SECOND-HAND SENSE: There was a time when the Mitsubishi Spacewagon was almost the car of choice for family motoring in this country. Although Renault had pioneered the seven-seater concept, Mitsubishi was the first manufacturer to offer a less expensive one.
But that was years ago, before the market flood of MPVs and, latterly, mini-MPVs. Last week Mitsubishi launched the Spacewagon's replacement, as Daimler Chrysler announced it had had enough of sinking millions into the ailing Japanese manufacturer. The Spacewagon had become one of the examples of how the company was going wrong.
At one stage the car was being sold here only with a 2.4 litre engine, an engine size that wastes fuel, adds very significantly to the car's cost and attracts punitive road tax.
Nevertheless the original car was a good one. Not only did it have versatile seating for family needs, it ran well and was economical and reliable. It's generally agreed that the Spacewagon served many families well, but against today's MPVs the Spacewagon is very dated.
The car was innovative when launched in the early 1990s. Such seating flexibility was a new idea. It was easy to drive, but handling and ride were not its best qualities. However, for average driving the car was fine.
A problem with the distributor was one of the most common faults but the list is short. Mitsubishi admitted two years ago that it had "buried" 64,000 complaints from customers - by buying them off - rather than become involved in embarrassing recalls.
The Spacewagon is now quite a dull car beside newer MPVs such as the Corolla Verso and the new Renault Scenic. The last models were like small breadvans. It's just not a great second-hand buy.
One garage is asking for 14,995 for a 2000 model with 48,000 on the clock. Another wants 26,950 for a 2002 model with 13,000 on the clock. However, when you consider the price of an 04 Corolla Verso or Scenic with much better equipment levels, you realise that these prices are there for the beating.
The latest Spacewagon did not perform well in EuroNCAP tests last year. It did poorly in the frontal test, with the cabin becoming structurally unstable and the driver's door losing its strength. This could lead to thigh and pelvis injuries. However, it did perform very well in side impact tests with good protection for occupants.
The Spacewagon has had its day. There are too many other good cars out there now for the older model to justify the kind of prices being asked.
However, if you do get one at a bargain price, it should give a good account of itself.
- DONAL BYRNE