5k: Ultra-DSM: 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4
The Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 was a monster of a Japanese sports tourer when first released in 1991 with its 300 horsepower twin turbo V6 mated to all four wheels. It may have been a bit porky on the scales (3800 lbs) and complex, but it is destined to be a future collectible…umm…just not today…today it is really cheap. Find this 1991 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 offered for $7,000 in Fort Calhoun, NE via craigslist. Tip from Andy L.
There is no denying that the 3000GT VR4 had sports car cred when it first hit the market. The 3000GT and its Dodge Stealth twin brother were Mistubishi’s / Diamond Star Motors’ answer to the Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra. Perhaps the complex twin turbocharged dual-overhead cam engine and active aerodynamics have you worried about future maintenance…but the 3000GT was a high volume car and all the common problems are known and easy to fix if you’ve got the time and an internet connection. Sure, the average Joe/Jack/Jane who buys a VR4 and takes it to the dealer for repairs is gonna get hosed, but for the DIY mechanic…this could be a great daily driver.
The heart of the 3000GT VR4 performance is Mitsubishi’s 6G72 3.0 liter V6 engine, boosted to 300 horsepower and 306 ft-lbs of torque via twin Garrett T25 turbochargers. Boost response is quick and available from low rpm thanks to small turbochargers, a fairly big engine and good matching from the OEM. The 5 speed manual gearbox puts power to all 4 wheels and might be a weak point if you plan on boosting up performance.
See another cheap Japanese supercar currently wallowing in cheap depreciated car land? tips@dailyturismo.com
Probably my favorite Japanese GT. More comfortable and less twitchy than an RX7, which is both good and bad. Compare to Porsche 928, RX7; 968. Beats a Subaru SVX on transmission and turbo options. 4 wheel steering is best locked out for track use, but won't bother you on the street. From an Era when Mitsubishi wasn't afraid to innovate. Jeremy Clarkson was quite impressed: youtube.com/watch?v=9XBcp3LexG4
By far the best thing about this car (or period Mitsubishi as a whole) is the Jackie Chan connection: youtube.com/watch?v=i5LUqG9Cts4
Why does everyone forget the twin turbo Z when talking about 90's Japanese GT's?
I've always liked these on paper but the idea of having to work on that transverse DOHC turbo six is just terrifying. It doesn't help that, the same as with all cars, almost none of them have been maintained despite the complexity. No, for my flavor of 90's Japanese complexity hell I'll take the rats nest in the FD RX7.