Item: Used Mitsubishi Carisma Saloon 1995 - 2005
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

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Saloon

<p dir="ltr">While Mitsubishi sells both the Mirage hatchback and the L200 pick-up truck in the UK, the core of its range is in SUVs – handy, since this is one of the largest markets worldwide.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There’s an SUV to suit everyone, too. If you’re a company car driver, the Outlander PHEV mixes low fuel bills with a spacious interior. The ASX, meanwhile, is attractively priced against key rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Seat Ateca. Or, if you prefer mud to asphalt, the Shogun offers genuine off-road ability.</p>

<p dir="ltr">More SUVs are on the way, too, including one that’s rumoured to bring back the ‘Evo’ name made famous in rallying.</p>


MITSUBISHI

CARISMA

<p>Carisma is a misnomer. The Mitsubishi Carisma should have been called the 'Dependable'</p>


Used Mitsubishi Carisma Saloon 1995 - 2005

<p>Cheap running is the Carisma's real strength. Both generations had respectable economy, with the petrols returning mid- to high-30s mpg. Both diesels promise at least high-40s - as much as 51.4mpg for the D-ID.</p>

<p>However, bear in mind that the favoured 1.8 GDI was designed for superunleaded, not regular 95, which will nudge up costs.</p>

<p>Warranty Direct ranks the Carisma as one of the most reliable cars - markedly better than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/mondeo/hatchback/review/n15">Mondeo</a> and a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/primera/hatchback/used-review/n526">Nissan Primera</a>. However, average repair costs are around 35% more than for a Mondeo, and over 25% more than a Primera, despite the fact that labour rates at franchised and independent garages should be below average.</p>

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Carisma is a misnomer. The Mitsubishi Carisma should have been called the 'Dependable'

<p>Try the 1.8 GDI petrol, or the 1.9-litre DI-D diesel introduced in 2002, and skip the weedy 1.6-litre petrols. The pre-face-lift non-GDI 1.8 is decent, but the pokier yet more economical GDI is better, whereas the older 1.9 turbodiesel is fine for motorway cruising, but less satisfying than the later D-IDs.</p>

<p>Aim for Equippe spec on cars built after the 1999 face-lift, because this adds air-con to the electric windows, central locking, power steering, CD player and alloys of the Classic trim. With a pre-face-lift car, GLX trim offers similar treats to Classic (but not the alloys), while the 1.8 GLS-GDI brings air-con.</p>

<p>GL spec (pre-'99) and entry 1.6 spec ('99-on) are too basic, and the range-topping Mirage spec came in from 2001.</p>

<p>The Carisma came as a saloon until 2001, when it was dropped to leave just the more practical hatchback.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

<p>Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.</p>

<p>The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;</p>

Family

<p>Although it's noted for its proven reliability, there are a couple of points to be aware of when choosing a Carisma.</p>

<p>First, the 1.8-litre GDI was designed for superunleaded fuel and, if the previous owners didn't use it, there's a risk of engine failure around 60,000 miles, due to carbon build-up. Decoking the engine is possible, but it's best to look elsewhere.</p>

<p>Secondly, there was also a recall to amend the retaining cap ring of the in-tank fuel pump, which could shatter. Find out if that was done, because early cars may have missed out, and be wary if there is a smell of fuel.</p>

<p>Finally, ensure all switches and buttons works as expected, and that any air-con system is effective - older systems may need regassing.</p>

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<p>People joke that the 'h' was left out of the Mitsubishi Carisma's name, but it lacks more than that. A limited range of engines, a choppy ride and disappointing handling with plenty of lean through corners all count against it. Passengers won't be wowed by the road noise or the suspension that thunks over bumps, either.</p>

<p>However, the Mitsubishi provides reasonable space up front as well as room for two adults in the rear. The back seats fold down to increase your carrying options.</p>

<p>Inside, it's hard to deny that the Carisma's cabin lacks, well, charisma. It's all terribly bland, although, to be fair, the dash is well laid out, there's useful stowage and it's well made and decently equipped. Steering column adjustment is limited to angle only, and getting comfy in the driver's seat is also hampered by the small amount of seat-height adjustment.</p>

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Used Mitsubishi Carisma Saloon 1995 - 2005 review

Every 2021 Electric and Hybrid Car Awards winner

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