2008 Mitsubishi 380 GT Series III review
December 26, 2007 by Karl Peskett
2008 Mitsubishi 380 GT Series III review
CarAdvice rating: 
Recommended Retail Price: $44,900.
Options Fitted: None fitted.
- by Karl Peskett
Close your eyes, and imagine you walk into a gigantic mansion with a view to buying. The staircase is perfectly formed. The tiles are expensive porcelain. The carpets are all plush, and the kitchen bench tops are carved from a single slab of marble. Sounds wonderful.
But as you look around, several details are awry. The paint is flaking. The chrome fittings are plastic, and have all come from Bunnings. The paintings on the walls look like kindergarten fingerwork, and the sculptures seem to be balls of plasticene thrown together.
Getting a mental picture? The foundation of the house is very good, but the final product is unresolved, like there wasn’t any money left to completely finish it off.
That’s what the 380 GT is like. Don’t get me wrong, what Mitsubishi has done with the little budget it had is impressive. To Australianise an essentially American car (the Galant) is no mean feat. But it would have helped to just finish it off a little more. Mitsubishi’s claim that the 380 range is “Australia’s Best Value Family Car” is reasonably accurate. But scrutinise individual models, particularly the more expensive ones, and it all gets a little muddy.
Tags: Mitsubishi 380, Mitsubishi 380 GT Series III
Very accurate review – I couldn’t have said it better myself.
I like the 380 – a lot. It’s more fun to drive than a Holden or Falcon and more efficient too. But it lacks visible character and a few little things – and we all know, when it comes down to the wire, its the little things that count!
Mitsubishi are almost there – keep pushing I say. The Lancer is a dead set winner!
Look I love the 380 but this is a perfectly true review of the GT. At SX and even VR-X level I don’t think you can do better but when you pay this much and get the same materials as the cheaper models just in different colours it all get s a bit murky. I love our 380 SX Platinum to death but if I was spending 45k+ I wouldn’t be looking at Australian cars at all. Holdens and Fords have the high end features and styling but they are built like crap and nothing works. And you also look like a tool driving a Calais or an HSV.
How would this compare to the 380 Platinum Series III which you can get for only $28990 driveaway?
That includes a sunroof, 17″ alloys, bluetooth phone, and a stack of other stuff.
There’s no way I’d spend 45k on this utterly stale SOHC V6 when I could buy the V8 Calais. Looking like a tool or not, the Calais is superior in every department, including chassis and most definitely interior appointments.
This is not a radical enough enhancement of the base 380 to command the price. Sure the 380 has been a good car but it’s time for Mitsu to lift their game or do away with this car.
Mitchell, the Platinum 380 is one of the best value brand new large car buys around. The same cannot be said of the 380 GT…
“To Australianise an essentially American car (the Galant)?”
It’s sold here in the ’states… barely. Nobody buys them… My local Mitsubishi dealer has none in stock. I’ve never even seen one here. I sure hope they didn’t design this car for us because we don’t like it. It’s a complete failure as a product, and by any measure it’s not much of a car. The Galant name doesn’t even have any market value here anymore… other than a handful of VR-4 AWD models a long time ago it never did. Like most of their lineup, it needs replacement if Mitsubishi is ever going to prosper again.
-Jeff
http://www.EvoXenthusiast.com
For interstate work, we ordered a large hire car through one of the normal hire agencies – imagine our disbelief at being given a 380 as a ‘large’ car.
It didn’t get any better, not only could we not fit the luggage of 3 people in the boot – this car has the turning cirle of the Titanic. I am not joking, I had to perform about ten 3-point-turns getting out of a Darling Harbour car park. Not only that, try doing a regular U-turn in traffic – you’ll need to reverse and correct the turn; holding up traffic as you do so.
Learn from history what happened to the Captain of the Titanic – do not buy this boat! (or any other magna variant).
I can’t believe Mitsubishi Australia tried to pass this car off as some sort of Australian design – it’s an old American base, and it’s rubbish.
