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Mitsubishi Galant

2502 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2012 at 8:04 PM

You are in the Mitsubishi Galant Forum.

What is this discussion about? Mitsubishi Galant, Sedan

Messages Page 126 of 251

#1247 of 2502 I really like the new Galant! Nice, looks like the Sebring. by maxamillion1

Aug 08, 2003 (8:43 pm)

I just got the latest Automobile Magazine...and I have got to say that I like the Galant.
 
Rather it has a truck engine OR not!
 
I really like the styling of the model in this particular magazine.
 
I'd be interested in a ES I4 with every option! I just hate that the 5spd manual is not offered! Darn Mitsubishi!!!!
 
I have to agree with everybody else here...Honda has and is currently sharing engines with cars and SUVs.
 
If I am not mistaken, isn't the 3.5L used in the Odyssey and other cars based off the 3.0L found in the Accord? If I am wrong, forgive me....BUT!
Also, as previously mentioned, the CR-V and Accord share an engine.....a truck engine? Maybe, maybe not.
 
And if I am not mistaken, the V6 in the Acura TL is based off the 3.0L V6 as well....
 
Nissan does this as well. Just think about it.
 
The 300ZX and Maxima started out with the legendary 3.0L VQ engine....then the Pathfinder got the 3.5L version FIRST. I remember when the Pathfinder came out with that engine. The Manual models have 250 hp and the Automatics have 240 hp. The Automatic has more torque than the Manual.
 
After that, low and behold, the Maxima got that engine in early 2001 as a 2002 Model, producing 260 hp, but later it was reduced to 255.
 
So I guess Nissan is no different...especially considering that just about every V6 used in the current Nissan lineup-sans the Xterra, has the 3.5L VQ. So the 3.5 is a truck engine right?
 
EVERY V6 in the Nissan lineup...from the Altima 3.5SE to the Infiniti FX35, and all V6s in between have that engine. Except for the Xterra, which I mentioned.
 
And guess what, nobody is complaining.
 
Audi and VW share engines.
 
It's called cost cutting...everybody does it.
 
The Domestics do it as well. The 3.1 was used throughout time, and the 3.8 (which is a pretty good engine from what I have heard) is used all throughout the GM line.
 
From the Impala SS to the Grand Prix to the Bonneville SSEi.
 
Everybody is doing this because it makes simple sense.
 
Have a nice day

#1249 of 2502 Galant Mileage by lawman1967

Aug 18, 2003 (7:09 am)

My 2002 4 cyl Galant also gets dismal fuel economy, averaging 20MPG is mostly highway driving. For comparison, at work I drive a 1997 Ford Crown Victoria and strangely, get almost identical fuel economy in that car.

#1251 of 2502 Galant engines by lawman1967

Aug 21, 2003 (9:07 am)

First on the issue of old or truck engines in cars. The Galant engine did start out as a truck engine, something Nissan also did with the 2.4 liter in the old 240SX and Altima. In my opinion, having come from a truck is not a bad thing, as trucks tend to be designed for good low-end torque and long-term reliability. Sure, in cars we care more about smoothness, horsepower and fuel efficiency, but it hasn't always been that way and truck engines have much to recommend them.
 
The Galant's engine was the first of the large 4 cylinder truck engines to be tamed by twin counterrotating balance shafts, and the result is incredible smoothness that rivals even the latest Accord and Camry four cylinders. It also, true to its truck heritage, has an outstanding durability record (that cast-iron block?) and good low-end torque despite its lack of modern trickery such as variable valve timing and dual overhead cams. What it lacks are horsepower (140 is enough, just not class-competitive) and fuel economy. Fuel economy is also affected by aerodynamics (which are excellent in the Galant, go figure) and gearing/transmission efficiency. Here is I think the Galant fails in addition to engine efficiency. At 75MPH the Galant engine is simply spinning faster than those of the Camry and Accord, and all else being equal (and in this case its not), higher RPM often leads to lower fuel economy. I know Mitsubishi lowered the gearing for the 2002 model year (low gearing, while bad for fuel economy, is great for acceleration) which makes the car accellerate better and just feel more powerful.
 
The other enemy of fuel efficiency is weight. I'm not sure how much heavier the Galant is than the competition, if at all, but one way Honda has always done so well is be reducing weight, and that is one advantage of aluminum engine blocks, others being thermal efficiency and a a matching reduction in the weight of other compenents to match the lighter engine.
 
