The Mitsubishi Galant Fortis (also known as the Lancer FlexFuel in some markets) offers a balance of practicality and fuel efficiency. This wiki provides New Zealand owners with insights into maintaining and troubleshooting common issues with this vehicle.
Common issues reported by owners include timing chain stretch (particularly in early and/or neglected FlexFuel models), CVT transmission problems (especially in 1.8L models), and premature wear of suspension components such as bushings and ball joints. These issues tend to surface between 80,000 and 150,000 km.
When taking your Galant Fortis/Lancer FlexFuel for a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection, pay close attention to potential failure points like rust around the rear wheel arches, excessive CV joint wear, and headlight clouding (which is more prevalent on pre-facelift models).
<p>The Galant Fortis/Lancer FlexFuel carved a niche for itself in New Zealand, appealing to those seeking a practical car with the potential for cost savings through its flex-fuel capability, although the real-world benefits of this can vary.</p>
<p><b>Maintenance & Component Focus</b></p>
<p>Owners often address the following components as part of regular maintenance or repairs:</p>
<ul>
<li><b>Suspension:</b> Inspect and maintain suspension components like the rear control arm bushings (both upper and standard), front control arm bushings, and ball joints, as premature wear is a known issue. Consider a complete suspension kit for a comprehensive refresh.</li>
<li><b>Steering:</b> Check the steering rack ends for wear and play, particularly as the mileage increases.</li>
<li><b>Braking:</b> Regularly replace brake pads as needed. Don't forget to inspect the rear brake pads.</li>
<li><b>Struts & Mounts:</b> Monitor the condition of the front strut mounts and use strut boot kits to protect struts from damage, potentially extending their life somewhat. Front strut braces can sharpen handling a little.</li>
<li><b>Sway Bar:</b> Evaluate the sway bar set for condition.</li>
<li><b>Wheels & Alignment:</b> Camber bolt kits can assist with fine-tuning front wheel alignment.</li>
<li><b>Rear Visibility: </b> Keep the rear visibility clear with appropriate wiper blade selection for the rear window.</li>
</ul>
<p>Regular servicing is crucial for the longevity of any vehicle, and the Galant Fortis/Lancer FlexFuel is no exception.</p>