Can i tell you guys something, value for money this car cant be beaten, i think the car drives nice, is well appointed and not a bad looker.
you guys will continue to bag this car yet continue to praise some of the crap other australian car manufacturers dish up. i would buy this car over an aurion any day!
The funny thing is is that the 380 has a smaller turning circle than the Commodore and the Aurion!!!!!!!!!!! Check your facts.
Also the 380 is 70% different from the Galant.
Hey Nick, I also have driven numerous commodores, 380s and falcons, I am yet to drive the Aurion. The claimed turning circle figure is outrageous.
There is no way this car has a better turning circle than the commodore, at full lock the thing simply goes nowhere, the boot can not fit 3 suitcases and the rear seating position feels like you are on the floor. The fuel consumption is also on par with a commodore. At 28990 for the platinum the value is fantastic, and if your simply doing long ks I would highly reccomend this car but if you need to drive around the city get a mid sized car like the mondeo or the corolla. I hope I never have to drive one again!
This review is unfortunately mostly accurate but I must add that Mitsubishi’s Aussie engineer’s have done a brilliant job considering the very tight budget given and the truth of the matter is the 380 is a great car with the potential to be a brilliant car.
Its too bad MMAL was forced from Japan HQ to adapt the US Galant on such a tight budget, keep in mind the 380 has won a number of prestigeous awards too.
My brother in law very recently purchased a new Calais and he may have considered a 380 if all these little issue’s were addressed including the now “dufunct” Supercharched Ralliart version of this car.
Ive owned Mitsubishi’s since the 1980’s and they have all been, in my experience very reliable cars and Ive steadily watched them improve with every generation.
Personally if the 380 was more like the previous Magna/Verada, especially the quality of interior fitout, it would be back on my list for sure!.
Lets hope the deserving 380 gets a “major” facelift in 2008.
the cheap 80s clock did it for me
New name folks. prev Guy UK Boy.
I remember this being released in Oz when I was I there. apparently it was to make or break Mistsu AU. Looks like break if Karl has his way.
That’s really just this version though. The GT looks like rubbish value for money, but the Series III Platinum version I mentioned earlier is exactly the opposite. It is astounding value for $28,990 DRIVEAWAY.
Still cant compete against Commy!
Commodore VE Omega turning circle: 11.4m (www.holden.com.au)
380 turning circle: 11.2m (www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au)
Toyota Aurion turning circle: 11m (www.toyota.com.au)
Ford Falcon sedan turning circle: 11m (www.ford.com.au)
Having driven all these cars I can vouch for these figures. The Commodore is a behemoth to drive. I felt so disconnected from the rest of the car and road.
The 380 Series III sales have really picked up. It is a lovely car. It has got conservative timeless lines that may not turn heads but it won’t date. And if you think it is ugly and that is the reason it hasn’t sold well can I ask have you seen the last generation Camry? Ugliest car ever! Still plenty around.
I also think the back seat is amazing comfortable! And while the boot may not be huge there is plenty of room for passengers and I love driving the 380 around town. It is a pleasure.
Duck,
as for value for money as mitchell says the commy doesnt even come close.
Nick,
yep the last camry was ugly and it sold…
as for .2m turning circle is it that noticable? ive never done a direct test like that before. in that case wouldnt it make the 380 a bohemoth to drive compared to the falcon and aurion?
Nick,
Are you new to this site?
And what 380 model do you own?
Nick,
What model of Mitsu 380 do you own?
2006 SX Platinum.
The problem with the VE is that you feel very far away from the car while driving it. That is what I meant by behemoth. It felt not disimilar (in that sense) to the last few Magna generations. I didn’t feel connected to the car or its dimensions.
I am also by no means new to this site. As if it makes my points/opinions any more or less valid than anyone elses.
Hey nick its the oldies on the website dictating. I 4 one appreciate your comments like others whether they are oldies or newbies
well all i can say is, that i cant wait for the replacement model so you guys can get of this cars back and appreciate and respect the new models.
