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2005 Mitsubishi Galant

Introduction:

The 2005 Mitsubishi Galant was a midsize sedan available with a range of engine and transmission options. The base model featured a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 140 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. A 3.8-liter V6 with 230 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque was available on the higher trims, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Drivers praised the Galant’s spacious interior and comfortable ride, but criticized its weak base engine and lackluster handling.

Engine

2.4-liter Four-Cylinder Engine

  • Excessive Oil Consumption:
    • Description/Symptoms: High oil consumption (>1 quart per 1,000 miles), blue smoke from exhaust, low oil level indicator light on
    • Solution: Piston ring replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Belt Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Broken or damaged timing belt, loss of engine power, no-start condition
    • Solution: Timing belt and water pump replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
    • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number 08V445000

3.8-liter V6 Engine

  • Valve Spring Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Broken or damaged valve springs, misfires, rough idle, reduced engine power
    • Solution: Valve spring replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

  • No Issues Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Transmission Fluid Leak:
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaking transmission fluid from the transmission pan or lines, low transmission fluid level, slipping or delayed gear shifts
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of leaking components
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Strut Mount Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Worn or damaged strut mounts, clunking noises from suspension, reduced ride quality
    • Solution: Replacement of strut mounts
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 per pair
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Electrical Harness Damage:
    • Description/Symptoms: Damaged or corroded electrical harnesses, electrical malfunctions, warning lights on dashboard
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of damaged harnesses
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Body Panels:
    • Description/Symptoms: Surface rust or corrosion on metal body panels, particularly around wheel arches and undercarriage
    • Solution: Rust removal and protection measures (e.g., sanding, painting, anti-rust coatings)
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking:
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking or warping of dashboard plastic, particularly on sun-exposed areas
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Power Window Failure:
    • Description/Symptoms: Inoperable power windows, clicking noises from window motors
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of window motors or switches
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350 per window
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

While the 2005 Mitsubishi Galant offers a spacious interior and comfortable ride, it has a history of persistent issues, including excessive oil consumption, timing belt failures, valve spring failures, and electrical harness damage. These issues can be costly to repair and affect the vehicle’s reliability. While some interior issues and body panel rust are relatively minor, the severity and potential cost of the engine and transmission problems make this vehicle a risky purchase.

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