Test drove a 2015 Mirage (update: bought it ... 5-speed manual)

[user removed]

Almost forgot. Bought gas at Wawa for $2.059. With the amex 3% discount that means it was less than 2 bucks a gallon.

.0375 cents per mile.

I paid 1 cent a mile in the summer of 1968 in my death trap 59 bugeye sprite, making 65 cents an hour. With inflation today that equals less than half what I paid in 68.

regards
mech

[user removed]

Got the rear toe to 0 total, from the .50 as manufactured, about twice (or more) the max total allowed according the manufacturers specs. Drives and rides like a different car. looks like a 7% mileage bump, the fuel log will tell but it will be getting colder here soon.

regards
mech

[pgfpro]

Originally Posted by Old Mechanic

Got the rear toe to 0 total, from the .50 as manufactured, about twice (or more) the max total allowed according the manufacturers specs. Drives and rides like a different car. looks like a 7% mileage bump, the fuel log will tell but it will be getting colder here soon.

regards
mech

This is something I want to do on my Insight after I get a baseline full tank run.

I think the OEM manufactures run more toe in then needed to help with today's distracted cell phone texting drivers.lol

[user removed]

Best toe for the 1 gen Insight is 0, just like my rear is now. Slightly squirrely, likes to track on grooved pavement, but the mpg will pay you back.

regards
mech

[gone-ot]

For an *interesting* experiment, ask your local tyre shoppe for the front & rear Factory alignment specifications for the Prius and Insights...definitely NOT same as ICE vehicles!

[Miller88]

Is that just a threaded rod with some coat hanger to set the toe?

[MetroMPG]

Looks like a turnbuckle and something a bit heavier than coat hanger...

Nicely done!

Mitsu is in a pickle with this rear axle issue. Engineering/manufacturing blunder that will be an expensive fix on a cheap car. There goes the profit!

Some reports are that Honda had a similar problem with the 2nd gen Fit, and ended up just "expanding" the specs to avoid having to fix the cars.

[user removed]

The stainless rod mics at .325 inch, fairly substantial. The turnbuckle I picked up with several other pieces at a yard sale.

The rod came from a crib that was recalled because the side panels that slid up and down could strangle a baby. I kept the two rods, but only needed one to do this mod.

Mistu has a problem with the rear axle and it's sad they did not come up with a repair or replacement quickly. I got the camber in specs -.7, the rod does the rest. It actually has enough travel left in the turnbuckle to probably pull it in enough to be permanent, but for right now I'll just enjoy it the way it is.

After some research it does not seem like shipping damage, especially after reading about replacements with total toe and total camber problems.

Next question is, is it a defective manufacturing process, or a defective design process. My bet would be manufacturing which probably cost less that $50 to make and take less than $50 in warranty labor to replace.

I got the camber straight, so if Mitsu keeps dragging it's feet on a replacement. I'll just tweak the toe permanently with the setup I have now. That can be done locally WHILE it is on the alignment rack.

The last thing they want is me in court describing the dangerous stability issues when they deny my claim based on my alterations. That will cost them more than the car cost me. Few people have more experience describing things to those with little knowledge of same.

regards
mech

[Hockeynut]

Finally had some time to get away from the hussle bussle and take a trip to the beach.Decided I would baby the car the best I could and do the speed limit ( 55 and 65!! There was a strectch of 70 mph speed limit but I never exceeded 65.)without getting ran over on take offs..

From fillup at home to fillup at destination ( 236 miles ) the lil Mits averaged 51.8 mpg..

Still tight and quiet with a bit over 25k miles...

[user removed]

I checked all 4 tires today and every groove in all 4 tires was between 7 and 8/32nds (inch) with all the 7 readings all over the 7 level. That's with 6326 miles on the odometer. The right rear is still 8/32 (inch), same measurement it was brand new. The tires should be good for 40k miles and I have a replacement set lined up. Ancient Milton tread depth gauge bought at a yard sale, very precise.

Funny thing the Continentals on the front of the wife's Sorento are 7/32nds to, with 44k miles on them, the rears which were on the front for 25k miles are at 5/32nds. Tires wear faster when the tread is deeper. The Contis were probably 11 or 12/32nds when new.

regards
mech