Mitsubishi Problems

The Holden Spark has been discontinued in Australia, with the company citing low volume as the main issue. But if that doesn't deter you, it's still a solid buy at under $15,000. Dealers have plenty of stock still on showroom floors, and you can get really good prices on 2017-plate models for less than $15k, drive-away. Shop for the LT if this is the car you like most, because it has a better features list than the LS.

Probably best to steer clear of the regular Barina, which is admittedly bigger, but definitely not better. The current-generation model could find its way to the automotive graveyard this year, too. 

The Mirage isn't as good as either the Barina or Spark, so unless you just want a very inexpensive car, it's not high on our recommendation list. The Yaris is lagging behind the times in terms of features, but there's a reason it's a go-to for many budget car buyers: it's a strong offering for space and comfort. 

All of that said, the Kia Picanto is the budget car we'd most likely recommend, because it has a strong and long warranty and is the only one in the mix with auto emergency braking (AEB). Plus it has a reversing camera as standard (the base model Spark doesn't). 

I think you can be confident that the replacement will go the distance. The warranty applies to the replacement parts, which is a standard 12 months.

Of those choices the Mitsubishi Mirage would appear to be the best option. It is the newest, has the fewest kilometres, and is the cheapest. It’s also reliable and should give you good service. In order of preference I would suggest the Toyota Corolla and the Holden Cruze.

There is a cooling-off period in Victoria. You have three clear business days from the time you sign the contract of sale to change your mind, but you automatically lose that right if you accept delivery of the car within that period. By taking it home your wife forfeited the right to the cooling-off period.

From what we can see, that specific Triton carried an official combined fuel consumption figure of 10.9L/100km. 

In the real world, you can expect to achieve a similar number on a constant highway cruise, but be prepared for it to climb to something more like 15L/100km around town. So more like a six cylinder modern Falcon or Commodore than a Corolla or Mazda3. 

It does sound as if the compressor is cycling too frequently. Take it too an air-conditioning mechanic and have the system checked. The fluid might need topping up.

You should have the recall work done; your car is unsafe and dangerous with the old airbag. Make sure they understand your concerns when you take the car in, and check it closely when you get it back.

I’m guessing they made a mistake when replacing the airbag the last time, I would hope they won’t make the same mistake again.

The engine light is telling you that there is a problem, and the diagnostic check indicated it was a problem with the DPF, which needs replacing or cleaning.

It’s not covered by the warranty, as it’s a normal wear-and-tear item. On the surface it doesn’t appear that you are being unfairly treated.

Mitsubishi quotes a combined average of 10.9 L/100 km for the 2.4-litre dual-cab Triton. Around town they claim 13.9 L/100 km and on the highway 9.1 L/100 km. It’s similar to other dual-cab utes.

By how far did you miss the service? Was it by a 1000 kilometres or so, or did you miss it all together? If you missed the service by a few weeks or a few kilometres then I would not expect the engine to seize, but if you skipped the service completely I’m not surprised. I’m also guessing the warranty won’t be honoured because of the missed service, but depending on the circumstances surrounding the missed service you could try and negotiate with Mitsubishi for some cover.