Hey guys, looking to upgrade to a 380 from my TH Exec and I have a couple of questions.

What should I be looking out for and asking about when checking a 380 out? For example the 3rd gens had the heater core problem so when enquiring about that a main question was to find out if it has been done or not.

What are the main advantages of the 380 and what are some changes I'll notice coming from a 3rd gen? Whether they're louder/quieter with wind/road noise, how they drive, responsiveness, cornering, etc.

Were there any major issues the 380 had? Like how the 3rd gens had the heater core seal leak. Any major recalls that I should check were fixed?

Cheers guys.

window winders
thats the major one
gear selector micro switches in series 1 were a little bit temperamental

Car is heavily dependent on ECU's working 100% issues arise with weak battery

380's are well worth looking into, very safe, quiet refined powerful cars... Even though the ES is the quickest out of the lot, (lighter - less kit) the sports variants SX, GT, Vrx have a much better suspension kit, firmer suspension, Brace, but its definately not a harsh ride...
The auto box is awesome, but still needs attentive servicing like the Magna auto. The blind spots are much bigger, but thats due to the stronger passenger cell..
There was a item on the web where a VRX 380 was faster through a slalom than a V8 SS (IIRC), but dont tell your mates, they wont beleive you.....

Theres a $80.00 valve that plays up near the intake manifold, some front bushes that wear quickly, an ECU that spits a CEL with anything more than a rear muffler change, the front drivers seat thigh bolster collapses easily, but considering the amount of changes done on this new platform, its a very good car for the money, and still considered one of the safest around, due to its very strong chassis...

Drive a few, some are loose (i Found) and vary a little in responsiveness.... They are a nice car...

Later models had a revised front bumper, (nicer looking) and theres a few complaints about the front carpet with wear, get some mats...

I recently upgraded from my TJ VR-X to a 380 GT.

The 380 is a significantly smoother car. Handles much better with a lot less body roll, even though it has standard sports suspension and the VR-X had aftermarket springs and shocks. Has a lot of low down torque. Feels a smidgen quicker than the VR-X, but the silky-smooth gearbox and the additional low down torque means it's a much nicer drive. It's even better on fuel on the highway (1800rpm at 100km/h will do that). Feels quieter than the Magna, but good tyres help, and the Magna's exhaust droned a fair bit - so I can't make an accurate comparison.

GT also has a really nice stereo standard, and the seats are amazingly comfortable. Has a lot of features for the dollar paid.

Downsides? Still quite heavy on fuel when you're putting the boot into it. Visibility isn't as good as the 3rd gen, but it's still pretty good by today's standards (e.g. compared to VE Commodores). And while the GT is a nice looking car (especially with the bootlip spoiler), it's not as much of a headturner as my VR-X.

Coming from a base TH (presumably with a 4 speed) you wouldn't know yourself in a 380. Highly recommended upgrade. I'm very happy with my 380 - I reckon I should have bought one sooner.

Awesome. Am considering the 380, it really does stand out from the pack (versus Falcodores)

I can't find a local 380 for me to molest, so can someone tell me whether the highbeam stalk is the same as the Magna (click on, click off) or the normal type (pull to flash, click forward for highbeam)

And how do the headlights compare to the Magna Executive ones, and the parabolics? Which raises another question, are the 380 headlights the style that when high beam is on, the low beams switch to a different filiment (therefore not illuminating the foreground too much)

Also, do the 380's have automatic headlights? If so what models, and is it easy to retrofit on a model without it?

Also Bluetooth, how easy to fit and how much?

I've noticed that some of the 380's have built in stereo (part of the climate control facia) and some have a double din unit. How does this work, which came first?

Is he 380 easier to retrofit stuff into such as Bluetooth, foglights or do looms need to be done etc.

And how do the headlights compare to the Magna Executive ones, and the parabolics?
Magna parabolic lights are terrible. 380 lights are very, very good. Not sure how they compare to Exec lights, but they're still bloody good for stock lights.

Which raises another question, are the 380 headlights the style that when high beam is on, the low beams switch to a different filiment (therefore not illuminating the foreground too much)
Pretty sure it's a H4 bulb, so dual filament.

Also, do the 380's have automatic headlights? If so what models, and is it easy to retrofit on a model without it?
They don't.

Also Bluetooth, how easy to fit and how much?
GT model has bluetooth standard. I think you can fit it to the other models with little modification.

I've noticed that some of the 380's have built in stereo (part of the climate control facia) and some have a double din unit. How does this work, which came first?
Base spec models have a double DIN, upper spec have the integrated stereo.

Awesome. Am considering the 380, it really does stand out from the pack (versus Falcodores)


Also Bluetooth, how easy to fit and how much?

I've noticed that some of the 380's have built in stereo (part of the climate control facia) and some have a double din unit. How does this work, which came first?

Is he 380 easier to retrofit stuff into such as Bluetooth, foglights or do looms need to be done etc.

I have pm'd brochure and bluetooth info to your email addy

I have pm'd brochure and bluetooth info to your email addy

Cheers for that, was a good read.


Magna parabolic lights are terrible. 380 lights are very, very good. Not sure how they compare to Exec lights, but they're still bloody good for stock lights.

Pretty sure it's a H4 bulb, so dual filament.

They don't.

GT model has bluetooth standard. I think you can fit it to the other models with little modification.

Base spec models have a double DIN, upper spec have the integrated stereo.

Yeah, I found the parabolics to be quite poor on light output. I don't suppose you could take a photo of your light beam from your 380 lights, on low and high beam if it's not too much trouble?


And iPod connectivity, I've heard a little bit about it with the 380's, have I heard right or have I mixed up something along the lines.

Another question, which models came with steering wheel audio controls, and can these be fitted?

