Mitsubishi Mirage cars

What types of used Mitsubishi Mirage cars are there?

Mitsubishi has been making the Mirage since 1978 and it has since been through six different generations and many facelifts.  

Modern iterations can be had in four trim levels: ES, LE, SE and Black Edition.  

What features does the Mitsubishi Mirage have?

The Mirage comes different trim levels, with the base model offering a CD player, Bluetooth and AUX connectivity as well as four speakers. 

But you’ll have to step up to the top-spec ‘4’ model if you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a touchscreen display and built-in sat-nav. 

There’s even an automatic gearbox option that has a stop/start system, which is ideal in city traffic. 

Either way, you're getting a really solid hatchback at a cut price.  

Is the Mitsubishi Mirage reliable?

Mitsubishis have a track record of being reliable thanks to the meticulous attention to detail with engines and all body parts. 

Every new Mitsubishi comes with a five-year/62,500-mile warranty – whichever comes first – that can be transferred to subsequent owners, which is good news for used car buyers. 

In terms of safety, the Mirage is very secure for a car of its size and weight, scoring four out of five stars in its most recent Euro NCAP crash test. 

This is thanks to an array of airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), seatbelt reminder and rear ISOFIX child seat mounting points. 

How much does the Mitsubishi Mirage cost to run?

To keep it simple, Mitsubishi gave the Mirage one engine option – a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that’s ideal for city life. 

It’s by no means quick, with a 0-62mph time of 12.3 seconds, but what more do you need from a supermini? Most models come with a manual gearbox, but move up to the ‘4’ trim and you’ll get an automatic CVT ‘box. 

In terms of fuel economy, the manual returns around 56.5mpg while the automatic will give you 50.4mpg. The reason it’s lower is because this automatic gearbox isn’t quite as sharp as modern ones. 

With fuel costs being kept low, a large cost to consider is insurance. The Mirage sits in insurance groups 15 to 21, which is on the lower end of the spectrum, meaning costs are kept to a minimum. 

As for general maintenance costs, the Mirage should be very cheap to run, whether that’s with fuel, insurance, tax, tyres or general maintenance. 

Who is the Mitsubishi Mirage suitable for?

A used Mitsubishi Mirage is a best first car for new drivers, young drivers and those who live in or around a city. 

It’s cheap to buy, cheap to live with, and very easy to park and drive around. For less than £10,000, what’s not to like?