I think my next car is going to be a Mirage

"-Amateur" (amateur)
10/08/2013 at 17:52 • Filed to: None

I'm in the market for a new car early next year and the 2014 Mitsubishi Mitsubishi Mirage is a strong contender to fill that spot next to a used Miata, Impreza rs and an RX8.

I really like it. Mitsubishi's line up is really stale and this car sure as hell isn't going to save them, so in a sense, it might be a wounded puppy kind of love? The Mirage doesn't try to be pretentious. It only weighs 1900 pounds and has a 1.2 liter, 75 hp 3-cylinder engine. That's an equation for great fuel economy mated to a 5 speed transmission. It also has the tightest turning radius next to the Scion IQ which makes it nimble and great for city maneuvering.

The interior is spartan and it's styling is nothing to write home about. I mean I could buy many other great used cars+mods at the 12.5K sticker price; or just flat out better sub-compact/compact cars for a few grand more...it's madness!

I hear the driving characteristics are terrible (really soft stock suspension and paper thin tires) and can't forget the almost non existent sound insulation! What have you done to me Mirage!!!

DISCUSSION (21)

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 17:55

I...basically feel the same. I want it to be a good car, even if it isn't. I want Mitsu to come back and actually be competitive... But I know they probably won't do that

dogisbadob > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 17:56

WOW 1900 lb isn't bad for a new 4-door!

Plus, the Mirage has a nice color selection

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 18:02

The mirage has been out in other countries for a while though, right? Or is it a global launch of new platform and engines? Truth be told, if I could get a steal on one new, I would drop another grand or two into making it an autocross animal. The engine is a lost cause so just do what I can to get some response and maybe an extra hp or two with some intake and maybe an ECU upgrade? But focus on a rear sway bar and sportier springs combined with a slightly wider tire (if possible in the rules) and a brake upgrade. Then smoke the tails a bit, gloss black or silver on the bit of plastic around the fog lights, and paint the grill in front of the radiator to match. Oh and put on some good wheels and tires.

Estimate about 15k including price of the car and all the parts I listed to have a zippy little car that will help save mitsubishi. At least, that'd be my plan.

Milky > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 18:05

I don't get it, looks like someone sketched it in 2003. You all ready have a car with back seats ..... I see no need for this.

GhostZ > dogisbadob
10/08/2013 at 18:09

That is, if it has over 70 HP....

-Amateur > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/08/2013 at 18:11

Yep, the Mirage was released to the rest of the world in 2012. I think Mitsubishi was debating whether to sell in the U.S. or not. I think I read that their goal is just 7000 a year here for this car. They're not exactly hoping for much.

duurtlang > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 18:15

I like where you're coming from. We need more people who make car buying decisions that aren't based on fashion, ratio or a fake sense of security. It keeps things divers. It doesn't mean I like the Mirage, I don't, but I like the thought process.

-Amateur > Milky
10/08/2013 at 18:15

I think I like the whole nimble, no frills lightness and 3 cylinder appeal. In all honesty, this would make a decent workhorse for daily driver duties. I agree with you on the design..all of the 90's was organic like. Bringing the 90's back? Ahhhh, The 90's was a good decade to me.

dogisbadob > GhostZ
10/08/2013 at 18:18

Yeah but still, the power-to-weight ratio is competitive with 2500-lb so-called subcompacts-that-are-now-midsize-cars with 110-hp engines

And besides, driving a slow car fast

Milky > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 18:20

I heard of this thing once, maybe you have too. It was all about being nimble, having no frills lightness and a 4 cylinder. Damn, what was it called? ....

.... Mix4? Miader? .... Miata MX-5!!! That was it!!

Someone even said "it's the best".

AMC/Renauledge > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 18:22

I was just about to post this exact thing today. I want an ES 5MT in Sapphire blue or Infrared.

I'm in the market for a new car, and I want something with decent feature content, but otherwise basic, simple, honest, with great fuel economy, a great warranty, and 3 pedals.

The Mirage doesn't look like much, but its honesty makes me want one. Still, I'm going to compare it to the Spark when it does come available. I'll drive both. But on style points (inside and out), the Mirage is way ahead. It's longer, lower, wider, and lighter than its nearest competitor, the Spark. I'm just not so sure about Mitsubishi's longevity in our market. My last new car was a Saturn Astra, so I've been burned. Plus, there are only two dealers in the Portland Metro area. So that could be a pain.

If Mitsubishi could see their way to a turbo-3 version of this car with 15" wheels and a lower suspension, I think it'd get a lot more attention.

But I'm one of those who will admit before God and everybody that I, too, want a 2014 Mirage. It ticks plenty of my Jalop boxes.

Mikeado > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 18:25

I read a magazine review that said it was just... nothing. It was just sort of a car. I think you can find much more fun and interesting cars in that segment (Mazda2, etc.) for the same kind of money.

-Amateur > AMC/Renauledge
10/08/2013 at 18:40

If this ever materializes, We should meet up and make the North American Mirage Car Club and host get-togethers with the other Mirage owners (which can't be very many of them lol)!

The Saturn Astra is a cool car. It's also like a unicorn. I've only ever seen like 3 of them in the wild throughout my life.

-Amateur > Milky
10/08/2013 at 18:42

But the Mirage has seating for 4. I can do so many activities with my nonexistent friends....Wait, I can make friends and then I'll show you...I'll show everyone, Bwah hahaha!

BTW, Miader lol, That's priceless!

ASheep > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 18:53

The "new" Mirage is a car. That's about the highest praise I can give it. It's been out since 2012 here in Australia, where it replaced the Colt. I preferred the Colt, especially the balls-to-the-wall Ralliart version, which had 160hp and 150lb.ft.

AMC/Renauledge > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 18:56

Absolutely. With Mitsubishi only expecting to move 7,000 a year, I'd imagine our little club would catch them by surprise, too.

What do you think of the Spark?

-Amateur > AMC/Renauledge
10/08/2013 at 19:12

I always see a spark in this one parking lot and I was honestly surprised how small it is in person. Looking at it, It definitely looks fun to drive. GM has really stepped up their game when it comes to making cars and the spark would definitely be an upgrade over the Mirage in terms of interior quality and refinement.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 19:29

Don't.

AMC/Renauledge > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 20:36

Yeah, well the Mirage is only 4" longer in length, 2" lower, 2" wider, and is better equipped. I'm not sure if the interiors of the two are very far apart in quality, either. The Spark is a tiny bit faster to 60, but gets 10% less in fuel economy. Cargo area is better in the Spark, though.

I think the Spark is hideous, though. That melting grille. Those stretched almond headlights capped off with black plastic triangles, and enough awkward body side character lines to look lumpy . The Mirage Isn't exciting to look at, but it isn't silly, either.

AMC/Renauledge > dogisbadob
10/08/2013 at 20:38

Way more fun to drive a slow car fast

SpeedSix > -Amateur
10/08/2013 at 22:53

Step 1: Tune Suspension

Step 2: Add Rollcage

Step 3: Turbo

Step 4: Hoon