LIKE most Mitsubishis, the Galant saloon and estate is good to drive and and has one of the best reliability records in the business.
But you might have to travel quite a way to find a good one because they never sold in large numbers.
Engine sizes begin with a 2.0-litre, which has 134bhp, and then comes a more economical 2.4 with 147. Range toppers have a smooth 2.5 V6 with 160 but it is pretty thirsty.
There was another model called the VR4 imported in small numbers, which has about 260bhp and four wheel drive and is also comfortable and refined - unlike most cars with such excellent performance.
All have a light clutch and slick-changing five-speed gearbox but a four-speed automatic was also available.
Comfort is good at speed but the ride is jittery on rough surfaces under 35 miles an hour. Handling and road holding are up to the average.
Interior
These are fairly complex cars and both spares and dealers are expensive but, as long as you make sure of service history, they are hugely reliable.
Equipment levels are excellent and most have aircon, alloys, cruise and six speaker audio. Estates are worth about £300 more than saloons.
FAST FACTS
Mitsubishi Galant
Price: Pay about £2,100 for an '00 X-reg 2.0 Equippe, £2,600 for an '01 Y-reg 2.4 Elegance, or £3,000 for an '01 51-reg 2.5 Sport auto
Mechanical: 134bhp, 1,997cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 131mph
0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
Combined mpg: 34
Insurance group: 12
Marks: 8/10
Main rival: Ford Mondeo