Hello, Austin, I appreciate the coorespondence…I want to do a basic tune-up on my 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage, and of course, my budget is a little tight. I have enough to buy the parts, but maybe not enough to pay a mechanic, and I do have my own tools. What would you recommend a backyard mechanic like myself, as far as getting started on doing a basic tune up, and what is the difference with a major tune-up?

Best Regards,
Jesse

Hey there Jesse

On this vehicle replacing the spark plugs, spark plug wires air and fuel filters are about all you can really do. None of this is really that hard to do, if you take your time and pay attention to what you are doing. I would remove the spark plugs and plug wires one at a time so you do not get the firing order mixed up. Other than that…….have fun!

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Steve

Hey there Steve

I have seen similar issues where there is an oil leak and no coolant or overheating issues are taking place, although rare. I am not that familiar with this engine off the top of my head, but I would definitely get another opinion from another mechanic before I pull the head on this engine.

If I DID pull the head, I would probably send it out to a machine shop and have them do a valve job on it while it was off the vehicle….just as preventive maintenance.

I would also re-torque all head and valve cover bolts just to make sure nothing has worked its way loose over the years. Oil leaks can run down from the back of the valve cover and APPEAR to be coming from the head. I always start by cleaning the engine area of all oil and watch for the oil to re-appear before I jump to conclusions.

Using thicker weight engine oil, adding a can of stop leak oil additive and making sure the PCV system is working properly can sometimes have dramatic reduction in oil loss.

Blessings,
Austin Davis

Hello Trusty Mechanic

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question I own a 2003 Mitsubishi Triton 3lt Petrol and I am trying to do some DIY servicing until I can recover from Christmas financially, are you able to tell me where the fuel filter is located in this car.

Thanks for your time

Kind Regards

Angela

Howdy Angela,

We don’t have that model in the states….so I really can’t tell you for sure where the filter is located. In my cases the filter is found towards the rear of the vehicle mounted on the body of the car within 4 feet of the fuel tank.

I would get under the vehicle and follow the metal fuel lines coming from the fuel tank forward towards the engine compartment until you find the filter. In some rare cases there is no external fuel filter at all…….the fuel filter is made onto the fuel pump located inside the fuel tank. And a few Honda’s and Toyota’s mount their fuel filter under the hood near the engine.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Hey Austin,

I had to put a new battery in my 2001 Mitsubishi mirage and now the stereo is asking me for a code? I have no idea what that is and the stereo won’t come back on and yes there is power to it…..

Thanks,

Tim

Hey there Tim,

I hate it when that happens. If you don’t remember the code for the radio……..usually is it written down in your owner’s manual, then you will have to go to the dealership and have the radio code reprogrammed. Usually costs about $30 and the dealer is the only one that can do it.

Blessings,

Austin Davis

Summary
2007 Mitsubishi Raider is a compact pickup that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

Price
MSRP: US$19,890-US$28,445
Invoice: US$18,685-US$26,722

What is New in 2007 Mitsubishi Raider?
Changes include more trim levels with extended versions, models, and features.

Introduction
It is an average-sized pickup truck, which offers spacious interiors, perfect handling dynamics, and excellent towing capacity.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mitsubishi Raider is available in seven trims ranging from LS Extended Cab 2WD MT to LS Double Cab 4WD V8. Options include upgraded sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, leather upholstery, power rear windows, leather-wrapped steering wheel, skid plates, and a limited-slip differential.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mitsubishi Raider offers standard 230hp 4.7-liter V8 engine with five-speed automatic transmission and overdrive or 210hp 3.7-liter V6 engine with six-speed manual transmission and overdrive. It delivers 14 to 16-mpg in city and 19 to 22-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors exhibit style with aluminum trims although quality of materials is lacking. Its controls are easy to reach and simple to operate. Rear seats open to reveal storage trays.

Safety Features
Standard safety feature includes rear wheel ABS while four-wheel ABS and full-length side curtain airbags are available in select models only.

Driving Impressions
Stable chassis, subtle suspension, and superb handling dynamics soak bumps on roads and offer comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Pros
Spacious interiors, long warranty coverage, superb handling

Cons
Lot of plastics in interiors, four-wheel ABS not available in all trims

Summary
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander is a sports utility that can seat seven passengers. It has four doors.

Price
MSRP: US$21,370-US$25,010
Invoice: US$20,686-US$23,577

What is New in 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander?
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander is a complete redesign with higher horsepower in engines, better design, and optional third-row seating.

Introduction
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander is a small SUV offering excellent combination of comfort, versatility, and driving pleasure, suiting small families the best.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in five trims ranging from ES 2WD to XLS 4WD. Options are mostly within specific packages. These include rear-seat DVD player, sunroof, leather upholstery, xenon headlights, and power driver seat.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander offers standard 220hp 3.0-liter V6 engine with six-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 19 to 20-mpg in city and 26 to 27-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors are comfortable with simple and easily operational controls. Third-row seats best suit children. Telescoping steering wheel is absent.

Safety Features
Standard safety measures include stability control, antilock disc brakes, tire-pressure monitor, full-length side curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags, and whiplash-reducing front head restraints.

Driving Impressions
Tuned chassis, precise steering, and progressive brakes offer easy and enjoyable ride. Tackling corners is no great feat.

