Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4

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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 12:45 PM
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Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4

Not an Acura, but how does the board feel about this one? I've lusted over one since I was a teen, and the prices have really come down

Heavy, but built like a tank, seriously thinking of picking one up

thoughts?
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 12:51 PM
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if you can find one in decent shape for cheap... go for it. Just be ready to put some $$ into it for the up keep.

You can't go wrong with any of the VR4, 300ZX and Supra.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 12:55 PM
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Love them VR4s and always have. It was similar to the Supra interior-wise, very driver orientated.

However, now that it's nearly a 20 year old, heavy, AWD, and turbocharged car - I wouldn't buy one unless it was meticulously maintained with service records with little or no evidence of modification, which I might add, are few and far between.

VR4s shined best from a dig and paired with a tune, I couldn't imagine the clutch & drivetrain components being in good shape if the previous owner drove it hard & maintained it improperly. Turbo cars require more maintenance than others, check for leaks, whether if the car has had a turbo rebuild, etc.

Just my 2 cents, but I would be careful shopping around.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 12:59 PM
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the only time i would buy one is if one was stored in a garage all these years...
would be a wonderful barn find!!
cept it would probably sell for as much as a new car....and you'd probably better off with a new car....

on the other end of the table; you'd get beat up ones for less than $5k.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 01:10 PM
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I'd rather have an Impreza RS 2.5
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 01:21 PM
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2.5 RS are nice but their interiors are horrible, I had one a few years ago.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 01:34 PM
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S2000 is a better buy.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 01:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Jakes_tl
2.5 RS are nice but their interiors are horrible, I had one a few years ago.
Swap it. Subaru is like the Lego of the automobile world.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Jakes_tl
2.5 RS are nice but their interiors are horrible, I had one a few years ago.
I think it's ok for a 90's econobox. The main problem is that the trans is weak.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 03:33 PM
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I used to drool over the VR4s/Stealths. All of what you mentioned is true, so like everyone else said, if you're going to buy one, try to find one that hasn't been beaten to death. I'd never choose it as a daily driver, but for a weekend toy it'd be a fun car to play around with.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 08:15 PM
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Not trying to compare it to an S2000 or another car (I have an e46 M3 convertible), just thinking of satisfying my urge


Why didn't these hold on to their value like Supras or NSX's or the other 90s badass cars? Specs seem impressive enough to keep their value

I remember some years ago the prices used to be real high on these, now it seems they dropped
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by spawn_x
Not trying to compare it to an S2000 or another car (I have an e46 M3 convertible), just thinking of satisfying my urge


Why didn't these hold on to their value like Supras or NSX's or the other 90s badass cars? Specs seem impressive enough to keep their value

I remember some years ago the prices used to be real high on these, now it seems they dropped
Overweight and unreliable.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 08:35 PM
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I don't know how you can compare the 3000GT to the NSX. And as far as the Supra, well, because 2JZ legend status. The Stealth/3000GT are still viewed as gimmicky by purists. That and they're just so damn heavy.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 08:47 PM
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Originally Posted by spawn_x
Not trying to compare it to an S2000 or another car (I have an e46 M3 convertible), just thinking of satisfying my urge


Why didn't these hold on to their value like Supras or NSX's or the other 90s badass cars? Specs seem impressive enough to keep their value

I remember some years ago the prices used to be real high on these, now it seems they dropped
Because Mitsubishi.

Aside from the Mitsubishi Evolution, they have never been known for having high resale value - especially on a 20 year old car.

While the 3000GT VR4 was a great performance benchmark with a sophisticated AWD system with an impressive powerplant at the time, it was not a legend like the Supra or NSX simply because it lacked pedigree.
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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 09:05 PM
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Oh, and it was fat.


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Old Jul 7, 2015 | 11:50 PM
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good friend in high school bought an early / mid 90s back in 2001. It seemed to be unadulterated, and he purchased with 20k miles, the thing fell apart within the first 18 months due to engine problems. My friend took a huge bath on it. i think he bought it for 18k, and it needed 10k in engine work almost immediately. other than the rumble, blow off valve, and tilted spoiler, it had few redeeming qualities for its day.

