Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior The paintwork is weak and chips quickly start to rust, but the body itself holds up well. Corrosion is easiest to find in the lower part of the car: on the fenders, sills, and door edges. The interior is very spacious and functional, and also resistant to wear. Owners often complain about the hard, creaky plastic and poor sound insulation. The electrical system in the cabin is not reliable, usually due to contact oxidation.
Engine The 1.6-liter G4ED engine, thanks to its cast iron block, has a high lifespan. It only causes minor concerns such as fluctuating revs and ignition system failures. The 1.8-liter G4GB engine also has a cast iron block and a very long lifespan. It is important to monitor the condition of the timing belt, as a valve failure can occur in both engines. The 1.5-liter diesel engines are rare and there is a lot of negativity about them on forums.
Transmission The 5-speed manual transmission M5BF2 is noisy and often requires repair around 100,000 km. The 4-speed automatic transmission A4AF3 is more reliable and often lasts up to 200,000 km without any problems. The 4-speed automatic transmission F4A42 from Mitsubishi has an almost exemplary reputation.
Suspension The suspension here is quite comfortable, but its lifespan greatly depends on the load on the car. Lightly loaded cars may not reach 100,000 km without replacing only the stabilizer struts. Otherwise, you will often have to replace the shock absorbers and bearing supports. The steering rack is not reliable and the power steering regularly leaks. The brake system has short-lived brake pads, knocking calipers, and glitchy ABS sensors.
