2000 Mitsubishi Diamante LS 3.5 from North America

Summary:

Great car, power, handling, looks

Faults:

Heater Core gasket, (common problem)

General Comments:

I have owned this car for two years and I still really like it. It has plenty of power (V6), handles well, and is just plain fun to drive. It has a certain "X" factor, a bit of soul, which is unusual for a Japanese car. Great commuter. It's been totally reliable, except for the heater core gasket problem, which is pretty common. The resale value is pretty low, which is bad if you bought it new, but good if you buy it used. If you are looking for an Accord or Camry, try a Diamante, MUCH more car for less money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2005

2000 Mitsubishi Diamante ES from North America

Summary:

Expensive nightmare

Faults:

Problem after problem : (

The last one is the famous heater core leakage problem

Just google for "diamante heatercore" and you will see

It is a known problem and Mitsubishi knows it, but doing nothing about it. Costs 700-900 to repair or you will be poisoned inhaling antifreeze. And the 60k service costs normally 1500 for a car not worth 9k. Never again Mitsubishi.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th December, 2004

12th Jan 2005, 13:24

I have a 2000 Diamante and have had the same problem. Was told a year ago by the dealer that nothing was wrong with it. The windows fog and will not defrost and there is a terrible odor from the antifreeze. I became very ill last January (5 doctors, 3 hospitals, ct scans, etc) and they never did figure out what it was. It very well could have been the fumes from the antifreeze making me sick. I found a complaint by someone that had gone into respiratory failure who owned a 2000 Diamante. I think this should be considered a safety hazard.

6th Jun 2005, 12:33

I have a 00 Mitsubishi ES and do get a foul smell during the initial few minutes of driving... is there just not enough people to get Mitsubishi to do a recall on this.. and what is the care is under warranty...

6th Aug 2005, 13:55

I too had this problem. Other than that, I've owned the car for 2 years and it has been quite trouble free. I think it is an excellent value. It has a powerful 3.0 V6, handles great, and if fun to drive. If I could go back in time and make the decision to buy this car again I would.

11th Nov 2005, 21:55

I have a 2002 and I have loved the car until now. My heater core appears to be going bad and the odor is really getting to me. The car only has 37,000 miles on it. I had a Nissan that I sold with 105,000 miles on it without ever taking it to a mechanic once. I regret selling it though. I have a child on the way and I am afraid that the Antifreeze might be a bit dangerous, I am gonna have to buy a new car, but guess what, Honda or Nissan- here I come...