected.