Mitsubishi Lancer Problems

I agree with your view of going Japanese for reliability. The Lancer would be one I would recommend, along with the Mazda3 and the Toyota Corolla. They're comfortable, fuel-efficient, safe, and have decent performance.

I agree, they've issued the recalls and as far as I can see it is Mitsubishi's responsibility to see they are actioned. Their attitude would suggest they aren't terribly interested in safety. Go back to Mitsubishi and suggest to them they need to take more interest in what is a safety issue serious enough for them to issue a recall. If that gets you nowhere write to the company's headquarters in Adelaide and address the letter to the CEO, Mutsuhiro Oshikiri.

Regardless of the engine work, the Viva is not a good car. For similar money, in a small wagon, I'd go every time for a Mitsubishi Lancer.

The cars you have been looking at are all good, sound and safe ones that have no serious issues to be concerned about and would give you reliable service for many years to come. Note that all of them are from Asia; I would suggest that you rule out anything from Europe. Another to consider would be the Mitsubishi Lancer.

We aren't getting reports of problems with the latest model, the reports we have had relate to 2010 models or so. That said, I would be wary of buying the Cruze, the best thing about them is the cabin size. I would go for the Lancer first and Pulsar second, the Cruze a long last.

I wouldn’t recommend the Focus or the Golf, European is not the way to go. The best choices are the Mazda3, Mitsubishi Lancer and the Hyundai i30.

Typically you're looking at a car around 2010 vintage for that money, so it's got a few years on it and will have done a few kays. With that in mind it's best to go for a car that's going to give you a good run for your money over a few years. Steer clear of European brands, that includes Ford as its small cars come out of Europe, and go for a solid brand with a good reputation for reliability. In my view that means a Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Lancer, Kia Rio, Hyundai i30.