The Mitsubishi Mirage GS has long been a beloved presence on New Zealand roads, celebrated for its practical design and exceptional fuel economy. Its compact dimensions and ease of handling made it a preferred choice for many as a reliable first car or an efficient city runabout. This guide serves not only as a maintenance reference for your Mirage GS but also as a necessary resource to prolong its life and performance, ensuring it continues to serve you well for years to come.
Owners may encounter issues with CV joint wear and distributor problems on the Mitsubishi Mirage GS, typically around 120,000 to 180,000 km. Keep an ear out for clicking noises from the CV joints, especially when turning. Be prepared to examine or replace the distributor if you experience ignition trouble.
WOF tips
When taking your Mirage GS for a Warrant of Fitness (WOF), pay close attention to rust around the rear wheel arches. Also, inspect brake lines carefully for any signs of corrosion, as this is a common WOF failure point for older vehicles.
About the Mitsubishi Mirage GS
The Mitsubishi Mirage GS is all about straightforward, economical driving, and staying on top of maintenance is key to keeping this gem running smoothly. Regular check-ups are essential, especially for items like the distributor cap, power steering fluid, and drive belts – all of which can wear over time. Ensure you keep an eye on your service intervals; replacing the timing kit on schedule can prevent costly engine damage later down the road.
Under the Hood As your Mirage GS ages, components like the thermostat housing gasket and front crankshaft oil seal may start to leak, so be sure to check these regularly. Cooling system issues often become apparent around the 150,000km mark, when parts like the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses should be thoroughly inspected. This proactive approach not only enhances performance but is a natural segue to our Cooling category for parts replacement.
Drivetrain and Steering Watch out for the CV joints, notorious for wear in the Mirage GS. Listen for clicking noises when turning, as this might indicate that the CV joint boot kit needs replacing. Moreover, the steering rack end and steering idler arm are critical areas that demand attention—don't forget to examine the front driveshafts and sway bar links during your regular service. Always keep an eye on your braking system as well, especially with service packs like Front Brake Service and Rear Brake Service available, to ensure your vehicle stays safe and responsive.
Questions owners ask
What are common issues to look out for with a 1990-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage GS in New Zealand?
Owners of the 1990-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage GS often encounter issues with CV joint wear and distributor problems, typically between 120,000 to 180,000 km. Listen for clicking noises when turning, which can indicate CV joint wear. If you experience ignition trouble, the distributor may need examination or replacement. Additionally, watch for leaks from the thermostat housing gasket and front crankshaft oil seal as the vehicle ages.
What should I check on my Mitsubishi Mirage GS before a WOF inspection in NZ?
For your Mitsubishi Mirage GS WOF, pay close attention to rust, especially around the rear wheel arches. Thoroughly inspect the brake lines for any signs of corrosion, as this is a common failure point for older vehicles. Also, ensure your cooling system components like the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses are in good condition, particularly if your vehicle is approaching or past 150,000 km.
When should I replace the timing kit on my 1990-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage GS?
It's crucial to replace the timing kit on your 1990-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage GS according to its service intervals, which are 10,000 km. Adhering to this schedule can prevent costly engine damage down the road.
Where can I get replacement cooling system parts for my 1990-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage GS in NZ?
CARFIX stocks a wide range of parts for your 1990-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage GS. For cooling system components like the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses, you can find them in our Cooling category. We have 334 SKUs available for this model.
What are the signs of worn CV joints on a 1990-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage GS?
The most common sign of worn CV joints on a 1990-1991 Mitsubishi Mirage GS is a clicking noise, especially when turning. This often indicates that the CV joint boot kit needs replacing. This issue commonly appears between 120,000 to 180,000 km.
What maintenance should I perform on the steering and drivetrain of my Mitsubishi Mirage GS?
For the steering and drivetrain of your Mitsubishi Mirage GS, regularly inspect the CV joints for wear and listen for clicking noises. Also, pay attention to the steering rack end and steering idler arm. During your regular service, examine the front driveshafts and sway bar links. Don't forget to check your power steering fluid levels.