Looking for a good 380 again, are they still?

[rgoldsmith]

Hello all,
Been away from the forum for a couple of years or so
It's about 6 years ago that I wrote my beloved 380 off by confusing the color red with the color green, and went on to experiment with the European Car market to much disappointment. Mainly because I couldn't face building/modding everything again.

I'm casting around for something robust, powerful and easy to work on again and the 380 still really appeals to me. Question is ; is this still a good car , or is it getting too long in the tooth and short on parts?

They seem to be holding out from what I can tell, but with the forum as quite as it is, and the 380 being over 10 years now, just wondering how peoples rides are holding up?

It looks to me that if I can find one in the below 140K KM's range, that's had the standard 380 issues already (Window regs, gaskets, ticking, belts etc.), not that any of these are really major "problems" anyway, then there's still another 100K in it.

Any thoughts? Anyone left to have thoughts?

[an observer]

Rarely see a 380 or Magna in my home town of Brisbane. But currently in South Aussie and seeing 380s and Magnas everywhere. Many of them look to superficially be in ok condition.

Maybe try searching carsguide and gumtree to see what comes up?

[an observer]

Quick carsguide search of 380s less than 150ks. Couple in Victoria.

https://www.carsguide.com.au/buy-a-car/all-new-and-used/all-states/all-locations/all-bodytypes/mitsubishi_380/?kilometers={,150000]&distanceFromMe=Adelaide,SA

And gumtree with results limited to Victoria.

https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-cars-va...c18320l3008844

[rumpfy]

Perth had quite a lot of 380's a couple of years ago when I bought mine. Probably the downturn in mining. There were as many 380s for sale in perth as the rest of Australia combined almost. Mine had 74000 Km when I got it, but the problem was it had too few Km to have had anything done. So I got the lot done; Timing belt; trans flush; brakes flush, steering flush; just to bring it up to scratch.
I got it trucked over in a shipping container for about $650.
Mine is at the tail end of production and is a GTL, which is basically a LX model. At the end of production mitsi was using up assorted parts, (I presume) so the GTL is a LX with some black bits on the dash and white leather seats. Slightly different interior colour compared the the LX and the GT.
I'm sure you will find a good one.

[Luushen]

i have had my eye on a blue manual, with about 150k on the clock, its in Vic and going for $3300 with no rwc or reg , also the clear coats gone, but a cheap sorta low klms manual 380

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6046626/?Cr=2

[slowtl]

i have had my eye on a blue manual, with about 150k on the clock, its in Vic and going for $3300 with no rwc or reg , also the clear coats gone, but a cheap sorta low klms manual 380

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/det...-6046626/?Cr=2

Manuals are great for around the city but woeful on the freeway.....pulling nearly not far under 3000rpm at 110km due to the gearing.

[Rob's 380]

Manuals are great for around the city but woeful on the freeway.....pulling nearly not far under 3000rpm at 110km due to the gearing.

I had a 380 Platinum manual for 5 years, at the same time my mate had an identical car but with the auto.
Overall my car fuel consumption over the 5 years was 10.6 l/100 whereas my friends car only managed 11.4 l/100, both driven not babied making progress whenever the opportunity arose.
I would have another manual in a heartbeat, the car feels so much sharper with the lower gearing.

[Luushen]

but i found a ralliart with 150k on the clock , not manual , but its a better car

[Boba]

Mine has done 135,000.It is a 2006 SX, auto, fitted with LPG, original with no mods. The only problems I've ever had have been the two rear window regulators. It is probably the best car I've ever owned. Virtually no problems whatsover. LPG makes it a most economical car, much cheaper than my 2009 4 cyl Accord and only slightly dearer than a Swift.
I can't speak highly enough about the 380.

[ennex]

I've got a series 1 GT that's hit 320ks. Paint job is shot but it's incredibly fun to drive. Whenever I go home to Wollongong I see them more often than not, but usually base model series 1 but the better models series 2 onwards. Would offer you mine but I fear it's eventually going the way of the blues mobile near the end of the car chase.xD