is it the right car for me

[sonicolt]

Everybody I would like your advice on the Ralliart Colt I am looking at purchasing a car I live in the southern highlands I travel 200 k's a day average 4 days a week. Do you think the Ralliart will withstand that abuse and I average about 120 to 130 klicks between Campbelltown and home. I have looked at so many different cars and price brackets. All your advise on service repairs and performance would be much appreciated.
sonic

[putty_sydney]

Hi There and welcome. I just travelled down and back to the south coast this weekend from Sydney. I had the car loaded up with fuel, kids (x2), dog and baggage. I only have 4500 km's on the clock so it's not even run in. I got a phenomenal 7.3 l/100km. This included 1/2 a tank of city driving as well. It is an extremely comfortable car to ride in, both as a rear passenger and front passenger.

If you're after performance and fuel economy. If you're after handling, more fuel and a noisier ride (road noise) go for the XR4. The XR4 isn't as quick in a straight line, and it would arguably get an rColt through the twisties (depending on driver)

I have own an rColt, have extensively test driven the XR4 and previously owned a WQ Zetec and chose the Colt. Having said that, of all the cars I drove recently, the best all rounder is the Polo GTI because of it's performance, sort of handles well, very nice interior appointments and cruise control. It's more expensive though.

[lovecolt]

Given for your needs, in my opinion i will say: go for the XR4. The reason been is, you are stacking up so much mileage, it will cost you more as a turbocharged vehicles. One can run a N/A car for 200k clicks without major maintenance. But a T/C car might need to replace the turbo on top of whatever's needed for a N/A.

Polo GTI is a no go as its both T/C and its Euro. Your mileage's going to cut a big hole in your pocket if in polo.

Swift Sport is too slow on highways, plus its slow gearing will annoy you to death on highway (where most of your driving is)

RColt is a better choice of the 2 above, but still not as good as XR4 to match your requirement.

Overall, if you like a good hot hatch with no requirements of 4 doors + bigger interior, go for XR4. But if you have those requirements, then RColt is the next best thing (but you might end up spending abit more on maintenance in long term)

Hope this helps

[aby82]

i beg to differ about the servicing and running costs - sure the rcolt maybe a turbo but it is japanese car so parts and servicing is a fair bit cheaper..

whereas the polo and fiesta are euros where parts are harder to get and more expensive - and from my experience servicing costs are more expensive.

just my 2 cents

[27AME]

Have to agree with Aby82 - I don't know how anyone could think differently?

RColt servicing at genuine Mitsubishi dealers are cheaper than it cost me to have my old Mazda 2 Serviced. While parts that I needed weren't that easy to come by, its only because there isn't many colt's on the road yet.

Can't beat a 10 year warranty on a car your gonna be clocking up the km's on ;)

[Jusnippinout]

The RColt would be fine for your mileage. However, you may find it expensive to run because (a) the short service intervals (oil change every 5,000kms) means every month or so in your case, allowing for weekend use, and (b) the OEM tyres are pretty expensive given their relatively short life, though if your route is mostly cruising then that might not be an issue.

Also, you will find the RColt's suspension is fairly firm for a commuting role, though if you like performance cars then you probably won't mind.

Basically, you should remember that the RColt was designed as an enthusiast's car, not a commuter. If you can live with that, then go for it - it's a beaut little car and I love driving mine. Hell, I even enjoy washing it.........:rolleyes:

[lovecolt]

Jusnippinout has just hit the jackpot. A XR4 only really need to service its car every 15 000km (typical N/A interval) and RColt is 5000km (typical Turbo interval). So, the debate on more expensive service cost from a euro built XR4 is answered as there's no way it cost 3 times more. Plus, as mentioned, the possible turbo change in the future.

[27AME]

I service my car every 7,500km, not every 5000km. There's no need to do it more than this, I have been shown the oil after 7,500km and its still perfect. I left my car for 8,000km+ for the first service and the oil was still fine. I've noticed most owner's on this forum are paranoid about a whole heap of stuff to do with their cars so I guess its only natural for replies like these.

