It’s no secret that cars are expensive. For many car owners, their vehicle is by far the most valuable thing that they have ever purchased, but that doesn’t necessarily make cars an extravagance or a luxury. In fact, they are often a necessity. Because of that, many shoppers are looking for good value first and foremost when deciding what model to buy.
If you see a Mitsubishi Mirage for sale while searching for the best value possible, it might seem at first like it’s too good to be true. The car’s low cost stands out among the high price tags you’ll find at most dealerships. But while the Mirage may be named after an optical illusion, its value is solid and real. Even after the initial purchase, it continues to offer savings to drivers in multiple ways, which is why drivers who are looking for a great deal often turn to the Mirage. Let’s take a look at how the Mirage manages to save money for its owners.
Sticker Price
The first and most obvious way that the Mirage fits into a tight budget is with a low sticker price. The most basic trim level of the 2023 Mirage, the ES MT, has an MSRP of $14,298 CAD, which is more than many new cars can say. Of course, as with trim levels generally, the most affordable trim also has the most basic lineup of features. The ES MT comes with a manual transmission, manually adjustable seats, and a fabric-appointed interior. For some drivers, these are reasonable features to cut back on, and for others, they may even be preferable (some drivers prefer the extra level of control provided by manual transmission, for example, and animal lovers may want to opt for fabric seats instead of leather for ethical reasons).
However, even this most essential trim still has many standard features that make it safe and comfortable. It comes with plenty of high-tech systems that operate automatically so you can keep your focus where it belongs: on the road. These features include automatic headlights, automatic climate control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers, as well as active stability control, which works to keep the driver in control at all times, even when the road gets slippery, and hill start assist, which prevents the car from rolling backwards while the driver moves their foot from the brake to the accelerator. The body design is also built from the ground up with safety in mind, with Mitsubishi Motors’ RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) construction, which uses strategically placed crumple zones and reinforcements in order to keep all occupants as safe as possible in the case of an accident. You’ll also get features like a USB port and Bluetooth compatibility that make it easy to keep your smartphone charged and use it hands-free on the road.
Of course, if you can afford to spend a little more, you can get even more features by upgrading to a higher trim level. The Mirage’s four trims give you a chance to find your own personal balance between features and affordability. Let’s take a look at what you get by upgrading to each of the three higher-tier trims:
- ES CVT swaps out the manual transmission for an automatic continuously variable transmission which is both easier to use and features an ECO mode for prioritizing optimal fuel economy. Carbon fibre finish accents bring a little extra flair to the exterior.
- SE EVT adds several convenient features, including power door locks, remote keyless entry, and power windows with an auto up and down driver’s window. It also has standard cruise control with intuitive steering-wheel-mounted controls and an integrated driver’s seat armrest for additional comfort.
- GT CVT comes standard with a suite of driver assistance technology, like lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation, and automatic high beam headlights. The side-view mirrors also get some extra tech, like integrated turn signal lamps and heat that can melt away frost and ice in the winter. Heated front seats also come standard, helping to keep you warm during the coldest weather. The driver’s seat can be adjusted six ways instead of four, so you can get your position just right and stay extra comfy on longer drives.
Fuel Economy
Just looking at the Mirage, it’s clear to see that it’s a compact car. That diminutive size makes it lightweight, so it doesn’t take too much energy to move it around. On top of that, it also gives it a tight turning radius that can come in handy on narrow city streets or in crowded parking lots that are tough for larger vehicles to manoeuvre. The body’s shape is also designed for fuel efficiency, with sleek aerodynamics that goes with the flow of air instead of fighting against it.
Under the hood is an efficient 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that has a combined rating of 6.2 L/100km when paired with the continuously variable transmission. On the highway, it gets 5.6L/100km, so you can take long road trips without spending an arm and a leg on fuel. That fuel efficiency is both great for your wallet and good for the planet, so you can feel good in the long run.
Warranty
A vehicle’s sticker price is the first thing you need to deal with, and fuel is an expense that you’re constantly aware of, but another factor to consider when looking at a vehicle’s long-term value is maintenance and repairs. Mitsubishi is well aware of this and offers a particularly generous warranty on its vehicles, including the Mirage. A ten-year/160,000 km limited powertrain warranty and a five-year/100,000 km limited new vehicle warranty can give you peace of mind if you run into automotive issues during the first several years of vehicle ownership. On top of that, the company also offers five-year/unlimited km roadside assistance. That kind of help can come in handy in a bad situation and save you both trouble and money when you need it most.
Versatility
The final factor in the Mirage’s formula for success is the vehicle’s versatility. This makes it appealing to a wide range of drivers and allows owners to get many uses out of a single vehicle. The Mirage’s compact size comes in handy for city driving, but its open cargo area has plenty of room for fitting plenty of groceries, transporting bulky items like furniture, or bringing your big dogs along for the ride. The standard 60/40 split folding rear seat allows you to strike just the right balance between space for passengers and room for cargo, and you can easily change it up from trip to trip as needed.
A Subcompact Hatchback Brimming With Value
From up-front costs to long-term operating costs, the Mirage strives to provide drivers with great value. This comprehensive strategy makes the Mirage an excellent choice for both individuals on a tight budget and business owners looking to buy a fleet of vehicles. Of course, a low price alone isn’t enough to make a good value. The Mirage also offers a comfortable interior, a striking exterior, and a variety of safety features. This quality, combined with the affordable price, is what makes it a great value. A multitude of decisions, big and small, add up to make the Mirage a top-notch pick for all kinds of drivers.
