Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior:
The paint on the body is thin and prone to chipping, but the body itself is galvanized and does not rust. Owners frequently complain about the low ground clearance and fragile door handles. The interior is very basic, both in terms of materials used for finishing and noise insulation. The stiff and creaky plastic in the cabin is not very durable. Electrical issues are rare, but it is important to monitor the condition of the wiring in the rear door.
Engine:
The 1.6-liter G4FC and 2.0-liter G4KA gasoline engines are quite reliable. These engines are of an older design, with their own manifold, and do not experience any camshaft wear. The main complaints are related to high fuel consumption with sluggish performance. The 2.0-liter D4EA diesel engine is equipped with a robust CR Bosch fuel system. However, it is known for quick wear of the camshaft lobes and has a limited turbo lifespan.
Transmission:
The 5-speed manual transmission M5CF1 is paired with the 1.6-liter gasoline engine. The gearbox does not have a long lifespan, and a complete overhaul before reaching 100,000 km is not uncommon. The 5-speed manual transmission M5GF1 is used with the 2.0-liter engine and is considered more reliable. The 6-speed manual transmission M6GF1 is used with the diesel engine and is also considered quite sturdy. Their weak points include a short-lived clutch and dual-mass flywheel. The 4-speed automatic transmission F4A42 from Mitsubishi is reliable but not very responsive.
Suspension:
The car's suspension is simple in design and inexpensive, but it tends to be slightly noisy. Shock absorbers and stabilizer bushings are considered consumables and need to be replaced every 30,000 km. Bearing supports often fail before reaching 100,000 km, as do ball joints. The shock absorbers and springs also have a limited lifespan of around 100,000 km.
Steering and Brakes:
The steering rack is quite sturdy, with leaks occurring only after 150,000 km of mileage. There are no major complaints about the braking system, although ABS sensors are often criticized on forums.
