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Below is the quoted response.
"
The Hunter GSP9700 is a great tire and wheel service tool for identifying
and correcting possible sources of vibration. According to Hunter's GSP9700
website (http://209.176.154.132/), they identify road force measurement
default limits for Passenger tires as 26 lbs and Light Truck tires is 39 lbs
(http://209.176.154.132/pub/technical/limits.cfm). Therefore the 9 to 12 lbs
you reported for your KUMHO ECSTA ASX tires are well within normal values.
Because road force is dependent on the wheel runout, tire runout and force
variations within the tire, one variable not confirmed through Connor was
the runout of your Diamante's wheel(s). Any wheel runout will be directly
reflected by the tire mounted on it. That's why the Hunter GSP9700 is
designed to assist the technician in matching the lowest spot of the wheel
with the highest force variation of the tire to minimize the combination's
road force values. The GSP9700 is even able to identify which of the four
tires should be mounted on specific wheels using their ForceMatching Codes
(http://209.176.154.132/pub/technical/4202T/2OPER004.cfm).
Since the 9 lbs of road force tolerance indicated by the Mitsubishi Training
Instructor it is only 1/3 of the road force value identified by Hunter, it
sounds overly optimistic for today's used wheels and replacement tires.
While lower values might enhance ride, if the Diamante requires wheels and
tires with that low a road force value, perhaps it's an indication that the
vehicle is overly sensitive to road force variations. It is also possible
that Mitsubishi specifies 9 lbs of road force for new vehicles equipped with
brand new wheels that haven't experienced 20,000 to 30,000 miles of bumps
and potholes before being fitted with replacement tires.
Tires with road force values of 9 to 12 pounds would not be considered
"out-of-tolerance" by us or the tire manufacturers.
If you don't have a vibration, I would recommend that you continue to drive
the vehicle as is.
If you do have a vibration, I would recommend that all four wheels and tires
be measured and mounted according to the Hunter GSP9700 ForceMatching Codes
possibly requiring that specific tires be remounted on other wheels within
the set.
"
On another note, the 4th visit was apparently the charm. They finally seemed to have fixed the drain hose floorboard leak. The tech said they had to take apart the evaporator box and clear out debris as well as completely take the hose out of the car and clear it. So far, no more leaks. But I question why so much debris is inside the car after only 10k and why it took them so long to figure out how to fix it. They also installed new front rotors. Braking is much improved and I retorqued the wheels as soon as I got home. Now I will see if retorquing the wheels keeps the rotors from warping again. Keeping my fingers crossed this is the last of my problems.....
July 28, 2004 - 5:34PM
Exports of the Adelaide-built Mitsubishi Magna to the United States have been axed.
The decision from Mitsubishi America is another blow to the Australian carmaker which has already announced the shutdown next year of its engine plant in Adelaide and the loss of about 350 jobs at its nearby assembly line.
It also comes as sales of the Magna continue to struggle on the local market, falling 35 per cent this year.
The last shipment of about 600 cars for the US, badged and sold there as the Diamante, left South Australia last month.
They will continue to be sold by US dealers for the rest of 2004 or until stocks are exhausted.
The Diamante's demise in the US has been linked to both the age of the current model and the more recent release of the new Galant, a car similar in size.
The Galant will also provide the basis for the Magna replacement in the Australian market which is currently under development in Adelaide and is due for release next year.
Mitsubishi Australia managing director Tom Phillips said the decision from Mitsubishi America was not unexpected and would not impact on the company's plans for the future.
Company spokesman Charles Iles said it stemmed from a move in the US to focus on particular models.
"They looked at their overall strategy and decided to concentre on what they consider to be their core models," he said.
Mitsubishi said it would continue to export cars to the Middle East and New Zealand and expected total overseas sales this year to reach about 6,000, down from about 10,000 last year.
When exports began to the United States in 1992 it was viewed as a major coup for the Adelaide factory.
Since then almost 95,000 cars have been shipped to the US, with 2002 the company's best year when about 18,000 were sent.
But demand fell away to about 6,000 last year and was not expected to top 2,000 this year.
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/28/1090694019558.html?o- neclick=true
However, that is for 70mph. For 50mph, the amount of imbalance from 30 pounds of RFV is 1.5oz, or 5 times the limit. Dividing 1.5 oz by 30 pounds gives you .05oz of imbalance per pound of RFV. In this case the .3oz limit happens at 6 pounds.
So, Hunter's web site says 6 pounds of RFV is the limit for 50mph. The Mitsubishi Training Instructor recommending 9 pounds is actually a higher value than the Hunter test implies.
Any time tires are balanced on a GSP9700 they should check the wheel radial and lateral runout and match mount the tires for the lowest RFV. If your wheels were out of tolerance, it should have shown up in the balancing process. All of mine at 35000 miles were below .010 and that is fine.