Pros
Powerful engines, good handling, and long warranty

Cons
Necessary options available only in packages, third row seat difficult to fold

Summary
2007 Mitsubishi Galant is a family sedan that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

Price
MSRP: US$19,899-US$26,999
Invoice: US$18,979-US$25,474

What is New in 2007 Mitsubishi Galant?
Additions include better exteriors with revised bumpers and grilles, navigational system, optional sports package, and better safety features.

Introduction
2007 Mitsubishi Galant offers excellent combination of style, design, comfort, and elegance for an enjoyable ride. However, it lacks certain key practical features.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mitsubishi Galant is available in five trims ranging from DE to Ralliart. Options include automatic climate control, navigation system, rear spoiler, sport-tuned suspension, moonroof, satellite radio, leather seating, and special interior trim.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mitsubishi Galant offers standard 258hp 3.8-liter V6 engine with five-speed automatic transmission and overdrive or 160hp 2.4-liter I4 engine with four-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 18 to 23-mpg in city and 27 to 30-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors are stylish with metallic or wood-grained accents, center console, and big controls for climate and stereo systems. Front seating is spacious and comfortable.

Safety Features
Standard safety measures include front-seat side airbags, antilock disc brakes, full-length side-curtain airbags, traction control, and tire-pressure monitor. Stability control is not available.

Driving Impressions
High torque and responsive steering offers smooth and enjoyable ride with easy tackling of curves and turns.

Pros
Powerful engines, superb handling, and driving dynamics

Cons
Manual transmission and stability control absent, insufficient cargo space, no foldable rear seat

Summary
2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a sports utility that can seat five passengers. It has four doors.

Price
MSRP: US$26,999-US$30,749
Invoice: US$25,447-US$28,863

What is New in 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor?
Minor changes to 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor include a new trim level with premium audio system, leather seating, and increased safety measures.

Introduction
2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor is an excellent crossover SUV that offers essential comfort, speed, and style within a well-defined package.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor is available in four trims ranging from LS 2WD to SE AWD. Options include keyless entry, air-conditioning, heated front seats, satellite radio, navigation system, sunroof, and trip computer.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor offers standard 225hp 3.8-liter V6 engine with four-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It delivers 17-mpg in city and 21 to 23-mpg on highway.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors of 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor is spacious with plenty of legroom and headroom. Interior designs offer cool combinations, although quality of materials is not very good. Cargo space is insufficient.

Safety Features
Standard safety measures of 2007 Mitsubishi Endeavor include tire-pressure monitor, traction control, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, and front-seat side airbags.

Driving Impressions
Balanced steering, responsive engines, and excellent handling dynamics offer perfect and enjoyable ride.

Pros
Spacious seating, excellent handling, and long warranty coverage

Cons
No third-row seats, insufficient cargo space

Summary
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a convertible sports car or convertible that can seat four passengers. It has two doors.

Price
MSRP: US$25,389-US$28,269
Invoice: US$24,030-US$26,756

What is New in 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder?
Changes include increased power, improved interiors and exteriors, different style, and better handling.

Introduction
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder proves to be an ideal choice of convertible at affordable rates for its perfect combination of design, seating comfort, and sporty performance.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is available in two trims of GS and GT. Options include heated front seats, power driver seat, wind deflector, sporty suspension, in-dash six-CD changer, cruise control, keyless entry, and air-conditioning.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder offers standard 260hp 3.8-liter V6 engine with standard six-speed manual transmission and overdrive or optional five-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It also offers standard 162hp 2.4-liter I4 engine with standard five-speed manual transmission and overdrive or optional four-speed automatic transmission and overdrive.

Interior Design and Special Features
Quality of interior materials is average. Simple controls offer easy operation. Front seats are comfortable and supportive while rear seats are for children only.

Safety Features
Standard safety measures include four-wheel antilock disc brakes and front-seat side airbags. Rear disc brakes and traction control are available in few models while stability control is not available.

Driving Impressions
Powerful engines, supportive suspension, and solid chassis offers easy and comfortable ride even on long drives.

Pros
Powerful engines, stylish design

Cons
Backseat unusable, no stability control

Summary
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sports coupe or family coupe that can seat four passengers. It has two doors.

Price
MSRP: US$19,999-US$23,399
Invoice: US$18,912-US$22,128

What is New in 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse?
Changes include various packages and options like sunroof, audio system, and leather upholstery.

Introduction
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse is a complete package of comfort, performance, beauty, and utility.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse is available in three trims ranging from GS to GT. Options include automatic climate control, 18-inch wheels, power driver seat, upgraded suspension, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and keyless entry.

Powertrains and Performance
2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse offers standard 263hp 3.8-liter V6 engine with either standard six-speed manual transmission and overdrive or optional five-speed automatic transmission and overdrive. It also offers 162hp 2.4-liter I4 engine with standard five-speed manual transmission and overdrive or optional four-speed automatic transmission and overdrive.

Interior Design and Special Features
Interiors have supportive and comfortable seats with few storage cubicles. Rear seats suit children the most. Small rear windows make it inconvenient for parallel parking and rearward visibility.

Safety Features
Standard safety features include traction control, antilock brakes, full-length head curtain airbags, and front-seat side airbags. Stability control is not available.

Driving Impressions
Excellent suspension and good handling dynamics offer an enjoyable and comfortable ride. However, its huge size poses problems while tackling turns.

Pros
Spacious and stylish interiors and exteriors, powerful engines

Cons
No stability control, heavy body causing problems in corners and turns