2002 Mitsubishi Diamante ES 3.0

Summary:

A horrible car foisted off as a semi-luxury automobile..

Faults:

At 27,000 miles the storage compartment door broke.

At less than 30,000 miles the front brakes wore out completely... I replaced them with factory brakes and they wore out again in about 20,000 miles... I replaced them with after-market brakes and they are now almost completely worn again.

At 30,000 the antenna failed to retract... Now it fails to retract or stay fully extended. Replacement cost for the motor is > $500. The radio always sounded tinny, now it gets very bad reception.

At 53,000 the fuel gauge ceased working... Replacement cost for the sending unit > $750.

At 65,000 the radiator core rusted through and leaked onto my Engine Control Unit (inside the car!) I had to replace BOTH units for almost $3,000. The dealer recommended I do not repair, but donate to charity.

Driver's seat squeaks and has always had an errant spring...

Rear passenger window seal is easily knocked off and not so easily replaced...

At 80,000 the center-rear brake light fell off the window...

Other "smaller" items...

Cover broke off from power outlet.

The car has always had a tendency to wander a bit, and has become a tedious chore to drive for any distance...

Covering on the seat head rests is coming off...

General Comments:

This is my second Mitsubishi... I kick myself when I think about what a mistake it was going back for seconds. Stay away from Mitsubishi cars...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th January, 2007

21st Feb 2007, 22:55

It is regretful that you obviously got a lemon. However, my 2002 Diamante, 3.5 liter engine, 60,000 miles) is a jewel. It is luxurious with the leather interior. The power seats are terrific.

The engine responds every time I need to enter a freeway, highway traffic or just pull away from a mess in the rear view mirror.

The brakes are the best of any vehicle I have ever driven. The Infiniti sound system is all I need. The moon roof is a welcomed addition. My work is a 14 mile round trip, but I fill up only twice a month.

Until a "friend" slammed the back door, I had no wind noise.

Handling has been sufficient in all normal conditions and very good in a few abnormal conditions. There is nothing I would change about this vehicle.

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2002 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 3.5

Summary:

I love my car and you will too!

Faults:

The driver seat has worn a bit.

Heater on driver seat was not hot when I bought it, but still under warranty, so I got a new seat bottom for free.

The check engine light came on a few days after purchase, I took the car to the dealership, and they ordered the wrong part. Not just once, but 3 times, and when they got it right my warranty was up, and I was frustrated.

Now the check engine light is intermittent, however, the car is still reliable. "Check engine" lights are only for smog stuff (generally).

Finally, compared to 4 bangers out there, it is a bit heavy on the gas.

General Comments:

This car got me from Northern California to Illinois, Illinois to South Florida, South Florida to Arizona, and Arizona back to Northern California, all in one trip, and did not have any problems!

I LOVE MY CAR and I LOVE TO DRIVE! It's even fun to say "Diamante", try it. I Love its speed, when you give it gas it does not hesitate, even up hills. It takes corners very well. When you put all the windows half way down it feels like you are in a Picasso work of art because they go down abnormally. It's performance is sporty, yet I can pick up my family from the airport. I got limo tint on the back windows, windshield bar, sun roof, and 20% up front, now it has a well defined business look.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2006

11th Aug 2006, 13:59

I agree with you in the fact that it is fun to say Diamante and it is a very classy and comfortable car. However, it is of best advice to have that "check engine" light checked. Smog and emissions is only one thing this light tells you about. It also goes ON when vital functions go wrong, like oil pressure, fuel pressure, lean mixture, misfiring, and sensors gone bad. All this can affect the power and economy of the car, and most importantly it affects it's durability. So have that light checked, it is not expensive and you owe it to your car, since it has been good to you.