Notice, also that on the Hunter page at http://128.242.141.111/pub/technical/limits.cfm
it says:
Every vehicle platform has a different sensitivity level and tolerance to RFV and imbalance. Known sensitive vehicles may require lower limits to resolve ride disturbance issues. For example, in some cases, an extremely sensitive vehicle may be affected when the tire/wheel assembly is above 15 pounds RFM. A setting of 26 lbs for P Tires and P/SUV Tires is often used as a “middle of the road” limit and does a reasonable job of identifying tires or wheels that may cause a problem.
As to tire warranty, most tire manufacturers will honor a warranty replacement if the tire fails to provide a satisfactory ride. They usually limit the guarantee to the first 30 days. I don't know if that is the case for your tires.
A good case in point is that the vibration did decrease when they rebalanced the tires, indicating that the problem was caused by RFV and not something else.
Mr. Vivona
I don't find the new Galant anywhere near a suitable replacement. The carbon fiber trimmed angular interior may appeal to a young tuner, but it has no appeal for me. I like the Diamante's luxury wood and leather look. And since the early 90's when Galant shifted production from Japan to America, its reliability has not been the same.
Honestly, I do not have a second choice in mind. I expect to run my Diamante at least five more years and will have to look at what is available at that time to decide. Nothing else in the near luxury field appeals to me. ES330 is butt-ugly. Acura TL is an expensive V6 Accord. I don't like the stuff from Infinity either. And forget the German cars. Horrible reliability, strange interiors and awful underhood service accessibility. I check out all makes each year at the International Auto Show and always drive away in my Diamante with a big smile. Long live my Diamante.
Mr. Vivona
I hate to take advantage of the situation but I am wondering if the 2004 D will drastically drop in price, and if so, I wonder by how much?
It is still a very good car in my opinion. I do hate the front headlights compared to the original 1997 style. The engine power though now lower rated by todays standard (240HP+) is still very good performer.
It is unfortunate the car reviewers here at Edmunds saw it a different way which didn't help promote the car in good or at least neutral light.
I sincerely cannot relate to their views of the car. It seems that they came to the review already prejudiced that the car was already 'bad' and cannot compare at all with the 'elite' lines from other manufacturers.
All of my workmates still look at my '99 diamante and admire the looks both inside and out.
I's d say if the leftover 2004 Diamante LS gets down to $18-20,000, I'd trade in my old '99 D. for it.
-
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/mitssite/jsp/pages/vehicles/s- pecs/specs.jsp?groupId=3
No wonder they lost the most important market by purposely cheapening the car...
I saw this Diamante up close for the first time that day and it looked so good, especially in black. In a way I'm happy because I don't really need a new car right now and have other loans to take care of... but you have to admit that it was a deal of the year :-)
Sorry that you owe more on your '03 but you can always argue that you have the last of the best looking Diamantes. After seeing a '04 up close I would not say that myself though :-)
Mr. Vivona
1. What aftermarket make/model horn did you use?
2. Did you verify that it did not draw more amperage than the horn relay can handle?
3. Did the new horn come with a loudness rating, usually stated in decibels?
Mr. Vivona
Read this article to find the whole story:
http://www.geocities.com/diamanteowner/article2.htm
Mr. Vivona
http://www.geocities.com/diamanteowner/diamonds.htm
The subjects are:
1. How to remove a radio in a second generation Diamante
2. Brake pulsation
3. Rough idle and stalling
4. A cool storage space
I hope you, and others, enjoy the articles.
Mr. Vivona
So far I haven't had any problems with blown fuses or strange smells. The upgrade was definitely worth it. It still sounds higher pitched then I like, but it now sounds like a large American sedan and the horn can even be heard by a semi at highway speeds. It sounds authoritative, thats for sure. And setting off the panic alarm sounds off 3 deafening horns. You should do the upgrade!!
If you do decide to do it, I highly recommend taking off the left blinker assembly. It's held in place by only one screw and it opens up a nice access hole so you see what you are doing better and get a hand in there.