It looked great, but to be honest, the weight took away from most of the enjoyment. i understood the rationale for his purchase 10+ yrs ago, but in this day and age, there are dozens of newer, lighter, more modern choices to pick from.

for the same price, you would probably have more fun in a newer WRX for half the headache.

unless you are a die hard fan, dont expect to get much value in this compared to other more carefree used enthusiast cars 10 year newer, i.e. 10 yrs old, not 20

Last edited by ThermonMermon; Jul 7, 2015 at 11:54 PM.
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Old Jul 8, 2015 | 03:24 AM
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Originally Posted by spawn_x
Not trying to compare it to an S2000 or another car (I have an e46 M3 convertible), just thinking of satisfying my urge


Why didn't these hold on to their value like Supras or NSX's or the other 90s badass cars? Specs seem impressive enough to keep their value

I remember some years ago the prices used to be real high on these, now it seems they dropped
because Paul Walker was not driving it in the Fast and the Furious.
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Old Jul 8, 2015 | 06:52 AM
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Originally Posted by SuperTrooper169
I used to drool over the VR4s/Stealths. All of what you mentioned is true, so like everyone else said, if you're going to buy one, try to find one that hasn't been beaten to death. I'd never choose it as a daily driver, but for a weekend toy it'd be a fun car to play around with.

ahh, that's a good point.
we dont know the intentions of the OP.

OP, what were you planning on doing? DD'ing or badass track weekend only when the weather is fucking awesome car?
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Old Jul 8, 2015 | 10:44 AM
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Cool read about the car:

Mitsubishi 3000GT Review - Research New & Used Mitsubishi 3000GT Models | Edmunds
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Old Jul 8, 2015 | 04:29 PM
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Always been a fan of the 3KGT here too as well. Used to detail this one for a friend.

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Old Jul 8, 2015 | 04:43 PM
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this thread got me thinking......

started searching for old '90's import sports car and came across a '91 Turbo MR2 for $6k
I'm itching to check it out...

also, ive found a local selling a '96 Miata with 19k miles for $4200...
hmmmmmm.
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Old Jul 8, 2015 | 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
this thread got me thinking......

started searching for old '90's import sports car and came across a '91 Turbo MR2 for $6k
I'm itching to check it out...

also, ive found a local selling a '96 Miata with 19k miles for $4200...
hmmmmmm.
Did you forget a zero, that seems crazy.

As for the Mits, I always thought they were cool but like everyone else said, I wouldn't want one now. That being said, if it was a car you always wanted, go for it. Also, do you have pics of the M?
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Old Jul 9, 2015 | 10:54 AM
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They were cool cars but seriously unreliable. From what i remember, the turbos had a ton of valve issues from the heat.
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Old Jul 9, 2015 | 12:41 PM
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In that era of DaimlerChrys/Mitsu joint ventures. They sure produced some of the most unreliable cars. I know cause I had one.
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Old Jul 9, 2015 | 12:55 PM
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Shieeeet. I can't believe the VR4 weighs 3800 pounds. It's all about dat bass, no treble.

My heart will forever lie with 90s sports cars. God, those were some good years. The cars, for the most part, were simplistic. You were considered a baller if you had a power sunroof AND power locks/windows

All had manual transmissions available. Most were slow but had rev happy engines and were a blast to drive through twisty roads...
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Old Jul 9, 2015 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by justnspace
the only time i would buy one is if one was stored in a garage all these years...
would be a wonderful barn find!!
cept it would probably sell for as much as a new car....and you'd probably better off with a new car....

on the other end of the table; you'd get beat up ones for less than $5k.


Like this one


Cars for Sale: 1992 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 in Boise, ID 83709: Hatchback Details - 397518053 - Autotrader


Honestly OP, get one and enjoy your new weekend warrior. I love the 90s sports cars and since we don't see them very often; it just makes it even more rare to see or drive one on the road.
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Old Jul 9, 2015 | 06:43 PM
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active exhaust system switch, electic control suspension switch, All wheel drive and all wheel steering,
It had all that in 1992?

Custom wheels,
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Old Jul 9, 2015 | 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by TacoBello
Shieeeet. I can't believe the VR4 weighs 3800 pounds. It's all about dat bass, no treble.

My heart will forever lie with 90s sports cars. God, those were some good years. The cars, for the most part, were simplistic. You were considered a baller if you had a power sunroof AND power locks/windows

All had manual transmissions available. Most were slow but had rev happy engines and were a blast to drive through twisty roads...
3800 lbs was heavy..... by 1992 standard. It is just about right in 2015.
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Old Jul 9, 2015 | 07:11 PM
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It actually looked very good at that time...considering its based on a transverse-V6 FF platform. Great Mitsu designed car along with FTO.
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