The 380’s engine just doesn’t have the sophistication of the Aurion’s Dual VVTi, which yields better performance at .3 litre less. The Mitsu also loses out by one gear in the 5-speed auto (Toyota has 6), but at least it’s better than yesteryear 4-speeders from Ford and Holden.
The 380 is a great car, but could simply be greater.
hey fred
Ford gonna have the 6 speed auto as standard on new orion falcon. Now thats one box every car needs.
get over holden buy a 407 a laguna or a C5 even a accoed a euro or a mazda6 outperforms these things
Fred, to elaborate, regular Falcons had 4-speed autos, which are still decent. FPVs come with the silky-smooth ZF 6-speed (which is also used on a $600,000 Bentley among other high-end cars) and that box could be optioned on the XR’s (maybe on other models, I don’t know).
Borg-Warner have been sticking more cogs in their box lately, Orion base models will have 5 but more likely 6 gears. If you want a real box tho, ZF.
Also, ZF have produced a 7 and 8 speed auto which will likely end up in the FPV’s and XR’s.
Watto,
yes you can get the 6 speeder on all falcons (except for a few of the utes)
7 and 8 speeders hey?
that sounds alright but id hate to ever pay the bill to service one
Would servicing cost for 7 or 8 be much more than a ZF6 Andrew.M? I wouldn’t know. AFAIK it’s extra gears in the same casing.
My brother-in-law has the ZF6 in his XR6. I’ve never experienced a better auto, it CAN NOT be called a “slushbox”.
I think the 380 GTs are great,ive been looking at other cars and this car has everything,series 2 GT can be picked up at a good price also
As soon as they released that ugly 380 I knew that would be the finish of Misubishi in Australia. A child could’ve designed a better looking car.
You do realize that you prob got that shitty clock cuz you got the version with the satnav which makes the interior look like crap and that yes the sx does come with the nice colour screen instead of the clock but so does the GT if you dont get that shitty looking satnav and it does have EBD you idiot
do your research better next time fool
Some like the 380 GT series 111 is a good vehicle. Where can one buy one that does not have a price tag of $44,000. It is a bit risky to pay that much considering the closure of Mitsubishi.
Cheers Rasputin
Does anyone know what was changed on the 380 between Series 1,2 and 3? Anything worthwhile or just cosmetics?
Mainly cosmetics, grill etc.
Depends what car of the 380 you want to buy.
I also know that the 3 series range you get the extra added equipment over the 1 and 2 series such as new alloy designs, new paints to choose from and different interior trim.
It’s such a pity the 380 failed to sell. I have a Series 3 ES Sports – it’s a superbly engineered & refined car (and streets ahead of Aurion,VE Holden & Falcon all of which I have driven). I admit that the appearance inside and out could have been more exciting.
The Series 3 Platinum remains great value if you can get one in the next week or two.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^How is it streets ahead of Commodore, Falcon and Aurion?
Guys, agreed that the GT isn’t worth the 45k, however I have just purchased a DB Series II GT (Apr 07) for $26,000 drive away from a dealer – and I am extremely happy. The way I see it is that the GT has done most of it’s depreciating and now is a great car – with only 28,000 k’s on it to drive around. It is an absolute joy to drive around and has plenty of grunt when required. This coming from a Subaru WRX convert – my previous car a MY04 and prior to this a MY97. Good all round car with supreme comfort.
Caine, maximum rate of depreciation occurs during the first three years. Unfortunately mitsubishi’s rate poorly when it comes to this. By 2009 you will be struggling to get half of what you paid for it.
One thing is for sure, Mitsubishi management saw the future much clearer than Holden or Ford.
They quit a hopeless aussie market while they could still sell bits of it.
Look what’s happening in the US.
The yankee car makers GM and Ford are bleeding money.
Dare I say that noone wants their UGLY cars with awful boots, turning circles and fuel consumption…
hey guys…just want to let you know that holden and ford cars is bloody thirsty..i like ford compared to holden cars..but my favorite is 380sx 2007 model…the ride quality is great almost perpect even theres no ESC but the 380 platform is the best compare to holden and ford xt..for me ford and holden are wasting gasoline..
