The Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (also known as the Lancer Bifuel) is a practical and economical choice for many owners in New Zealand. Often seen as a reliable daily driver and family vehicle, it balances affordability with functionality. This wiki provides insights into common maintenance points, potential issues, and general ownership advice to help you keep your Galant Fortis / Lancer Bifuel in optimal condition.
Owners of the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis / Lancer Bifuel should be aware of some common issues that may arise. The CVT transmission has been known to experience problems such as juddering or slipping, typically around 120,000-180,000 km. Additionally, keep an eye out for corrosion around the rear wheel arches, a common issue in New Zealand's climate.
When taking your Mitsubishi Galant Fortis / Lancer Bifuel for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection, pay close attention to the rear trailing arm bushes and ensure that your headlight alignment is correct, as suspension wear can affect this.
For the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis / Lancer Bifuel, maintaining a smooth ride and reliable performance is key. Here's a breakdown of areas you may want to consider:
• Suspension & Steering: Over time, components like the front lower ball joints, hub carrier bushes, rear sway bar links, and rear control arms can experience wear. Replacing these components can help restore handling and ride quality. A front strut brace can improve chassis rigidity and handling.
• Braking System: Regular inspection of brake pads and fitting kits is essential for safety. A front brake pad fitting kit, coupled with quality brake pads, helps maintain effective braking performance.
• Drivetrain: Keeping the CV joints in good condition will prevent unwanted noises and ensure smooth power delivery. A full gasket set is essential for any major engine work.
• Engine & Components: Alternators eventually wear out and may need replacement. Keeping an eye on your cooling system is also key, and full gasket sets can assist with repairs here.
• Body & Exterior: Due to New Zealand's environmental factors, be mindful of potential corrosion around the rear wheel arches. Ensure your rear wiper blade is functioning properly for optimal visibility. Consider replacing the strut boot/hatch/tailgate struts when they lose their ability to hold the tailgate open.
• Fine-Tuning: Camber bolt kits can assist in achieving proper wheel alignment, especially if suspension components have been replaced or are wearing unevenly. Upgrading to a sway bar set can enhance handling performance.