Mitsubishi Lancer Problems

TYRES do deteriorate with age, but I wouldn't expect yours to have deteriorated to the point it's not suitable for use. It has been stowed in the boot out of the light, so there will be minimal deterioration.

IT SOUNDS a good suggestion, but it probably comes down to those people who are affected checking the suitability of the systems before they buy a car. I would think you and your wife would have been advised by your doctors of the many dangers you need to be aware of in things we use in our everyday lives, including cars, so you should be well aware of the questions you need to ask. I'm sure it would be helpful if carmakers did include the sorts of warnings you want in their sales literature, but I doubt it will ever happen.

ROB Chadwick, of Mitsubishi, told us that all carmakers in Australia are dependent upon the aftermarket LPG industry for their kits. The only technology available in Australia is gaseous injection. Direct injection is kept from the market here by an ongoing legal battle over the patent. There is no kit for the Lancer, yet, but one is in development by an aftermarket supplier and Mitsubishi hopes it will be available before the middle of the year.

IT'S not unusual to have the steering wheel wear where you hold it. If you believe the wear is excessive in the time you've owned the car, contact Mitsubishi customer assistance and press your case directly.

THE belt deteriorates with age as well as kilometres. I would recommend you have it changed. The potential consequences of not doing it far outweigh the saving from not doing it.

CHANGE the belt. The reason Mitsubishi and other carmakers specify kilometres or months is because some drivers don't do many kilometres. Belts deteriorate over time, so I would recommend you change the belt and avoid the possibility of a breakage.

Your need for a 1998 or later model for $10,000 makes things difficult. I would recommend you try a Nissan Pulsar N15 which was introduced in 1995 -- it's well built, reliable and has good resale value.