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Comments
My 93D, 140K miles, has started making an occasional, random weird noise. It sounds like a loud bang or "thwop", for want of a better term. The first time I heard it, I'd just tanked up with gas and was accelerating (with a/c on) to highway speed. Scared the you-know-what out of me. I thought something of significance had popped. I looked in the rearview, nothing bouncing in the road (like a bottle I could have run over), no smoke, no fluids. There was no change in drivability or instrument readings.
The second time I heard it, I was cruising at highway speed, a/c off. Again, no driveability or instrument issues.
The third (and last time so far) that I've heard it, I had just started the car after being parked for about 5 minutes, put it into reverse, started to back up, and "thwop". A/C off, no driveability or instrument issues.
The sound almost reverberates as if my ears are popping. It's like something is experiencing a sudden, large pressure change, either due to explosion or implosion.
Any thoughts? Psychiatric help, perhaps ;-) ?
Thanks!
Michelle
26 mpg 1st leg......28 mpg second leg.
No other issues. Quiet, solid. Could use more passing power (being picky, I also have a V8 Taurus that kicks it above 75mph). Engine always well mannered and composed.
A couple of questions after reading the owner's manual -
premium fuel (91 octane) is this what everyone uses? I have always used the midgrade(89) is this sufficent?
oil - manual suggests 5/30 weight.. although I've seen receipts for 10/40 and 10/30 in the glove box. Any comments on the best weight for the southern region?
Thanks
Highly recommended.
Systems today are designed to compensate for lower octane (usually via the knock sensor, which will detect the knocking caused by too low of an octane and the control electronics will then alter the air-fuel mix). This compensation will reduce power and fuel economy in order to prevent knocking (which is why higher octane is recommended). If you're trying to save $ by using mid-grade, the general consensus on other Edmunds townhall listings is that the decreased fuel economy more than offsets the additional cost of burning premium and you'll actually cost yourself more $ in the long run.
I stick with premium.
Michelle
What about oil? the manual suggested 5/30.. what do you recommend?
Also, any suggestions or issues you've run into during the 120K you have owned the car I should know?
I think that I have the pulsating rotors and the A/C system all fixed.
I am now wanting more torque (60-70 lbs-ft) and horsepower (60-70). Of course, a six speed trans would be nice too.
Thanks for the help!
Aside from the front rotor warping which many D owners have experienced, I've had one knock sensor fail, the ICM (idle air control motor) fail, and a coolant leak that was a failed gasket at a sealing surface on the manifold. Oh, and I'm in need of my 3rd set of front struts.
Suggestions - if you don't know the maintentance history of the vehicle, assume the worst and get the fluids, belts, hoses, plugs, wires, and filters changed out as well as a fuel-injector cleaning. Oh, and don't expect to find another car you like as much as your older-style D ;-) I have yet to drive anything that doesn't seem like a lesser vehicle in at least one area.
Happy motoring!
Michelle
I just don't see the big problem with this car so if I am overlooking something, FILL ME IN! THANKS!
I've only had my D for a week now, '95 LS w/99K, but is still rides extremely smooth/quiet and all switches/buttons/features work like new.
I have a '95 Mitsu Mirage LS purchased new with 166K. Still a great smooth/tight ride. Couldn't be happier... which lead me to the D purchase.
The 'rub' against the D, IMO, is the resale value. I'd look for a 2-3 yr old D at a heavily discounted price. Unless, I was planning to keep it 7,8,9 years then I might consider a new one.
AL
I don't see how folks can bring up tranny issues.....no problems at all with the shifting on mine.
Probably because your car is still a 2001...wait till it's as old as my '93 and you will probably be experiencing rough shifts too.
The tranny seems like a good one, however. There is only one question that I have posted a million times and I never seem to get a great answer. Does Mitsu being japanese and all, like Toyota and Honda, mean that the reliability is going to be good? The warranty is pretty good and it is better than both Toyota and Honda in a few accounts. Just wanted to know. This greatly affects my decision. Thanks for the responses!
Service Engine Soon light came on......any of you out there care to chime in and fashion a guess at what it might be?
http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/usedoverview.aspx?make=Mitsubishi&model=Diamante
If the cost of repairs is of great concern, purchase an extended warranty for coverage up to 100k.
