2000 Mitsubishi Mirage

Introduction

The 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage is a subcompact car that was available with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission. It was praised for its fuel efficiency and maneuverability but criticized for its lack of power and cramped interior.

Engine

1.5L 4-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine burns excessive amounts of oil, resulting in low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace piston rings and valve seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Timing belt breaks, causing engine components to collide and resulting in catastrophic engine failure.
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and related components according to the manufacturer’s recommended intervals (typically around 60,000 miles).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears or grinding noises when shifting.
  • Solution: Replace worn or damaged gears or synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Slipping Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips out of gear or hesitates during shifts.
  • Solution: Overhaul or replace the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Front Struts
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive shaking or vibration when driving over bumps, reduced handling performance.
  • Solution: Replace front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken Rear Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging or uneven rear ride height, reduced load capacity.
  • Solution: Replace rear springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Battery fails to charge properly, dim headlights or interior lights, electrical components malfunctioning.
  • Solution: Replace alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Ignition Coils
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replace faulty ignition coils.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per coil
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fading Headlights
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights become dim or yellowed over time, reducing visibility.
  • Solution: Replace headlight lenses or bulbs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard develops cracks or warps due to heat and sunlight exposure.
  • Solution: Replace dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows fail to operate or become stuck.
  • Solution: Repair or replace window motor or switches.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage has a few common issues that can be costly to repair, such as excessive oil consumption and timing belt failure. However, most interior and exterior issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix. Overall, the Mirage is a reliable car with a good fuel economy, but potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues before making a purchase.