24th Dec 2012, 00:47
I agree with your comments. Just bought a Mits 380 for my daughter (she paid for it). We were surprised by the value when we looked at it.
I am totally impressed by the machine - just did an oil change - very easy.
Lots of power, stops well, and good seating. The machine has done 110000 and we paid 6000 for it (2005 year).
This paint is not so good, with laminating an issue - probably why it was a bit cheaper!
I want one myself now. This is real value as far as I can see. The car is very straight.
27th Mar 2013, 00:19
Original poster here. You aren't wrong mate, they are a massive bang for your buck car, especially now a few years on from when they stopped production. I have seen a few around with clear coat issues. Mine has been garaged most of its life and so far (touch wood) the paint seems to be holding up. Mine just ticked over 150,000 and she's still a great smooth car; it is due for a comprehensive suspension check though. It is starting to feel a bit floaty over bumps. It has had a fairly hard life, so I wouldn't be surprised if the shocks and springs have started to loosen up a bit. Other than that, it's rock solid.
I'll report back in another 10,000km!
8th Aug 2013, 22:57
Hi original poster. I have read your comments eagerly, as we are looking to purchase either a GT or a Platinum model. Never had a Mitsi. But there are lots of good reviews on it, thanks.
1st Oct 2013, 02:22
Just bought a 2006 SX. I'm very happy with the car; only 65k and it runs like new. I am very interested in this thread.
15th Apr 2014, 00:39
Hi,
Well the original poster seems gone so I will continue on with my 2006 SX. My car is now at 76000. I have driven it 11,000 km since I bought it in September; drives like new. A little heavy on fuel around town, but a great highway car & good on fuel in that sense.
The paint on the roof is starting to fade; an inherent Mitsubishi problem, so it will cost $700 to get the bonnet & roof resprayed.
Remember to have the transmission flushed with genuine Mitsubishi oil; I just did that and put on a transmission cooler. I also change the oil every 7500 km.
I put the US Galant snorkel on, which helps fuel economy a little.
I will report back at 90,000 km; all good so far.
MT.
6th Jan 2015, 13:42
I have just found this thread and loved reading it. I have had my 380 series 2 SX Sports since new in 2007. LOVE my car. Had some jazzy graphics airbrushed on the bonnet and boot, and wouldn't dream of giving her up. I have found the fuel efficiency to be quite good, considering I am a bit of a lead foot.
14th Jan 2015, 04:45
I am back as promised, and my 2006 SX has hit the 90,000km mark, which means it is due for the timing belt & plugs (quite expensive service). The plugs are platinum so they last 100,000km. The rear plugs are located under the plenum manifold. This is a 3 hour job with the timing belt, so not cheap. Just remember to have the rocker tubes seals and rear rocker gasket seal replaced when you do so (about $40 for them), otherwise it is hours replacing them (learnt this the hard way with a 2004 Magna).
The car is running great. I just put a factory Bluetooth kit in. I have had to replace the tyres, so be sure to check the alignments.
The front driver's seat bolsters are not the best. They were crumbling a little when I bought it (apparently a common problem).
All in all, the car is standing up well. I will be back at 105,000km.
MT.
18th Jan 2015, 00:52
Had my 380 since 2008 at 43,000km (it's a 2006 model GT), and it has been faultless (apart from 2 power windows over the journey). Now at 120k. Some fading & laminating on roof, & now starting on the boot (it's not garaged).
Love the power (when required), smoothness, solidness - Best car I've owned for sure (...I'm in my 50's - so been through a few over the years). Economy in traffic is not near as good as on the highway, as expected, for a decent sized 6 cylinder. Don't think I can go back to a 4 cylinder after this baby; but I'm thinking ahead to selling her, maybe next year. All the best.
17th Mar 2015, 12:50
Just purchased my first 380 ES, 2007. It's got 174k on the clock and has a full service history by WA Mitsubishi dealers, timing belts and plugs changed at 105k. It goes well, looks good and was bloody cheap!! Hope it keeps going for a few years yet. I'll report back soon to give an update :)
18th Mar 2015, 01:22
We purchased a used ES in 2010 with 94000 on the clock, and it was a hire car previously.
It has now done 145,000 and it has been faultless. Open road economy was 9, but have found using 95 octane has reduced this to 8.1 to 8.4, a significant boost, and a great engine has been greater, more power and torque, although it had plenty using 91 octane.
Had a pink slip test yesterday, and the mechanic commented he could not believe the car had done 145,000; said it rode better than a Benz or a BMW, and had no squeaks, rattles or body noise.
Actually said it was the best riding car he has been in for years, surprising me; unsolicited comments, but appreciated.
I am 70, and in my experience this is the best car I have ever owned; the build quality, paint, ride and engine are great.
Our next car will have a lot to live up to in comparison.
13th Jul 2012, 06:53
Original poster here. The car has now done as of today 132,000km, and it's still just as smooth, quiet, reliable and fun to drive as the day I drove it out of the dealership.
The gearbox is still snappy under load, yet slurrs perfectly into the next gear cruising along. The motor still revs sweetly and attacks the red line when it's needed. It's just faultless.. apart from the driver's seat electric adjustment, which is being a little temperamental. I'll get checked out next week.
I service it every 5 thousand kays now just to keep the oil looking clean. Really am happy with it.
I am on the hunt for a newer sedan (something I can do a bit of track work with). But the 380 is going nowhere. Considering how crap resale is of Magna/380's, I think I'll keep the 380 and just drive it into the ground. I'm only 21, and she's done 132,000... let's see how high I can get that odometer in the years to come!