What's with the suggestion that there will need to be a turbo change aswell? Are you for real? I would laugh if I saw a blown turbo or shaft play on a turbo that has been on a standard RColt. I have no idea where the comment about the turbo even originated from? What made you suggest that?

[lovecolt]

I service my car every 7,500km, not every 5000km. There's no need to do it more than this, I have been shown the oil after 7,500km and its still perfect. I left my car for 8,000km+ for the first service and the oil was still fine. I've noticed most owner's on this forum are paranoid about a whole heap of stuff to do with their cars so I guess its only natural for replies like these.

What's with the suggestion that there will need to be a turbo change aswell? Are you for real? I would laugh if I saw a blown turbo or shaft play on a turbo that has been on a standard RColt. I have no idea where the comment about the turbo even originated from? What made you suggest that?

How long before servicing a car, depends on individual and not a standard for others. If its advised by all workshops that i have been to, i don't see how it is considered as paranoid. But as i said, its up to individual if 15k or even 30k mileage is still a acceptable range for him/her. Either way, 7000km per service is still twice of what's needed in a Euro car.

Also, I never suggest that there will be a need to change the turbo, but merely stating that there might be a chance for a turbo replacement. Too many factors can lead to a turbo issue. Even if turbo doesn't require to change, you will most likely need to change the turbo gasket at some point of time, which ain't cheap.

What makes me suggest that? My previous 200sx was found to need a turbo swap at near 100k when its changing the gasket. The turbo still working, but not at its 100%. Just imagine if i left it for another 100k, and it will fail for sure. And no, the car's not overboosted. And this is not a rare instance that i have known of.

At the end of day, there's no denying that a Turbo car is more complex than a N/A car. The more complex a thing is, the harder it is to fix. There's no arguement about that. If you want to believe its a bulletproof built, that's fine with me. I will say what i always say to others: "Whatever makes you happy"

[27AME]

How long before servicing a car, depends on individual and not a standard for others. If its advised by all workshops that i have been to, i don't see how it is considered as paranoid. But as i said, its up to individual if 15k or even 30k mileage is still a acceptable range for him/her. Either way, 7000km per service is still twice of what's needed in a Euro car.

Also, I never suggest that there will be a need to change the turbo, but merely stating that there might be a chance for a turbo replacement. Too many factors can lead to a turbo issue. Even if turbo doesn't require to change, you will most likely need to change the turbo gasket at some point of time, which ain't cheap.

What makes me suggest that? My previous 200sx was found to need a turbo swap at near 100k when its changing the gasket. The turbo still working, but not at its 100%. Just imagine if i left it for another 100k, and it will fail for sure. And no, the car's not overboosted. And this is not a rare instance that i have known of.

At the end of day, there's no denying that a Turbo car is more complex than a N/A car. The more complex a thing is, the harder it is to fix. There's no arguement about that. If you want to believe its a bulletproof built, that's fine with me. I will say what i always say to others: "Whatever makes you happy"

Not worth a response IMO.

[sonicolt]

Thanks guys really appreciate your replies I am test driving 1 tommorrow the dealers is saying about 26k on road is that about right.

[aby82]

sounds pretty sweet to me bro.. is that for an 06 model??

[Jusnippinout]

I service my car every 7,500km, not every 5000km. There's no need to do it more than this, I have been shown the oil after 7,500km and its still perfect. I left my car for 8,000km+ for the first service and the oil was still fine. I've noticed most owner's on this forum are paranoid about a whole heap of stuff to do with their cars so I guess its only natural for replies like these.......

As I have said elsewhere on this forum, I believe that 5,000km oil changes are unnecessary, based on many years of experience with (factory) turbocharged cars. However, having checked with Mitsubishi Oz, it seems that these intervals must be observed during the warranty period or the warranty is lost.

[bomber]

I was curious about the running cost argument when my understanding is the Colt NEEDS to be serviced every 5.000kms to avoid voiding the warranty. Whether deemed unnecessary or not by the owner, they have to be serviced every 5,000 or the warranty is void.
Granted that the XR4 may incur higher servicing cost, but as someone else has written, the servicing cost won't be 3 times as much as 1 service on the Colt. If you're servicing the XR4 every 15,000kms, you can double your servicing cost and you're still in front.
But then you have to factor in what the warranty is worth to you. Is a 5/10 year Mitsubishi Warranty worth the extra servicing cost compared to the 3 year Ford warranty?