...reason Oxygen sensor had to be replaced under the warranty.
The other reason they might give you is that you didn't tighten the gas cap enough after filling with gas.
-C-
Will keep an eye on it in future.
As far as reliability goes, the D is an excellent car. 150K miles here and excellent running order. Still sounds new when I start it every morning...
Chris
These are the part numbers given in the description -
FCC ID: E4EG8DE - OMRON G8D-401M-A1
FCC ID: E4EG8D-522M-A, OMRON G8D-522M-A
Local dealer was asking full list plus an extra couple of grand for custom wheel package.
Spoiler is ugly, very ricer. Interior decor is excellent. White face gauges, silver dash and console panels, black/charcoal leather on seats and door. Chrome door handles. MMMMMM...tasty....now how bouts an in dash MP3/and DVD system?
Even my wife, who doesn't generally notice differences, even thought there was a very quantifiable upgrade factor in the interior over her 2001 ES base. Normally she would say "I like my car as it is" but I think she liked the VR-x package. But since I paid half for her ES vs. what the dealer wanted for the VR-x I think we'll wait for now.
Its too bad they didn't pump up the motor to 250hp or something to go with the new look. Kinda all show and no go. How are you supposed to keep up with the Maxima and its 255hp?
1.The factory alarm system seems to go off all the time, I want to disable it, is there any way?
2.The doors are always locking on me, I like keeping my doors unlocked, any way to turn that automatic lock feature off?
3. I can't read the oil dipstick! Its flat, and one side reads full and the other side reads empty. Any ideas? My car appears to use a little oil, but I am not sure!
4. The front head rests seem to set too far forward, especially for shorter people, like my kids. I cant figure out how to adust them.
Aside from those items, What a great car so far!
1.The factory alarm system seems to go off all the time, I want to disable it, is there any way?
2.The doors are always locking on me, I like keeping my doors unlocked, any way to turn that automatic lock feature off?
3. I can't read the oil dipstick! Its flat, and one side reads full and the other side reads empty. Any ideas? My car appears to use a little oil, but I am not sure!
4. The front head rests seem to set too far forward, especially for shorter people, like my kids. I cant figure out how to adust them.
Aside from those items, What a great car so far!
2. Don't think you can turn this feature off; the doors lock automatically at 12mph.
3. I can't read mine either, I think it is just poorly designed.
4. You push all the way forward on the headrest and it will release and go to the further back position. It then moves slightly forward through a series of clicking notches that you set by pushing the headreast forward. This isn't a very good exlanation. Go play with it out in your car and it will make more sense.
Also, how do you read your oil level, do you just look for full on one side of the dipstick?
I just unloaded a 95 S-Class Mercedes (that was nothing but problems), and bought this because I didnt have to go into debt ( 3750 with 80k miles)
At first I didnt care for the cloth seats and the wierd grey brown color choices inside, I fell in love with the cars new road feel, it symbolizes everything that is great about Japanese auto makers, who seem to be able to get 90% of the driving quality of Euro cars, with none of the Euro reliability problems. I miss the shroud of silent luxury of the Benz, but it aint worth the maintenance costs. Anything I should look out for on the maintenance end at 85k miles?
I have tried to take the speaker cover off. It
partially comes off but don't want to yank it without bustin something..Can anyone give me a hint on what to do???/?
Thanks
thanks anyways.
Hey what years did the Diamante have a "complete redesign"? I look at late model Diamantes and still see lots of similarities, was just curious what years it had major redesigns, and what years were incremental?
It hit US shores with much less fanfare in 1992. It came in Base and "LS" trim. In 1993 some features were changed and added and the base model was renamed "ES." In 1994 the D gained dual airbags and the rear end was mildy restyled. In 1995 the "ES" was dropped leaving only the highend "LS." In 1996 the D was only available for fleet purchase (like car rental places).
In 1997 it was reintroduced to the public as a completely redesigned model. From 97-01 the only major changes were in the option packages and the alloy wheels. In 2002 the front and rear were restyled, but the car remains the same machine introduced in 1997. A 3rd generation model is due in the next couple years if you read the internet gossip. Hope this helps.
