Welcome to the MITSUBISHI LANCER Base vehicle wiki. This essential resource for owners covers everything you need to know about maintaining the first-generation Lancer, ensuring you enjoy its legendary fuel efficiency and dependability throughout your driving experience in New Zealand.
Owners should be aware of some common issues that may arise with the MITSUBISHI LANCER Base, particularly as mileage increases. These include rust, especially in coastal areas. Look for corrosion in the sills, chassis rails and around the rear wheel arches. Oil leaks from the engine are also a recurring concern. Additionally, wear in the manual transmission may occur.
When preparing your MITSUBISHI LANCER Base for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF) in New Zealand, pay close attention to the following areas: Rust around the rear wheel arches and corrosion in the sills/chassis rails are common failure points. Also, worn suspension components, particularly ball joints, will be scrutinized.
The MITSUBISHI LANCER Base holds a special place in the hearts of New Zealand drivers, having established itself as a reliable and economical choice during the late 70s and early 80s. As an owner, understanding its maintenance needs is crucial for the longevity of your vehicle. Regular servicing is key—inspect the universal joints and couplings to ensure smooth power transfer, and keep an eye on potential oil leaks around the transmission, especially from the rear extension oil seal.
Parts like front wiper blades should be replaced regularly to maintain optimal visibility, while wear on steering rack ends can affect responsiveness. To ensure peak performance, it’s essential to check lash adjusters, replace the thermostat housing gasket when necessary, and inspect the condition of CV joints. These steps, along with considering the health of your braking system, are vital for smooth operation. The cooling system particularly requires attention around 150,000km—be ready to inspect and possibly replace critical components like the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses. [This naturally links to /shop/cooling] For further upkeep, check the alternator drive belt and schedule oil and air filter services to keep your engine running smoothly.