Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 11:01 am
The Mitsubishi Mirage has been competing with other cars in the subcompact car category for a long time with varying degrees of reliability since the 1980s.
The Mirage is a series of cars manufactured by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi from 1970 to 2003 and again from 2012.
You will hear about the Mirage models from car enthusiasts, but it is wise to learn about Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability before purchasing.
Mitsubishi Mirage Specs
The Mitsubishi Mirage comes with a gas engine and a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission system.
The combined MPG for this vehicle is 39 mpg, and you can fill this vehicle’s fuel tank with up to 9.2 gallons of regular unleaded fuel.
This car is loaded with many safety features and a decent number of options for comfort and convenience. Mirage can fit in 5 people at once comfortably.
How Many Miles Will A Mitsubishi Mirage Last?
A Mitsubishi Mirage can be expected to last an average of between 150,000 to 200,000 miles and can even surpass that with minimal maintenance.
This vehicle belongs to the list of the cheapest cars, but it can be a good investment if you search for a simple and reliable vehicle.
Miles expected from a car varies mainly depending on the usage and handling of the vehicle.
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Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability: Are Mitsubishi Mirage Good Cars?
A Mitsubishi Mirage needs to visit the garage for unscheduled repairs around 0.13 times every year with a 9% chance of severe issues.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Mitsubishi Mirage scores 4.5 out of 5 for Consumer Ratings and receives 88% recommendation.
The Mirage received reliability ratings from RepairPal, 4.5 out of 5, placing it 7th out of 21 subcompact cars.
So, judging by the reliability scores, the Mirage is a pretty reliable car for the price point.
Reliability Ratings of Mitsubishi Mirage and Other Vehicles
| Car Models | Reliability Ratings |
| Hyundai accent | 82/100 |
| Nissan Versa | 82/100 |
| Kia Rio | 82/100 |
| Chevrolet Sonic | 81/100 |
| Honda Fit | 80/100 |
| Toyota Yaris | 77/100 |
| Chevrolet Spark | 77/100 |
| Mitsubishi Mirage | 76/100 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | 75/100 |
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How Long Does the Mitsubishi Mirage Last Compared to Similar Cars?
To get a clearer idea of the Mitsubishi Mirage’s abilities, let’s compare the vehicle with cars from the same category.
Mitsubishi Mirage vs. Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa is a sedan with a well-built interior, large trunk, and a comfortable ride.
You can quickly expect a Nissan Versa to last up to 200,000 miles and sometimes even more, similar to miles expected from a Mirage.
The difference between the maintenance costs of the Versa and Mirage is $1; Versa costs about $456, and for Mirage, $457 annually.
When judging for reliability, RepairPal gives the most accurate ratings. The Versa scores 4 out of 5, and the Mirage gets 4.5 out of 5.
J.D. Power rates the Mitsubishi Mirage 76 out of 100, and the Nissan Versa scores 82 out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability.
Both the cars have similar reliability ratings, but the Mirage delivers better fuel economy than the Versa.
Mitsubishi Mirage vs. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is a subcompact vehicle that promises to deliver cheap, simple transportation at its best.
With proper maintenance, a Kia Rio should last for 200,000 miles or sometimes even more, just like how you would expect from a Mirage.
The annual maintenance cost for Rio is very reasonable. It requires only $434 every year to take good care of the Rio, which is less than the Mirage.
RepairPal rates both the Mirage and Rio 4.5 out of 5 for reliability. This is an above-average score which proves that the models are reliable.
When judging for quality and reliability, J.D. Power never misses a chance to participate. According to their research, Kia Rio scores 82, and Mitsubishi Mirage gets 76 out of 100.
The Kia Rio provides more horsepower than the Mitsubishi Mirage when compared side by side.
Mitsubishi Mirage vs. Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is a small hatchback car, and it’s one of the Chevrolet’s cheapest new cars, which is very affordable to maintain.
A Chevrolet Spark has a lower than average life expectancy ranging between 150,000 to 200,000 miles as par with the Mirage.
The Spark has annual car maintenance costs lower than the Mirage, which is $434 without considering severe repairs.
Reliability ratings for the Spark are 4 out of 5, and for the Mirage, 4.5 out of 5, according to RepairPal.
Regarding quality and reliability, J.D. Power rates the Chevrolet Spark 77 and Mirage 76 out of 100.
