1980 Mitsubishi Sigma SE 2.0L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

An excellent first car for anyone

Faults:

There was a slight problem at first starting the car, but I had soon fixed this just by changing the air filter.

General Comments:

The sigma is a great first car

1, Because it is cheap to run.

2, Its extremely comfortable to drive.

3, The SE model with all the options makes it just a pleasant ride.

4, The brakes are very responsive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th May, 2004

1980 Mitsubishi Sigma GL 2.0 Astron from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Reliable and practical, but rusty

Faults:

When the car was first acquired, the transmission was slipping in first gear and was rough during upshift - this was due to the fact that the automatic had not been adjusted for 80000kms! This was fixed with a $60 service!

As the car was bought for only $270, at the time of purchase a few things were broken such as:

Heater valve frozen, distributor drive gear worn, muffler rusted, rear suspension bushes worn. I have yet to have some of these problems fixed, but nothing else has gone wrong. I estimate that I will only need to spend $300 to get the car mechanically perfect.

General Comments:

This car would be immaculate if it wasn't so rusty. The windscreen surrounds, bottom edges of doors and the A-panels all have severe rust. The drivers door is completely rusted through and the door skin has become detached. There are also minor rust spots in the bootlid and around the door pillars.

The automatic transmission is a little sluggish, especially when cold. However, it has plenty of power in second gear. Handling is good, even without power steering and the front disc brakes are very good. Fuel consumption is good, with approximately 500kms on a 60L tank around town. The interior is pretty roomy and the front seats are very comfy - overall the driving position is great. There are also lots of places to put things and overall the car is practical and well designed.

I would recomend this car to anyone who wants a reliable, economical, comfortable car, but is not to concerned about the rust which is fairly common in these cars! (Perhaps a 2.6L manual would be better for performance though.)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2003

1980 Mitsubishi Sigma GL 2.0 Litre from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A great first car

Faults:

It starts like a lawn mower, but then it runs smoothly once you get it going.

Some parts are hard to get for such a model.

The Air Conditioner keeps breaking down.

General Comments:

This is my Sigma and I love it.

It gets me places, and it is really fast.

Speaking of fast, this car is a really good car to thrash around in.

The paint on my car is really horrible and there is rust everywhere, but I like this 'look'. The only thing that bothers me is the rust.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th January, 2003

1980 Mitsubishi Sigma GH 2.6L Astron from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A steal for $200

Faults:

Automatic transmission died at 172500km. Apparantly this is common with transmissions of this era.

Windscreen was a bit leaky, but was fixed for roadworthy.

Minor rust in vulnerable areas, such as around the windscreen area and near the front wheels.

General Comments:

After been previously owned by an elderly couple, the car is spotless! The interior is of showroom standard, which is further exaggerated by the 'luxury' features of the SE model.

Deceptively powerful at the lights, considering the lame second gear if below 3000rpm.

All electrics are in perfect working order, not even my dad's VT commodore can boast that.

Like most station wagons, the greater the load on the rear axle, the better the car holds the road. A sharp trip at schoolies proved this.

The only people who bag Sigma's are those who've never driven one! It is what the Magna should've been.

Even after 22 years, the engine still runs perfectly, holding its 850 +/- 50rpm in neutral. Outstanding!!!

Without doubt, the best $200 I have ever spent!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 30th November, 2002