Mitsubishi Carisma

Mitsubishi Carisma debuted in 1995. The car is the result of cooperation with the Swedish brand Volvo.

Model history

Mitsubishi Carisma debuted in 1995. The car is the result of cooperation with the Swedish brand Volvo. Carisma, like the Volvo S40/V40, was assembled in Holland. Two years later, the 1.8 GDI engine appeared in the engine range. It was one of the first powertrains available on the market with electronically controlled direct fuel injection.

In 1999, the car underwent a thorough modernization. Looking at the updated body, it seems that this is not just a restyling, but the next generation of the model. Not surprisingly, the changes are noticeable at first glance. On the grille, headlights and bumper there are no traces of the original appearance. The same thing happened from behind. Similarity is only found when comparing both variations in profile. Interestingly, there was much less change inside.

Mitsubishi Carisma was produced for quite a long time - from 1995 to 2004. However, due to the bad reputation of the car was left without a direct successor.

Engines

The most durable, of course, gasoline units. The small 1.3-liter engine is too weak. the 1.6-liter, though not much stronger, still does a good job with Carisma. The engine accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 12 seconds. The automatic transmission worsens this figure by about 2 seconds. The best choice will be atmospheric 1.8 liters. In any version, it is quite dynamic and consumes a little more than a 1.6-liter unit. 1.8 GDI with direct fuel injection should be avoided. During operation, intake valves form a soak, for cleaning which it is necessary to remove the head of the block. Theoretically, the problem mainly concerns copies of the first years of release, but in reality, it can occur in later copies. It’s a shame because an innovative engine with quite interesting characteristics, which, unfortunately, became the curse of this model. Among the offers on the secondary market there are diesel modifications. However, none of them are worth the recommendation, as engines running on heavy fuel, are not reliable or good dynamic performance. But if you really want, then it is better to choose the lesser of two evils - 1. 9 TD, used, for example, in the Renault Laguna I and Megane I. To get to a perfectly serviceable copy, you need to be very lucky. Those who are unlucky are doomed to failures in the work of the TNVD, damage to the gasket of the head of the block and ubiquitous leaks of motor oil. The second diesel with the designation DI-D is actually also created by Renault.

Design features

Mitsubishi Carisma has a front-wheel drive and two gearboxes: a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual. On the front axle, classic McPherson struts work, and on the back - a multi-link.

In the EuroNCAP crash tests conducted in 2001, the car earned only 3 stars. That’s an average result even for those years.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Japanese cars of that period boast outstanding reliability, but Mitsubishi Karisma does not apply to them. Before buying, it is necessary to check how the manual transmission works. Any noise, knocking and difficulty in switching indicate wear of bearings or synchronizers. Unfortunately, this is a common problem with this model. In many instances, the main and working clutch cylinders fail.

The suspension is not the model’s strongest side. The front transverse arms, stabilizer struts and front bearings are exposed to premature wear. Careful inspection requires wheel arches, rapids, bottom and surroundings of the filler neck - favorite places of corrosion. The Japanese owner also noted the creak and crackling of plastic.

There are also problems with the generator and starter. Sometimes the immobilizer refuses to obey.

The generator often fails.

Should I buy it?

The Mitsubishi Carisma is a good alternative to the Toyota Avensis or Honda Accord. Unfortunately, the car is not as perfect as its competitors. Most of the problems are delivered by the engine attachment equipment and the front suspension. Also, there are not many substitutes on the market and original parts are too expensive. The significant disadvantages of the model, of course, can be attributed too conservative design and nondescript interior.

But Carisma is not without its advantages. The owner will be able to appreciate the dynamics of the 1.8-liter gasoline engine, good driving performance and a spacious interior. If you still decide to buy Carisma, it should be only a restyled model - after the modernization, the model got rid of many childhood diseases.

Engines

• During operation, intake valves form a soak, for cleaning which it is necessary to remove the head of the block.
• Theoretically, the problem mainly concerns copies of the first years of release, but in reality, it can occur in later copies.
• In addition to problems with the turbocharger, the Common Rail injection system often fails.
• The engine is also much more expensive to maintain and repair.
• To avoid a rupture of the belt, it must be changed every 60,000 km.

Typical problems and malfunctions

• Before buying, it is necessary to check how the manual transmission works.
• Any noise, knocking and difficulty in switching indicate wear of bearings or synchronizers.
• Unfortunately, this is a common problem with this model.
• In many instances, the main and working clutch cylinders fail.
• The front transverse arms, stabilizer struts and front bearings are exposed to premature wear.
• Careful inspection requires wheel arches, rapids, bottom and surroundings of the filler neck - favorite places of corrosion.
• There are also problems with the generator and starter.
• Sometimes the immobilizer refuses to obey.

Should I buy it?

• Most of the problems are delivered by the engine attachment equipment and the front suspension.

• The Mitsubishi Carisma debuted in 1995.
• Engines: Theoretically, the problem mainly concerns the first years of production, but in reality it can occur in later copies.
• Design features: Mitsubishi Carisma has front-wheel drive and two gearboxes: 4-speed automatic and 5-speed manual.
• Typical problems and malfunctions: Any noise, knocking and difficulty in switching indicate wear of bearings or synchronizers.
• Is it worth buying?: Most of the problems are caused by engine attachments and front suspension.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

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