Even though the Mirage has a higher base price than the Spark, in terms of fuel economy, Spark gets the win.
Comparison Chart
| Car Models | Mitsubishi Mirage | Nissan Versa | Kia Rio | Chevrolet Spark |
| Expected Miles | 150,000 to 200,000 miles | 200,000 miles | 200,000 miles | 150,000 to 200,000 miles |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | $457 | $456 | $434 | $434 |
| RepairPal Ratings | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 |
| J.D. Power Scores | 76/100 | 82/100 | 82/100 | 77/100 |
| Price Range | Starts from $16,595 | Starts from $15,080 | Starts from $16,150 | Starts from $17,000 |
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Best and Worst Years of Performance for the Mitsubishi Mirage
You can not expect any vehicle to have years without experiencing issues. This part will discuss the ups and downs some of the Mirage versions have faced.
Best Years
The NHTSA gives the 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage 4 out of 5 stars based on frontal and side crash tests along with rollover resistance.
2020 model also received some praise for the low base price and economical fuel mileage.
2014 model of the Mirage received 0 complaints according to RepairPal and received a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 from Kelley blue book.
Worst Years
2019 model of the Mirage is near the bottom for subcompact car rankings, according to Cars U.S. News. It has slow acceleration and delivers a rough ride and is also plagued by low safety and uncomfortable seats.
The 2015 model of Mirage should be avoided at all costs as there are several problems reported, and the most common issue is the brakes.
Doors for the 2015 version also needed to be replaced for some consumers. It costs over $2000 to have the door fixed.
Mitsubishi Mirage Model Years and Reliability Ratings
| Mitsubishi Mirage Model Years | Reliability Ratings |
| 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.4/5 |
| 2001 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.7/5 |
| 2002 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.5/5 |
| 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.6/5 |
| 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.3/5 |
| 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.3/5 |
| 2016 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.5/5 |
| 2017 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.6/5 |
| 2018 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 3.7/5 |
| 2019 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.5/5 |
| 2020 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 3.3/5 |
| 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage Reliability | 4.5/5 |
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage Expensive to Maintain?
Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles are known to be affordable with a low maintenance cost. On average, the total annual cost for maintenance and repairs for a Mirage is $457.
Below are listed some of the Mirage replacement and repair parts and their respective costs for the Mitsubishi Mirage.
| Mitsubishi Mirage Repair/Replacement | Costs |
| AC Evaporator Replacement | $1030-$1239 |
| Air Conditioning Condenser Fan Motor Replacement | $277-$294 |
| AC Condenser Replacement | $574-$761 |
| Air Conditioning Refrigerant Line Replacement | $784-$817 |
| Air Conditioning Receiver Drier Assembly Replacement | $332-$359 |
| AC Recharge | $123-$155 |
| ABS Control Module Replacement | $702-$718 |
| AC Compressor Replacement | $1370-$1487 |
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How Long Do Mitsubishi Mirage Tires Last?
OEM or high-quality replacement tires will last for about 50,000 miles or 3 to 4 years of service before needing replacements.
Type of tire, road conditions, terrain, and driving habits are some of the factors which affect the condition of your vehicle’s tires.
How Long Does the Mitsubishi Mirage Brake Pads Last?
The Mirage brake pads generally last somewhere between 30,000 to 40,000 miles, depending on your driving style.
Slamming brakes and rough driving will need your brakes to be replaced more often. Hauling heavy loads will also shorten their useful life.
How Long Does the Mitsubishi Mirage Engines Last?
The Mirage comes with a 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine, with a life expectancy of 150,000 miles and even more with proper oil changes and other servicing.
Engine replacements are costly and last approximately for the entire lifespan of your vehicle if you drive carefully.
Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Mitsubishi Mirage
- Store your vehicle in a garage for most time to save it from unknown elements.
- Clean the car regularly and focus mainly on the steel parts for scrubbing to prevent rust.
- Limit short trips, which prevent the car recharge entirely.
- Get used to the owner’s manual to learn about the location of essential components, what your car needs, and dashboard warning lights.
- Rotate the vehicle tires every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear and tear.
- Adopt smooth driving styles and avoid harsh braking.
- Take your car for maintenance as scheduled for your car’s well-being.
We hope this article helps you with questions regarding a Mitsubishi Mirage.
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