Mr. Vivona
We both got in, and I turned on some tunage and we hauled butt down the surface streets. Made it in plenty of time, the D handled the fast lane changes and quick turns like a fine automobile should
1. Check Engine light comes and goes. If its O2 sensor, how much is the repair cost? Could it be any thing else?
2. Getting around 17mpg (I think its low??)
3. Does any one know how to get hands on service manual (cheap one). Asked dealer and he is asking for over $100.
4. How much Freon (psi) it takes. I like to do it myself but without knowing how much should I put in is really dangerous.
5. Previous owner recently changed the Timing belt before he sold me the car but pick-up from idle is very poor. What should I do?
I would appreciate if someone experienced can help me out with above concerns.
Looking to buy a 2001 D. Just curious, but do any of the 2001 cars exhibit the brake pulsation flaw seen in the earlier models?
Thanks,
Matt
1. The check engine light can be set off by more than just the O2 sensors, though that is a common problem on higher mileage cars. If your car is idling rough or the timing is off (as mentioned later on as a possibility), that could set off the light, as could a bad mass airflow meter or loose or cracked gas cap. Only thing to do is have the computer checked for saved fault codes.
2. My 93 D ES often got 17-18 mpg in city/suburban driving. On the highway, it improved to 23. Overall, I would rate the engine a little on the inefficient side.
3. Ask Vivona in this forum . He knew a website where you could get the OE service manual for around $80.
4. Can't tell you an exact number but most AC systems take about 3 pounds worth of freon.
5. The timing could be set wrong. Or the distributor cap is cracked (a very common problem on these cars). A cracked distributor cap will cause poor mileage and poor performance. It also causes the car to buck and sputter when accelerating. How long ago was the cap, rotor, and plugs changed?
But Thanks again for the answers.
Vivona, if you read this, can you let me know where can I find service manual for 95 Diamante LS?
The factory service manual is for more specific and comprehensive, and well worth the $100 if you do your own repairs. To buy it at wholesale, try http://www.magauto.com/mitsubishi.htm
Mr. Vivona
I have two Diamantes, a 1999 with 29,000 miles and a 2002 with 5,000 miles and neither has ever had a problem with brake pulsation. Same goes for a friend that had two, a 1992 that she traded at 75,000 miles and the current 2000 model she has with 20,000 miles. The tales of brake pulsation you read here in Edmunds is limited to a few owners. I would rely more on the national survey at Carpoint that shows the Diamante to have an excellent reliability record, including brakes. See it at:
http://carpoint.msn.com/vip/usedoverview.aspx?make=Mitsubishi&model=Diamante
Mr. Vivona
Mr. Vivona
The 2001 D I was looking at was also an AVIS rental car. IT has 18k miles on it, and appears to look and run ok. I told the dealer once I found out it was a rental car (Carfax) that i was no longer interested. Regfootball--- any comments about avis or problems with your car?
Everyone else, any suggetions about buying a rental car?
Thanks,
Matt
Car now has 24-25k miles on it. No problems, there was a short short period of time where the brakes seemed to pulse. also the check engine light was on for a couple days (coulda been the gas cap).
Keep in mind the Diamante has a longer warranty than a typical 3/36 domestic plan. I think its a 5/60 powertrain or something like that.
My wife is thrilled with the car. I like the car too. I can post a link for pics if you'd like!
Wife is p'oed though. Some other car brushed her white bumper and now there are some green paint marks on the nice pearl white paint!
One question, I want to have the oil changed where would you go? The 6k tuneup is $65 at a local mitsu dealer. Would you goto a local dealer or a speed lube place?
Thanks,
Matt
I have not had any problems at all with Valvoline Instant Oil Change. Go to www.vioc.com to get coupons for 5 bucks off.
The only problem I do have is that I only got 1 primary key. I guess you are supposed to get 2 primary (opens all locks) and one secondary (all locks but trunk and glove). Do you have any expirenece ordering new keys? I was also thinking about not even wasting my time, since the key I have works.
I'm hoping for a few trouble free years with the car, but I was wondering about purchasing an extended bumper to bumper warranty... any advice on that?
Matt
Thanks,
Matt