1 of America’s Cheapest Cars May Not Survive Much Longer
The Mitsubishi Mirage has long been one of America’s cheapest cars. While the Mirage hasn’t made many fans over its 10 years on our shores, that doesn’t mean we don’t want it. We live in strange times, and for many Americans, a new car that doesn’t cost a fortune isn’t just a nice option to save cash; it’s necessary. So, why would the Mitsubishi Mirage disappear?
Is the Mitsubishi Mirage discontinued?
According to HotCars, the Mitsubishi Mirage landing page on Mistubishi’s website greets you with a wad of text explaining that the Mirage is dead in Japan. The translated text reads, “Since Mirage is discontinued, body colors, options, etc., may not be able to meet your request.”
Despite multiple outlets reaching out to Mitsubishi, none have gotten a response to clarify the doom of one of America’s cheapest cars.
How much is the cheapest new car in America?
In a world where cheap cars feel like a thing of the past, the Mitsubishi Mirage has been holding us down with a meek starting price of only $17,290 for the 2023 model. However, if you are trying to stunt on ’em, the fully-loaded 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage tops out at around $19k.
Compared to other new cars in 2023, that is quite the bargain. However, the price pretty accurately reflects the quality and feel of the dinky little Mirage. This isn’t shade. It only reinforces the annoying old adage, “you get what you pay for.”
The Mitsubishi Mirage is one of America’s cheapest cars because it was made to be. Again, not hating; these are just facts. The Mirage is about as basic as it gets while still adhering to modern safety standards. The Mirage is simple. Its simplicity is what keeps the cost low. Despite its low barrier to entry, the Mirage didn’t even sell 20,000 models last year. In fact, it hasn’t sold many more than 20,000 units per year since 2015.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is an adorable car, for now
HotCars points out that although the Mirage has only been in the US since 2014, it was released in Japan two years earlier. This benefits the cheap hatchback by being a known quantity, as it has been around a bit longer than some of its newer rivals. However, other than some facelifts, the Mirage hasn’t changed much since those early days.
Its last update happened in 2019. However, this facelift didn’t make it to American cars until 2021. At least this two-year-late update came along with some tech and safety updates as well. Given its sluggish updating, stark build, and waning popularity, it isn’t all that surprising that America’s cheapest car is likely getting chopped.
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage gas mileage
The one undeniably great thing about the Mirage is how lightly it sips from its fuel tank. The 2023 Mitsubishi Mirage gets a killer 39 mpg. That rivals and even beats many hybrid cars and SUVs that retail for four times the Mirage’s price. The last of its perks is its 100,000-mile factory warranty.
The Mirage might not be a terribly pride-inducing set of wheels, but its value is hard to deny. If it is, in fact, slated to die, we here at MotorBiscuit will be sad to see it go.
