16 Aug 01
Prices: £3000-£15,000
Engines: 2972 cc, 282 bhp, V6
Check for: Full service and ownership history, specialist maintenance, accident damage, engine management and electronic problems, blown turbos
Also known as the GTO (in Japan) and the Dodge Stealth (in the USA) the 3000 GT is underrated but certainly not underpowered. It has a bit of a posturing, medallion-man image, but lives up to its brash looks with its strong power delivery and a 5.6-second 0-60 acceleration time. It looks best in red or metallic shades - the white ones are just so '80s.
Not the most involving of cars to drive, it nonetheless has fantastic grip and accurate handling, thanks to its full-time four-wheel-drive system, four-wheel steering and electronically controlled dampers. The model to go for is the 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6, which produces 280 bhp; this was the only version officially sold in the UK and its standard spec included a five-speed manual gearbox, ABS, cruise control, electrically-adjusted spoilers, full leather upholstery, green tinted glass, removable glass sunroof, electric windows and air-conditioning.
The 3000 GT was slightly restyled in October 1994, when it gained five-spoke alloy wheels, while in September 1995, a six-speed manual gearbox became standard, along with an electric steel sunroof and green tinted glass. Further enhancements in September 1998 included the addition of satellite navigation, new alloy wheels, a more effective immobiliser and carbonfibre interior trim.
A second model was offered in Japan, a non-turbo, 225 bhp version; this was never as popular, although it did come with the option of an automatic gearbox. It's a good bit slower (0-60 in 6.7 seconds) and hardly more economical, managing little more than 20 mpg, compared with the turbo model's 18 mpg.
This Mitsubishi is becoming more affordable, whether it wears a 3000 GT or GTO badge. Many were imported by reputable agents and specialists, so don't be scared of a Japanese-market GTO if the history checks out fine.
