Mitsubishi Problems

I would suggest the Soul could be ruled out on the basis that it won't have a high resale value when you want to sell it on. Your budget will limit your choices, if you could stretch it another $3000 you could look at the Honda HR-V or CR-V, or Kia Sportage.

Mitsubishi claims an average of 9.1L/100km, 8.0L/100km on country driving and 11.1L/100km around town, so at 8.5L/100km it's on the money fuel-wise. The lack of power does seem an issue and I would have it checked by your dealer at the next service. After 10,000km it should be performing near its best.

The price is a little high; I wouldn’t pay any more than $15,000 for it. There’s no question about it doing 115 km a day, but at that rate the kilometres would quickly climb and you’d soon be in the danger zone where problems are more likely to occur. That’s where you would strike the problem of expensive parts, repairs and servicing. You would need an independent mechanic to look after it at a reasonable rate. Bluetooth was standard, but a reversing camera was optional. I wouldn’t recommend it. At $19,900 the ASX is a better buy.

You need to simplify your needs and wants. Most, if not all new cars have the sort of features you want. The more pressing issue is the choice of SUV or hatch. While a hatch might be best for your city needs, it probably wouldn't suit your camping needs, so I would rule that out and focus on a compact SUV. Of all the models you have looked at I would select the Suzuki Grand Vitara.

There's no set time that's best. Carmakers are having sales all the time, with special deals etc., but if you're looking to buy a demo then keep an eye out for the model run-out sales when dealers are looking to offload their demos. Watch for carmakers advertising great deals and read the motoring press to see when they're likely to be releasing a new or updated model. May or June, around the end of the financial year is often a good time to pounce.

Rust protection is usually a dealer option rather than a factory one, so you need to check the warranty document for the product to see what is covered. With regard to the clutch slave cylinder you need to establish how sand got into it. Was it because of a faulty or damaged seal etc.? Having done that you could have grounds to claim on the warranty, but before you know why the sand was able to get in you really don't anything to back up a warranty claim.

Is it related to the operation of the fan? If so it could be wear of the fan, and replacing it might be your answer. But you need a mechanic, someone who can actually hear it, to check it for you.

Do not buy a Cruze, or buy a European brand. They will prove costly. It's best to go for the cars that are well proven over many years. The Lancer is a good one, but so too is the Toyota Yaris or Corolla, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2 or 3, or Mitsubishi Colt.