Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior
The paintwork and interior of the car are delicate, and the metal is soft, so chips and dents are not uncommon. Rust usually appears in the wheel arches, affecting suspension components and the fuel tank. The interior materials are cheap, but spacious and without ergonomic weaknesses. The electrical system in the car is reliable, with only the climate control unit often malfunctioning.
Engine
The 2.0-liter G4JP Sirius II series engine with a cast iron block has a long lifespan. The timing belt and balancing need to be monitored, as valve bending can occur. At around 150,000 km, hydraulic lifters often start knocking, and piston rings may wear out. The V6 engine with the G6BV index consumes a fair amount of fuel but is quite reliable. However, during the early years of production, intake flaps would fall into the cylinders.
Transmission
The M5GF1 manual transmission works well, and owners often complain only about oil leaks. Less reliable CV joints and clutch hydraulic drive can also cause problems. The Mitsubishi F4A42 automatic transmission is reliable but doesn't like frequent full throttle starts.
Suspension
The suspension is soft but durable, with double wishbones in the front and multi-link in the rear. The stabilizer bar links and rear wheel bearings are the main areas of concern. The steering rack is a bit weak and often starts making noise after 100,000 km, sometimes even leaking. There are minimal complaints about the brakes, except for the system hoses being somewhat short-lived.