I just want to share my experience with both of my Diamante vehicles. In 1996 I purchased my first Diamante and that was a 1993 ES Model with 82k for $13,500. Replaced Transmission in 2001 at 180K and vehicle lasted for about 4 months after that job. 4 seals needed to be replaced and I got tired of replacing them year after year so at 184K vehicle was given away. I have to say that I was 17 and I went to the DLR to initially purchase a 300Z at the time but could not get financing because of my age as well as the 300Z was a 1990 model and the bank wanted a first time buyer in a new vehicle. I had no intention of buying a Mid Lux vehicle but I had driven over 60 miles to get that DLR. So I test drove a Millenia and a Lexus and then the Diamante and I was hooked. Any way after the first Diamante died I purchased a 99 Diamante LS in 2002 for 15k with 32,000 miles. I now have 72K on that vehicle and just recently had to have my rotors replaced as well as the drive shaft. I also hate the fact that I have to clean the Rims every 2 weeks due to break dust. I will say that I have been very with both Diamantes but if you do buy one you should understand that you will probably end up having to drive it into the ground. I only signed a 48 month term and had a down payment of 3k and a rate of 4.24% and was still upside down by $1,300. Funny thing is I purchased a 2001 Acura RL with 35k for $24,500 1 month before buying the Diamante and if I were to trade it in now I would have $2200 of equity in that vehicle and I did not put any money down and signed a 60 month term. Oh well I have been happy with both Diamantes and have no regrets but If they did make a Diamante in 2006 I would not even think about buying it new. I was going to say it is the best used car in the business but my father who has always been a Acura Fan purchased a 2000 Acura RL with 33K in 2002 and he paid only $21,500.
P.S Another funny thing was that when I purchased the 1999 Diamante I could not drive it off the lot because something called a Heat Core had to be replaced. I really did intend to rave about how wonderful both Diamantes have been to me but after re reading my post I am starting to think maybe I am just blinded by the beautiful styling of the cars.
it was last reported In west virginia and i live and sold it in chicago land area. it said last reported as a inspection station 11-2003 at
reported mileage. 302,439 miles i couldnt beleive it an i sold it wrecked. with 225k miles have no idea where car was in-between time, Id love to find out if my almost 15 year old gal is still pounding the pavement,Based partially on that i ended up buying a 2004 galant earlier this year, not as brand loyalist but Mitsubishi Motors problems are not in the quality of there product, But many very bad business decesions. I am hardly a marketing business person by any means. but mitsu isnt going anywhere so stop being paranoid, Mitsu has always had the potential to have strong steady sales in north am. but bad business decesiions held back well made product.
its just that when hond or toyo has a problem its not there fault, but if a mitsu or something similar has a problem they are suddenly un-dependable poorly made. to my knowledge thru alot of searches before i bought, Mitsu galant in particulars dint have the # of major failures that a few other brands had. its just mitsu not standing behind you that can make all the diff in the world,Bad business decisions, not there vehicles. later sean
As an Accord driver I beg to differ on that one.
The Diamante will not be made for the 05 model year. If you really like the Diamante you would probably be better served getting a pre-owned. Unless you can get the new Diamante for $20.000 or less buying a new one would be a bad financial decision considering the resale value these currently have. Hypotheticallyy speaking, if you buy the 04 Diamante and are $5000 upside down in your Galant you would immediately be $10,000 upside down once you bought the Diamante.
after thinking about it they can keep there diamante, nice ride, but my galant has already taken a hit in '04. I guess if you buy a new mitsu right now, you may as well drive it for 5+ years ,then after depreciation wont really matter. what do you think of the current Altima? later, sean
If you financed $20,400 for 5 years at 16% your total interest paid will be $9000+. That also means your payoff is not that much less than your original finance amount because most of your first payments go to interest. Carmax.com has several 04 Galant ES's that are priced at $14,900. Your best bet is to keep driving the Galant for a while but try to refinance it within the first year or so before the loan value drops too low. Since it's a 2004 some credit unions would still give you a new car rate.
Major issues; a ridiculous transmission that seldom did what I wanted, when I wanted it. Also, I had several problems with failed engine seals causing various oil leaks (see below).
The Diamante's 3.5 liter V-6 is known to wear out front crankshaft seals at around 55,000 miles. Knowing this in advance, I got mine fixed under the 5/60 powertrain warranty and paid $144 to have all my belts replaced (including the cam timing belt which is expensive if done separately).
The accessory belt idler pulley failed two different times causing a growling noise off-idle. The first time, it was replaced under warranty at 19,158 miles. Unexpectedly, both camshaft oil seals failed and had to be replaced under warranty at 41,961 miles. I replaced the front brake pads four times, the front rotors twice, and finally the front calipers at 82,575 miles. Additionally, I had to replace a front wheel bearing at 92,871 miles.
I suffered for a couple of years with a squeaky ventilation blower until I finally took it out to see what the problem was. Taking the motor completely apart, I found that lubrication pads and grease cups were all BONE dry. Thanks Mitsubishi! I added a small amount of lubrication and the fan squeak finally went away (should have fixed that one sooner).
That was my third and last Mitsubishi auto. My impression over the years is that Mitsubishi doesn't have good relations with it's dealers and that Mitsubishi dealers, in turn, often don't do right by their customers. With 2004 U.S. sales running 35% below the bad sales numbers from last year, the dealership picture isn't getting any brighter. Factor in breathtaking parts prices (and as a consequence higher than average insurance rates) and it's hard to see the value and wisdom today in buying any new Mitsubishi product in my opinion. Obviously, your personal experience and opinion may differ.
