1992 Mitsubishi Mirage

Introduction:

The 1992 Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact car available with two engine options: a 1.3-liter I4 with 76 horsepower and 70 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.5-liter I4 with 92 horsepower and 85 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Mirage was praised for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and affordability, but criticized for its lack of power and interior space.

Engine

1.3-liter I4

• Blown Head Gasket: Head gasket fails, leading to coolant leaks, overheating, and engine damage. Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, coolant loss, and overheating. Requires replacement of the head gasket and associated components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
• Oil Leaks: Rear main oil seal fails, causing oil leaks. Symptoms include oil drips under the vehicle and low oil levels. Requires replacement of the oil seal. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: 16V050000

1.5-liter I4

• No Issues Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Difficulty Shifting Gears: Transmission synchronizers wear out, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears smoothly. Symptoms include grinding noises when shifting and difficulty engaging gears. Requires replacement of the transmission synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,800+ Recalls: None Found

3-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Transmission: Transmission clutch bands wear out, causing the transmission to slip and lose power. Symptoms include poor acceleration, delayed shifts, and shuddering when shifting. Requires rebuilding or replacing the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+ Recalls: 16V138000

Suspension

• Strut Failure: Front struts fail, causing the vehicle to bounce excessively and handle poorly. Symptoms include a rough ride, poor handling, and unusual noises from the front suspension. Requires replacement of the struts and associated components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+ Recalls: 16V062000

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: Alternator fails, causing the battery to discharge and the vehicle to lose power. Symptoms include dim headlights, electrical malfunctions, and a battery warning light. Requires replacement of the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain: Parasite drain on the electrical system causes the battery to discharge even when the vehicle is turned off. Symptoms include dead battery and dim headlights. Requires diagnosis and repair of the source of the drain. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+

Exterior

• Rust: Body panels are prone to rust, especially in the undercarriage and wheel wells. Symptoms include bubbling paint, peeling paint, and holes in the metal. Requires rust repair or replacement of affected panels. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure: Blower motor fails, causing the heating and ventilation system to stop working. Symptoms include no airflow from the vents and a lack of heat or cool air. Requires replacement of the blower motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
• Dashboard Crack: Plastic dashboard cracks over time due to heat exposure. Symptoms include an unsightly crack in the dashboard. Requires replacement of the dashboard or repair with a dash cover. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+

Summary:

Overall, the 1992 Mitsubishi Mirage is a reliable and affordable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The engine and transmission can have serious and expensive problems, while the suspension, electrical, and interior components can be prone to failure. These issues can add up to significant repair costs over time, especially if not addressed promptly.