[27AME]

I was curious about the running cost argument when my understanding is the Colt NEEDS to be serviced every 5.000kms to avoid voiding the warranty. Whether deemed unnecessary or not by the owner, they have to be serviced every 5,000 or the warranty is void.
Granted that the XR4 may incur higher servicing cost, but as someone else has written, the servicing cost won't be 3 times as much as 1 service on the Colt. If you're servicing the XR4 every 15,000kms, you can double your servicing cost and you're still in front.
But then you have to factor in what the warranty is worth to you. Is a 5/10 year Mitsubishi Warranty worth the extra servicing cost compared to the 3 year Ford warranty?

The warranty is not void if you don't service your car every 5,000km. I had my car serviced just after 8000kmand they have written that my next service will be due at 15,000km. Service intervals are 7,500km. Does anyone really know the service intervals of the XR4? My mazda 2 was every 10,000km - I'd expect the XR4 to be the same.

The 10 year warranty adds a great deal of value - especially for someone who commutes regularly. Things might not go wrong in the first 3 years because while your doing a lot of km's, there probably isn't much stress on the car. You can bet your balls that within 10 years though, something is going to go wrong. Even if you do more km's than allowed within the 10 years, the allowed amount of km's for the RColt is greater than the XR4.

The turbo issue isn't a problem, IT WILL GET FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. Personally, I don't even see it as a problem, more paranoia if you ask me. You could argue that there will be problems with N/A's that turbo's wont have. I would put money that the Colt has a stronger box than the XR4, maybe that will need replacing after 1XX,XXXkm? Sooo many variables.

[Steve-B]

Just got off the phone will Mitsubishi Australia.
The rcolt needs to be serviced every 5000km's. It needs an oil change and filter change and has to be done by either mitsubishi or a MTA approved workshop. Every 15,000km's the car needs to go back to mitsubishi to be serviced because they check blah blah and blah.
basically all the big serviced done in house and all small services done by whom ever.

Straight from the Horses mouth.

this from the service interval thread.
http://www.rcolt.com/showthread.php?t=318&highlight=service+intervals
If the intervals are not met and the book not signed, it voids the 5/10yr diamond warranty. If you are "concerned" like i was call mitsy for yourself, and if your not worried, then do wat your doing. its that easy.

[lovecolt]

I think the thing about warranty is, they will never look at your service book from page 1 to page xxx every single time you bring your car in and tell you that you have void your warranty. But they will, if and only, when you are bringing your car in for a warranty fix.

Sorry, but turbo isn't part of the warranty as its a wear and tear kinda thing. If it stuff up itself within a few ks, fair enough and you might get a chance to getting it fixed by warranty, provided you can prove that its a manfacturing fault.

[Macca]

Turbo is part of the 10 year warrenty it states it on the mitsubishi web site!

My mirage has 280,000 kms on it, i got it at 117,000

i have changed so far

2 timing belts and cam/crank seals
front hubs
Front disk rotors
engine belts once

thats it(besides normal serivcing items), i have no reason to beleve its had a clutch changed, and im still happy to ride it of 4000 rpm without troubles ;)

In the 4 years i have had it it has been to a mechanic 4 times, i took it once for a service and when they charged $70 for an air filter started doing them my self.
The above work was done by mechanics thou, but only ever serviced by a mechanic once :P

[27AME]

I think the thing about warranty is, they will never look at your service book from page 1 to page xxx every single time you bring your car in and tell you that you have void your warranty. But they will, if and only, when you are bringing your car in for a warranty fix.

Sorry, but turbo isn't part of the warranty as its a wear and tear kinda thing. If it stuff up itself within a few ks, fair enough and you might get a chance to getting it fixed by warranty, provided you can prove that its a manfacturing fault.

The turbo is part of the engine. There is no reason for a turbo to be worn unless subjected to heavy abuse.

[lovecolt]

Turbo is part of the 10 year warrenty it states it on the mitsubishi web site!

