Mitsubishi Galant

Price Paid:  $9500.00 from Curry Honda

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 Mitsubishi Galant

Summary:
Bought this car used for $9500. It started out as an average car with regular maintance for the first 2 years. Do a lot of long distance but lately been sinking a lot of money into repairs. It's up to 100K, had it for 4 years. Have had 2 brake jobs, rotors replaced, new timing belt, water pump, belts and hoses replaced, rear sway bar links were loose also had to get that repaired not sure if it was really needed or not. Now the engine light is on so will have to put even more money into it. Also hub caps have come loose several times and have problems with emissions in the car which was also another expensive repair.

Strengths:
No breakdowns so far.

Weaknesses:
Cheaply made car. Brake problems! Will never buy mitusbishi again. Do not recommend as a long term purchase.

Price Paid:  $26000.00 from Murphy Mitsubishi

Year / Model Reviewed:
2001 Mitsubishi Galant

Summary:
I bought this car new. I've had a few problems with it since then. One being anti-lock brake light coming on, and loss of control of the car 3 times due to this. Also my paint began coming off about a year ago. I called corporate and they said that because my car was 4 yrs out of warranty that they would only offer me $500 towards a paint job done at a mitsu dealership. There is a defect in the paint but if you wait until you are out of warranty then you are out of luck.

Price Paid:  $20000.00 from Bensenville, IL

Year / Model Reviewed:
2000 Galant ES

Summary:
I've found this car to be mechanically sound - however - there's MASSIVE complaints with paint oxidation issues on late '90 thru early '00 models throughout the country (see autobytel.com or http://www.topix.net/forum/autos/mitsubishi-galant/T7CMPRGK0PI4C1SKF). Mitsubishi corporate pushes the issue on the dealerships - the dealerships inconsistently address or do not address the issue. There's been news stories on the issue (see http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=7on_your_side&id=4804588 or http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=7on_your_side&id=4804588)and yet Mitsubishi denies to take any responsibility - BEWARE! - the value of this car will decrease without it being cause of your own.

Price Paid:  $13000.00 from Valley KIA

Year / Model Reviewed:
2003 Galant ES

Summary:
It's a very reliable car, never fails to deliver (73K miles), as long as the minimum maintenance routine is adhered to.
The controls are intuitive. The car provides excellent handling with good tires, get Michelin Hydroedge or the likes.
Somehow I feel the 4cyl engine provides a hell lot of torque, and overall good response with the 4 speed transmission, so that it feels like a V6 especially in the 2K - 4K rev band.

Overall a great performer for the $$$

Strengths:
Good Torque, Good Handling, Very Reliable

Weaknesses:
Paint chips off at places, the plastics look cheap, no interior dome light.
Interiors are a hit and miss, many of the controls on the dashboard look and feel dated.

Similar Products Used:
2003 Honda Accord LS, 2003 Toyota Camry LE

Price Paid:  $10000.00 from Don Jacobs

Year / Model Reviewed:
2002 LS V6

Summary:
Coming from a luxury car I miss the space, but love the power and handling(I modded the engine and suspension). I absolutly love how the car looks, and I've had nothing go wrong so far, and I've put on 26,000miles on in one year. I read that brand new they were very pricey for what you got, but for the price I paid awesome deal.

Strengths:
Reliable
Great MPG(with engine mods): 32City 35Hwy
Looks
Trunk Space

Weaknesses:
Interior Space
Brand new price
Wheelbase

Similar Products Used:
Corolla