Fuel economy is by far my biggest complaint on the Galant, as mine has truly been horrible (18 city, 21 highway), however I will admit I drive fast (cruise at about 80). I've also had MANY problems with my brakes (see my next post) and a very strange, intermittent noise from behind the dash or steering wheel that sounds like rustling paper. Despite the problems though, I still like the comfort, handling and overall performance of the car, not to mention the terrific styling.

#1252 of 2502 Brake problems and options by lawman1967

Aug 21, 2003 (9:15 am)

My Galant has had many brake problems. At 13000 miles the left front caliper was replaced under warranty (stuck). At 20000 miles my rotors were replaced (left front was heat damaged by the previous stuck caliper). At 30000 my left front pad was glazed and the new rotor warped, and at 31000 my brakes didn't completely release on two occasions following panic stops, though did after pumping the brakes.
 
My suspicion is that either my car has some other defect that four dealers have been unable to identify (brake line or master cylinder perhaps?), or that it is just a lemon. Of course, my lemon law suit wasn't successful as each of my repair was for a different problem, albeit with the same system. the end result, however, is that I simply do not trust my brakes, and at 33000, my warranty is almost expired.
 
I am faced with two options, trade-in my car at a loss on something new, or spend about $1000 and completely replace my front braking system. Brembo makes a nice system for the Galant consisting of new drilled rotors (larger than stock) and special carbon fiber pads for the stock calipers. In addition, I would replace the brake lines with braided steel and have the calipers rebuilt, everything done by a brake specialty shop. Finally, as my tires are worn out, a new set of Pirelli P4000s in a slightly larger 205/60/15 size would replace the original Goodyears. Total cost for brakes and tires would be $1300, and then I would buy the extended warranty from my insurance company, as my past with this car has eroded my confidence.
 
Of course, a new Mazda comes with 4/48 bumper to bumper warranty coverage and that new car smell. I wouldn't buy another Galant at this point, even with $4000 in customer and dealer rebates.
 
Advice? Opinions? Ideas?

#1253 of 2502 lawman1967 by lngtonge18

Aug 21, 2003 (10:49 am)

I would say your brake release problems point to a bad master cylinder or rubber brake hose, with the master cylinder being the most likely culprit. I had an 87 VW Fox whose front brakes would progressively clamp down harder and not release as they heated up. After driving across town, the brakes would get so hot from not releasing that the rotors would glow bright red and steam would pour off of them. The brake shop said the calipers were stuck and replaced them and the rubber brake hoses, only to tell me the next day they can't get the master cylinder to bleed. Turns out the master cylinder had some sort of internal leak that wouldn't allow the fluid to travel back to the reservoir after releasing the brakes. Since the cylinder worked properly half the time, it was a hard problem to diagnose. Your problem sounds very similar, only it hasn't gotten so bad yet. My suggestion would be to upgrade the rubber hoses to stainless steel and replace the master cylinder before spending all that money on buying larger brakes and rebuilding calipers that are probably perfectly fine. If the master cylinder turns out to be the problem and the shop can verify it, I'm sure you could get Mitsu to reimburse you for the repair.
 
p.s. I have a friend who is the shop foreman at my Mitsu dealer. He mentioned having problems with a stuck front caliper on a Diamante once. Turned out the master cylinder was bad. So I might not be too far off on my suggestion. Good luck!

#1254 of 2502 Master cylinder by lawman1967

Aug 21, 2003 (4:50 pm)

Sounds like it may be the same problem, I'll check it out.

#1255 of 2502 Avoid this car like the plague by mdossan

Sep 14, 2003 (6:10 am)

Since I've owned this car for several years and my father has owned 2, I would like to make a strong recommendation to anyone who has or is thinking of buying a Mitsubishi Galant.
 
This car will cost you more than a Mercedes C-class or BMW 3 series in maintenance. My transmission needed to be replaced 3 times during the first 100,000 miles of the car's life, in addition to lots of other substantial mechanical problems that cost $800+ each. Mitsubishi conveniently found ways to back out of their warranty on several major repairs.
 
If you're looking for a comfortable, reliable, relatively economical car, avoid this car like the plague - try the Chevy Impala instead - it's as solid as a rock, reliable and very inexpensive to operate.

#1256 of 2502 Re:Avoid this car by fushigi

Sep 14, 2003 (9:37 am)

What years were your Mitsus? Perhaps they are from before the 99 model year (when the lineup received a complete re-do).
 
Based on my experience I couldn't disagree more. My 99 LS V6 with 78K miles has been rock solid reliable. I have done the scheduled maintenance and replaced the tires & battery. The only abnormal maintenance was to replace a loose trim piece.
 
I was a little wary about buying a Mitsu at the time so I purchased an extended warranty. I've yet to have to use it.

Messages Page 126 of 251

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