My mirage has 280,000 kms on it, i got it at 117,000

i have changed so far

2 timing belts and cam/crank seals
front hubs
Front disk rotors
engine belts once

thats it(besides normal serivcing items), i have no reason to beleve its had a clutch changed, and im still happy to ride it of 4000 rpm without troubles ;)

In the 4 years i have had it it has been to a mechanic 4 times, i took it once for a service and when they charged $70 for an air filter started doing them my self.
The above work was done by mechanics thou, but only ever serviced by a mechanic once :P


The turbo is part of the engine. There is no reason for a turbo to be worn unless subjected to heavy abuse.

Just checked it up. You are right there on the warranty of the turbo charger. Pretty surprised really. Its under the 10 of the 5/10 warranty. So, its 10 yrs or 160 000 km, which ever comes first. My bad there :p

For sonicolt's case, the warranty might be used up in 3 yrs time.

[DAC]

Hi sonicolt,

I think you have almost answered your question... "I am test driving 1 tomorrow". You really need to test drive both cars to see which one you feel comfy driving the most & suits your driving style. The rcolt & XR4 are quiet different in the way they drive, steer & are packaged.

Both will easily last the distance if serviced regularly. I don't know a car nut who doesn't take care of their pride & joy. At the end of the day I doubt a car nut will make his/her final decision based mainly on service intervals or service costs right?

Drive both & take it from there. Good luck :p

PS turbo engines run hotter than an equivalent NA engine so generally this is the main reason they tend to need more oil changes. The extra heat cooks the oil & adds extra stress to the engine internals

[radiostar69]

I wouldn't even bother with the XR4 unless your less than 5foot tall...im under 6foot, by a little bit...and felt extremly cramped when i took it for a spin...not to mention...lack of room, hideous seats (and the material used to make them.) no place to rest your foot when you take it off the clutch. No room in the back if you ever want to do a road trip, let alone the front, typical ford bland interior, 2 doors and last but not least, the fact that their entire advertising strategy is aimed at one person...Females! The only reason i would justify buying a XR4 would be if it was for a girlfriend or wife or if i was in the market for a Fiesta. (But i aint gonna spend that much on Woman!) I might add, this was before i had even test drove a Colt Turbo. The only reason i went with the colt is because i remembered seeing one locally about a year ago, and it literally stopped me in my tracks...cos i had no idea what the fudgicle it was!
Ultimately there really isn't much choice in new Sub 30k hot hatches...
If you go with the colt, you'll be one of only a few, if you go with ford, well you no where that takes you!!!

Good luck

[bomber]

Interesting to get different people's opinions. I'm 6' 1" and I had no problems in fitting in the XR4 and found the driving position to be fine. The no foot rest was annoying and the material on the seats in between the leather is almost coarse - it'd certainly last a long time!
But it was one of the most fun drives I've had in a while. Jumping from a turbo to a NA with the beautiful linear delivery of the XR4 was great and I was moving. The dealer was good enough to let me cut loose and even navigated a back street course that provided an oppurtunity to really test the dynamics of the car.
But it depends on the buyer. I've read reviews of the XR4 that said rear seat room was good, but I don't know what they were thinking because there is ZERO room in the back seat. Great for people with no legs though. So there are compromises, but it is an awesome price.
If you comparing cars on price, the decision is harder if you work on the current dealer offerings at $26k driveaway for the Colt. I think on fitout, perhaps the Colt is better value with the turbo engine, recaro seats, but it'll depend on the driving experience you are looking for.
But there you go. The real winners in the current market are the buyers. You can get a heck of a lot of car for your money nowadays.

[27AME]

Just checked it up. You are right there on the warranty of the turbo charger. Pretty surprised really. Its under the 10 of the 5/10 warranty. So, its 10 yrs or 160 000 km, which ever comes first. My bad there :p

For sonicolt's case, the warranty might be used up in 3 yrs time.

All powertrain parts come under the 10 year warranty :)

[Rdster]

When I sold one of my cars recently,I was asked by the buyer what car I was looking at purchasing next. I told him that I was looking at the Fiesta. He informed me that he was a self employed mechanic/technician, and recommended not to buy a Fiesta or a Focus because according to him, he has seen too many of them with engine problems. I took his advice......