She is the only owner and the sole reason she's selling it is because she's in the military and has orders to Germany this Jan, and its really expensive to get parts for foreign cars over there.
I've test driven it for about an hour with a mechanic friend of mine who gave me his blessing to purchase it. There were no funny brake sounds, brake job 4 months ago. The interior/exterior is immaculate except for the broken antennae. And replaced the tires last winter. I'm thoroughly impressed by how this car looks and drives.
But from reading about the problems people have been having on this forum i'm kind of hesitant to jump on this deal. I OH SO want this car to be reliable! It would be a step up from my junky 93 sunbird gt. I originally planned to trade the sundbird in for a used sedan. Plus the car makes my wife jealous of me (she has a 2003 hyundai elantra). What do you think guys?
ps the color or the car is champagne
There are only two really serious issues I'd worry about on the late-model Diamante. First, the fuzzy-logic transmission has some poor learning habits. Like when you're easing through stop-and-go traffic late to work and the "smart" transmission learns that you want to take it easy. Then a gap in traffic opens up, you floor the gas, and the transmission says, "Huh? You're sure? Really? Well, okay then!" and you're left red-faced and swearing while the truck now on your rear bumper beeps and flashes his lights. Been there, done that, many times and I never got used to it because it's random.
The other issue is a higher-than-average reported number of heater-core failures. That's a seriously expensive repair but "higher-than-average" is still probably pretty rare so the actual risk may not be that high.
I've taken my 1990 ford tempo to 230,000 miles, my wifes 1995 sportage 140,000 miles, and this 1993 pontiac sunbird gt *eyesore is the nick name i give it* now to 130,000 miles all with 5k oil changes and routine manufacturer reccomended servicing. To my surprise no major mechanical failures in each vehicle.
I think i'm sold already but just wanting some good sound advise from you car aficianados. I'm truly stoked to bring in the new year with a new baby in my garage. Oooh did i mentioned the car has those factory 16" chrome rims? Yes i'm drooling right now
I drove a '97 Diamante from new up until two months ago and I never felt anything "elite" about owning the only car in North America imported from Australia. It was an okay car, even above average in some respects, but there are many reasons why it was never popular in the USA and why it's discontinued now.
Instead, I got an offer for another AUSTRALIAN-made car, 2004 Pontiac GTO for $22K out-the-door. As good as the offer sounded, I went for the unbelievable $3K two-year lease on it instead.
The best deal of the decade:
http://www.cracovian.com/flight/gto.htm
However, six years of uniqueness had it's downsides. Searching for tips, information, service bulletins, aftermarket parts, discounted new parts, used OEM parts, whatever - there's just not much out there for the Diamante. After the Diamante, I swore I'd never buy a unique car again.
I dare you to visit a Honda dealer for a hassle-free test drive of an EX-V6 Accord. In fact, I double-dare ya. 8-)
Mr. Vivona
But maybe I'm just weird in my interest in rare cars. I also own an 84 VW Rabbit GTI (only made 2 years and very few are left due to rust, accidents, etc), a 1990 Mazda RX7 convertible (only about 5000 were made a year between 1988-1991 and of course the very unique rotary engine), and recently bought a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Ralliart (the 2nd rarest Mitsu model ever made. Total sales has only been 2051 models through November and 2004 was the only model year for the Sportback wagon).
Raise your left hand, put your right hand over your heart and swear that the next time you spend twenty or thirty grand that you'll research it first. The Diamante's transmission hesitation and poor resale value aren't exactly secrets.
Anyway, you've piqued my curiosity - what car are you thinking about buying next time?
My Lancer Ralliart on the other hand has the most responsive automatic I've ever driven. It downshifts immediately at the slightest touch of the throttle. I guess they learned their lesson from all the complaints on the Diamante's auto. Too bad they didn't incorporate the changes on later Diamantes.
I cannot comment on the 2004 models but all the earlier models you'd get just as many problems on a BMW... My family and workmates funny enough have the same problems and complaints.
Electrical and brakes etc... (mostly electrical though) and maintenance isn't cheap...
Also have you heard of the engine recall on all the V8 engines for the 1992-1995 5 Series because of the loss of compression?
My point every car now has their problems...
The only thing you get extra buying the BMW is the "snob" appeal and a lighter wallet...
There's the BMW Problems & Solutions board and you'll see that they have their own with their own set of angry owners...why don't you lurk there?
Interestingly, the Toyota and Lexus boards are now loaded with complaints about similar transmission hesitation issues on a variety of models. No such problem with Honda that I'm aware of - my V6 Accord is awesome. 8-)