380 sx is great car quality built is fantastic….
Well i purchased a 2007 MITSUBISHI 380 DB Series III SX with 21,00k’s on the clock for $15,500 in Bris as a second car to my 07 VE OMEGA.
The 380 is a winner all round, I love to drive it & it certainly does everything it is supposed to,,and it does them all very well. It has plenty of power, speed, handling & comfort with economy to boot.
OK it aint the prettiest car on the outside (but it’s not ugly either)and the inside maybe a little under done & bland but everything works & it is very comfortable to drive or to be a passenger.
I do not think the Omega is as well appointed on the inside as the 380,it is plain and the Holden exterior is a drab fat bottomed girl. I thought that the Omega shape would grow on me but it hasn’t & I honestly prefer the 380.
The Ford Falcon is the sweetest on the inside but it suffers from aging exterior design also because it has basically been the same car since 99 with different headlights & rear end..
A 2007 series 111 380 for $15,500,, how can it not be a good car? I can’t get the smile off my dial.
I should add that the the $15,500 price tag did not include on road costs (rego) & dealer charges. But even with these costs it is Still the best auto deal I have ever made.
The 380 does not deserve the put downs and negative comments that some of you have given in your replies, it is a very decent car.If you actually owned one you would know what I mean.
Also recently purchased a Series III VRX in red, 28k, 14 months old! for 19k driveaway! with the factory 5 YEAR WARRANTY. Car is fantastic to look at and drive. Obviously, depresionaion has hit these hard, all the better for the used car buyer. If your in the market – give it a drive – will not dissapoint. Try and find better value?
(Sorry if this sounds like an ad – I’m just proud owner!)
Hi APP,
I’m curiours as to how you came to the decision to purchase the VRX out of all the Series III models on offer? I’m looking to buy either a SIII VRX or GT but not sure which one would be the better pick. I would like to have a car that has bluetooth as I’m in sales and on the road, but I guess I can always get that installed myself? Also not sure about leather seats, I have a dog and children will be on the way within the next year or two. I totally agree with you. The 380 is an excellent option for the used car buyer. So many features, great warranty, they handle superbly and I think that they look great.
Hi guys i cant believe i drove test my 380 series 3 sx model for 22 hours going to gold cost from melbourne.you know what nothings change the engine still smooth,punchy and very quite engine..380 platform are great inside interior is roomy..the body feeling strength…this is a great car 100 percent you will satisfied with the 380…
Have just purchased 380 mits sx series 3 39500k $17250 drive away Great car but if you want to convert to gas you have to put gas tank in spare tyre well. A cylinder won’t fit
because of struts under the parcel shelf. Real bummer if you still want to carry spare wheel it will have to roll around in the boot
Hi all
I’m seriously considering buying a 2008 380 GT Series 111 for $23,990. I’ve always been a fan of the 380’s but now that I can buy one I need to look ourtside my region and get it shipped in. For that price I’ll get new car warranty, 22,000ks and six months rego and CTP. Typical female I’m going on looks (yeah, I don’t understand the ugly tag) and the fact that my current car (1994 Magna SE, purchased 1996 $20K) has been a really reliable car (apart from the shitty deteriorating metallic paintwork, but has excellent mechanical fortitude) was such a step up from the previous car. and so will this one! Yes, I tend to hang onto cars for a while and have never bought new.
What say you all in your wisdom?
:)
Thinking the same myself,this is the best time to purchase one of these great cars,very cheap for the quality
I think these are one of the most underated cars around,there is a lot of nockers but only until they drive one
Love that car
OMG…..The rego number….I bought this exact car used in this review , second hand 5 months later for $22k
It even has the sat nav option and tow bar…
The reviewer was very unkind, these have proven to be an outstanding vehicle.
Good for us that buy them cheap though.
Hahaha…the photo is taken on the side road opposite 21 bellerive blvd 6065 WA.
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=.....=12,0,,0,5
The GPS screen says it…