I'm thinking of trying to find a SX 2006 or later, but I'm also curious as to what I can add on to a bog stock 380 SX.

Another question, which models came with steering wheel audio controls, and can these be fitted?

I'm thinking of trying to find a SX 2006 or later, but I'm also curious as to what I can add on to a bog stock 380 SX.

All 380s came with steering wheel audio controls. From base models right through to the TMR.

All 380s came with steering wheel audio controls. From base models right through to the TMR.

Really? I'm trying to figure out why they aren't in any pictures online. Am I blind?!

can you take a picture, maybe?

asking a bit much aint you

you know how ard it is to get a camera behind the wheel to shoot them ??

asking a bit much aint you

you know how ard it is to get a camera behind the wheel to shoot them ??

I didn't know they were behind the steering wheel man. No one said they were.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7f/Interior_of_a_2007_Mitsubishi_380_(DB_III)_ES_Spor ts_01.jpg

Then I assumed they must have been a premium item or something only found in the GT or something.

Get to a dealership that has one in stock and just sit in it for a while, have a squiz around and maybe have a test drive.

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/media/62332/mit2281_380_seriesiii_bro_v2_new.pdf

The pic can be found in this pdf, there is one on each side..

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z467/Shootmarty/Screenshot_2012-09-16-20-12-13.png

Get to a dealership that has one in stock and just sit in it for a while, have a squiz around and maybe have a test drive.

I would if I could. All 6 or so local dealers don't have one at the moment, neither do the caryards. One of the problems living in the middle of Whoop Whoop.


http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/media/62332/mit2281_380_seriesiii_bro_v2_new.pdf

The pic can be found in this pdf, there is one on each side..

http://i1191.photobucket.com/albums/z467/Shootmarty/Screenshot_2012-09-16-20-12-13.png

Cheers man, read through that PDF but must have missed that one section.

I had my 380 for almost a week before I even realised there were steering wheel controls. I mate of mine looked down in to the car through the front windshield and saw them.

Man I'm pissed. Rang up the local dealership that *had* a 380 Series 2 SX, planning on taking it for a test drive. "Oh, we sold that" Goddamnit.

Dad wants me to look into a Lancer. I would if I wasn't taking engine size/performance into account. Oh, and the fact it costs around $5k to insure in my name. 17k for the car, insurance (5k). (part of being a P plater: everything costs too much)
I'll still take a Lancer for a test drive to keep him happy. I just don't see the Lancer as appealing as the 380 IMO. Sure it's sportier looking, but I don't really want that attention.

MOAR QUESTIONS and that.

1. Is $11,000 - $13,000 a reasonable price for a 380 with <90,000km's on it?

2. I have an iPhone 4S. I will probably connect it to the vehicle via Bluetooth (yes, call making. But I do it soley when parked, as I find it hard to hear people with the phone to my ear), and USB for music playing. How can I go about doing this? I saw somewhere something about not being able to charge via USB, is that right?

You won't be able to play music stored on the iPhone unless you get a new deck that has an ipod/iphone cable, or you get one of the cables from the USA that lets you hook your iphone in to the factory deck

You won't be able to play music stored on the iPhone unless you get a new deck that has an ipod/iphone cable, or you get one of the cables from the USA that lets you hook your iphone in to the factory deck

Ah, don't wanna be pulling my 380 apart haha.

I do usually listen to my own music, how do you guys reccomend I go about it? I don't really want to get a ES just so I can put a head unit in. What alternatives can I try to play music.

I used an FM modulator for a while - the type that plugs directly in to the antenna socket on the back of the stereo then the existing antenna plugs in to it... did a decent job but you'll need to connect the iPhone to it via its headphone jack, or use a cradle that has audio out.

I used an FM modulator for a while - the type that plugs directly in to the antenna socket on the back of the stereo then the existing antenna plugs in to it... did a decent job but you'll need to connect the iPhone to it via its headphone jack, or use a cradle that has audio out.

Ah, okay. And in order to listen to the audio output you'd have the appropriate frequency saved as a station preset?

Ah, okay. And in order to listen to the audio output you'd have the appropriate frequency saved as a station preset?

Exactly.
Just did a quick search on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ISIMPLE-TranzIt-IS77-iPod-iPhone-MP3-FM-Modulator-Kit-/360488375556?pt=US_Car_Audio_Video_Interconnect_Ca bles&hash=item53eec81504

Something like this would be what you're after I reckon. Looks like it will charge the iDevice as well. Not sure what current the 4S needs, but if it's only 1 amp then it shouldn't be a problem.

Oh wow, that looks messy. It's got me stumped, the third gens have a. 3.5mm input and the 389 doesn't?? Or is there one. I will settle for that.

Oh wow, that looks messy. It's got me stumped, the third gens have a. 3.5mm input and the 389 doesn't?? Or is there one. I will settle for that.
Most 3rd gens didn't have an input. Yes, the 380 doesn't have an aux in.

You could buy an upper spec model and put the base model double din fascia in. Or an off-the-shelf FM transmitter. Or the US iPod adapter.

The iPod cable which only plugs into the back of the 6-stacker stereo will play music from your iPhone 4S, but won't charge it. It will charge older iPhones and regular iPods, like my iPod Classic.

If you get the 6-stacker stereo you can play your own music on 6 cd's filled with MP3s.

Either way, pulling out the stereo to install the iPod cable or an antenna input for a FM modulator is not difficult at all.

The other option is to get a car with either stereo and put another deck in there, like I just did over the weekend.

Id recommend the option of another deck as theyre not too pricey, and some are made for iphones etc so u control everything thru the head deck rather than fiddle with the phone/pod while drivig and cop a fine or hit a pedestrian cos the screen was too small to see......that will add a few hundred to your purchase price tho, but i think its worth it. Maybe u can negotiate harder at buy time?