Faults:
Purchased for less than half the going value of the car at the time, so I knew it would need work. Over the next 18 months we put over $12,000 into the car. It needed everything replaced except the engine, which to this day is running incredibly strong.
Transmission failed, brakes and rotors needed replacing, tires and wheels needed replacing, stereo system replaced, electrical wiring harness and wiring all replaced, alternator replaced, battery and battery cables replaced, etc.
Right after rolling 200k miles (I put 60,000 miles a year on a car, so in all fairness I'm not easy on them) it started having major electrical issues. I gave up and parked the car. I told my daughter when I had the electrical problems fixed she could have the car.
Then my daughter called and said she lost the key. I called Mitsubishi and asked if they could make another key from the VIN. No. Have to bring the car in, the computer has to be hooked up to their computer. Asked if I can just bring in the computer. No. The entire car has to be there. Now I have to have the car towed an hour and a half to the nearest dealership because there are very few Mits dealerships left out there anymore.
The key is $65. It has to be programmed - $90. So I've got to spend over $150 for a freaking key for the thing! In the meantime I find out the alternator needs to be replaced so it'll be towed back home too. A 3 hour round trip tow, plus the time to wait for the key to be done. That's going to be a nice tow bill for someone.
General Comments:
This car is gorgeous! Super sexy lines, perfect silver color with dark tinted windows. Sun roof and amazing leather interior that looks like it just rolled off a show room floor. Very comfy, even at nearly 200 miles a day. SO much fun to drive!!! Pick up to get on the interstate is no problem here at all.
But the lack of dealerships, the high prices for repair work and the whole BS with the key makes it ridiculously expensive to keep.
That said, it's still in my garage and I have no intention of getting rid of it. I've definitely fallen in love with this car, despite being raped by it for the last 3 years.