1991 Mitsubishi Precis

1991 Mitsubishi Precis

The 1991 Mitsubishi Precis was a subcompact car available in two trim levels: base and LS. It came with a 1.5-liter engine producing 82 horsepower and 90 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The Precis was known for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and maneuverability, but it also had some common issues.

Engine

• 1.5-liter Engine (82 hp, 90 lb-ft)

  • Oil Leaks: Leaks can develop from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or crankshaft seal. Symptoms include engine oil on the ground or under the car. Replace or reseal the leaking gasket or seal. $150 - $300+
  • Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt can break or slip, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Replace the timing belt and tensioner according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. $600 - $1,000+
  • Head Gasket Failure: A blown head gasket can cause coolant leaks, oil leaks, or engine overheating. Replace the head gasket and resurfaced the cylinder head. $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure: A leak in the intake manifold gasket can cause vacuum leaks, rough idling, or engine hesitation. Replace the intake manifold gasket. $200 - $400+

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission

  • Clutch Slipping: The clutch disc can wear out over time, causing the clutch to slip and the car to lose power. Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing. $500 - $800+
  • Transmission Noise: Worn bearings or gears can cause noise in the transmission. Rebuild or replace the transmission. $1,000 - $2,000+

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Shifting Problems: Solenoids or sensors can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Replace or repair the failed components. $300 - $600+
  • Torque Converter Failure: A faulty torque converter can cause shuddering or slipping during acceleration. Replace the torque converter. $800 - $1,200+

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Electrical Shorts: Loose or damaged wiring can cause electrical shorts, resulting in blown fuses, malfunctioning components, or electrical fires. Repair or replace damaged wiring. Varies
• Battery Drain: A faulty alternator, starter, or other electrical component can drain the battery. Diagnose and repair the faulty component. Varies

Exterior

• Plastic Bumpers Fading: Plastic bumpers can fade or become discolored over time. Repaint or replace the bumpers. Varies

Interior

• Power Window Failure: Power window motors or switches can fail, causing the windows to become inoperable. Replace the faulty motor or switch. $150 - $300+
• Dashboard Cracking: The plastic dashboard can crack over time due to sun exposure or temperature changes. Replace the dashboard or repair the cracks. Varies

Summary

The 1991 Mitsubishi Precis is known for being affordable and fuel-efficient, but it has some common issues that can be costly to repair. Engine issues can include oil leaks, timing belt failures, and head gasket failures. Transmission problems may occur, such as clutch slipping, transmission noise, and shifting issues. Electrical shorts and battery drain are also common. The Precis may experience fading plastic bumpers and issues with power windows and the dashboard. The severity and cost of the issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the age of the vehicle.