Faults:

On the whole, I've never had a problem with this car since the day I brought it.

General Comments:

One of the major reasons I've never had a problem with this car in all the 10 years I've had it, is due to regular services. The car has always preformed well, and gives me the power when I need it.

Faults:

Traction control - faulty before purchase (130,000), causing the car to eat through brakes.

Head gasket blew - 150,000 miles.

Back seats worn badly prior to purchase (negligence of owner).

Starter seized up - 165,000.

A/C condenser seized up - 145,000.

Headliner fell in - first stages upon buying (riding with windows down only increased this)

Stock Infinity stereo CD player - quit reading lightly scratched disk - 140,000.

Fuel economy - (factory tag: 22-27 highway) actual: 22 highway.

General Comments:

This car handles like a Cadillac. It has soft suspension; great for long highway stretches.

Comes with lots of easy to use and easy to access controls, 6 cup holders, and plenty of room for people riding in the back seats (just as long as you aren't a tall fellow).

My model had seat warmers, although not piping hot, they did adequately well.

The big 3.5L, has plenty of power (I easily out powered many other like import models). The transmission matches the engines torque perfectly, not even having the shift while climbing up and down hills. If not mistaken, JD Power gave an award for this experimental transmission of the Diamante this year (don't quote me).

One major downside was, while trying to hide speaker wiring, I was trying to place back a panel that hides the seat belt system. Too much pressure while putting it back in, caused an explosion in the harness system, which caused the seat belt to lock up. After I realized I couldn't pop my trunk, my gas tank, the antennae wouldn't go up anymore, and also the key less entry failed to work. I never have found the fuse that controlled this, but thanks too many extras the rear antennae help with some radio. Dealership estimates for this and other fixes were outrageous. Found cheap used parts at (www.all-parts.com).

Lastly, access to the back 3 spark plugs for self-maintenance were limited due to the air intake being in the way. This is a costly maintenance repair for the less inclined.

Faults:

Water pump failure after 8000km driving. Cambelt shredded, valves bent.

Car "conked out" after start-up occasionally.

General Comments:

At face value this car has strong performance and a comfortable interior with plenty of features, which delivers reasonable fuel economy.

This car (when it worked) was a great car on long trips, could overtake anything, and handled surprisingly well for its size.

But that's where the fun ends... This car had a catastrophic water-pump / cambelt failure despite it being replaced 8000km ago.

I was then caught in the middle of 2 Mitsubishi dealers fighting over who was to blame! Car wasn't the same after its eventual repair.. transmission was slippy and the car wouldn't idle properly after startup.

Will NEVER own a Mitsubishi again.