What is causing the squealing noise when I accelerate in my 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage?

The drive belts on the engines might be new, but what about the pulleys they run in? A pulley with a worn bearing can start to squeal when under load, such as when you start to accelerate and the belt has to speed up. Also, any coolant or oil on the belt can make it screech, too. When the belts had just been replaced, they were nice and clean, but after a few kilometres have passed and contaminants have been able to build up, you might be back to square one again with a screaming rubber belt. Check the belts for coolant or oil (or anything else) on them as well as the pulleys and tensioners to make sure a small leak in the engine is not being spread all over the place by the belt. Check the belts for correct tension, too, as this can vary over time and is a classic cause of noisy operation. It does seem odd that both cars have started to make the noise in unison, but stranger things have happened.

What new cars with high ground clearance do you recommend?

If ground clearance is a real issue for you, why don’t you try a compact SUV?

Mitsubishi Mirage 2014: Can my LS be fitted so it can tow?

Mitsubishi doesn't provide a towing rating for the Mirage, so it's not recommended that you tow with it. If you do choose the tow with it you should check with your insurance company, as you might be in breach of the conditions of your policy.

What's a good small car?

Of those choices the Mitsubishi Mirage would appear to be the best option. It is the newest, has the fewest kilometres, and is the cheapest. It’s also reliable and should give you good service. In order of preference I would suggest the Toyota Corolla and the Holden Cruze.

Which small hatch should I buy for $15,000?

The Holden Spark has been discontinued in Australia, with the company citing low volume as the main issue. But if that doesn't deter you, it's still a solid buy at under $15,000. Dealers have plenty of stock still on showroom floors, and you can get really good prices on 2017-plate models for less than $15k, drive-away. Shop for the LT if this is the car you like most, because it has a better features list than the LS. Probably best to steer clear of the regular Barina, which is admittedly bigger, but definitely not better. The current-generation model could find its way to the automotive graveyard this year, too. The Mirage isn't as good as either the Barina or Spark, so unless you just want a very inexpensive car, it's not high on our recommendation list. The Yaris is lagging behind the times in terms of features, but there's a reason it's a go-to for many budget car buyers: it's a strong offering for space and comfort. All of that said, the Kia Picanto is the budget car we'd most likely recommend, because it has a strong and long warranty and is the only one in the mix with auto emergency braking (AEB). Plus it has a reversing camera as standard (the base model Spark doesn't).

How long will a replacement gearbox last in a 2013 Mitsubishi Mirage?

I think you can be confident that the replacement will go the distance. The warranty applies to the replacement parts, which is a standard 12 months.

Do you think it's time that carmakers considered selling a small sedan-based ute on the Australian market?

You’ve got two chances of that ever happening: Buckley’s and Nunn, unless of course they discover a market for such a car somewhere overseas. There are so many options for people wanting a ute that I couldn’t see a small car-based ute ever getting up.

Mitsubishi Mirage 2016 Problems

No car is perfect, but we've gathered everything relating to the Mitsubishi Mirage 2016 reliability here to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Mitsubishi Mirage review: 2013-2018

27 Sep 2019 · by David Morley

Mitsubishi has a bit of a knack for making cars that people seem to remember fondly.In the case of its Mirage model, the very first series set the mood beautifully.The short, three-door hatchback had ...

When is the best time to buy a cheap sedan or hatch?

Answered by CarsGuide 11 Nov 2016

There's no set time that's best. Carmakers are having sales all the time, with special deals etc., but if you're looking to buy a demo then keep an eye out for the model run-out sales when dealers are looking to offload their demos. Watch for carmakers advertising great deals and read the motoring press to see when they're likely to be releasing a new or updated model. May or June, around the end of the financial year is often a good time to pounce.

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Mitsubishi Mirage 2016 Problems

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When is the best time to buy a cheap sedan or hatch?

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