00:00 - Show Open - Mitsubishi Galant VR4 - Part 2

Today we’re going to talk about what to look for when buying a Galant VR4 and what kinds of issues these cars have. Since there weren’t that many imported to the US, we will also talk about some alternate used AWD sports sedans and hatchbacks with similar performance and pricing that you might want to check out if you aren’t able to find a Galant VR4 that’s right for you. 

01:20 - Finding A Galant VR4 Today

Based on the number of Galant VR4s imported to the use (3,009) and its age, these cars will not be easy to find - especially in good to excellent condition.

One option is to consider buying a Japanese Domestic Manufacturer or JDM version of the Galant VR4. Under the 25-year rule, you can import one from Japan or Australia or New Zealand to the US (or buy one from a dealer that imports such cars. But keep in mind that it is a right-hand drive car and the exotic feel of sitting on the wrong side of the car might here in the US may last only a few weeks. After that you might be thinking you made a mistake, so before you buy, ask your doctor if right-hand drive is right for you.

For my money, if I was going to buy and drive a right-hand drive car here, I would make it something I could not get a version of the US (e.g. a an R32 - or soon - an R34 Skyline GTR, or maybe a gull-wing Autozam AZ1). I would put up with right-hand drive for one of those cars.

05:30 - Problems You Might Encounter With a Galant VR4

In my 16-year ownership experience, I found the Galant VR4 to be a very bullet-proof car, but these are all 30+ year old vehicles now, so some typical issues come with any car of this vintage. 

• Anything that rotates or involves friction eventually wears out - this is the story of all used cars, so not a surprise.
• Idle fluctuation - some Galant VR4s will experience idle "hunting" as they age - mine did. Throttle body cleaning seemed to help.
• FYI - the counter shaft belt broke on my car one time. I'm not sure if this is a model issue, or just something that happened only to my GVR4, but it can cause major engine damage if it knocks the timing off a tooth or worse, it brakes the timing belt. That did not happen in my case, but as a precaution I had the timing belt replaced when the counter shaft belt was replaced. Again, FYI.
• Be careful when selecting aftermarket suspension parts - I bought some springs and shocks that were punishing, so choose wisely my young Padawan.
• Transmission - I never had an issue with mine, but I always treated it with respect (avoid drag race no-lift shifts). If abused syncros can become graunchy. (is that a word?... is now, I guess)
• Diodes in the ECU can leak and cause running/drivability issues. This is a real thing - I had this experience twice during my 126,000-mile ownership experience. Luckily the fix was relatively simple and the guy who did the fix was cheap. Your mileage may vary
• Rust is not your friend - This applies to any older car, and the GVR4 is no exception. Just avoid the pain of rusted examples.
• The Galant VR4's 4G63T engine is robust, but... it is not forgiving if you don’t do maintenance items like the timing belt/water pump service on time and within the mileage limit.  
• Don’t wreck your Galant VR4!  Some body parts can still be sourced for the E39A Galant VR4 through wrecking yards, GalantVR4.org, and possibly Ebay, Craigslist, FB Marketplace, etc., but it is not easy.  

17:45 - Cars Similar To The Galant VR4 That You Might Consider

• Celica Alltrac Turbo - Two versions were sold in the US. The first version was the 1988-89 ST165 with a turbocharged, liquid intercooled 2.0-liter engine making 190-hp and 190-lb.ft. of torque (I owned one of these and loved it, but it wasn't as quick as my Galant VR4). The second, and in my opinion, better-looking version was the ST185 sold in the US from 1990-93. This one had a revised 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, now with an air-to-air intercooler. It made 200-hp and 200-lb.ft. of torque and had a unique function air scoop to route air to the intercooler. Very cool.
• Mazda 323 GTX - I am a big fan of these little all-wheel drive turbo hatchbacks, but they are rare. Only 1243 were sold in the US. Many were actually used as rally race cars and others were just driven that way. Combine that with some GTX-specific issues and it would be difficult to find one in nice condition. Still worth buying in my opinion if you find a good one for a reasonable price... hopefully with spares!
• Early Subaru WRX - The WRX arrived in the US in 2002 and wore the bug-eye front end for the first two years of production. Sold in much higher numbers than the Galant VR4 and also 10+ years newer, so probably a more logical choice for enthusiasts wanting an all-wheel drive rally-type car for the street. Not a limited edition rally special though, but who cares. They're great cars.
• 2003 Lancer Evolution - This was the first year of the Lancer Evolution (or Evo) in the US market. This one still has a version of the the 4G63T engine found in the Galant VR4, but with more modifications to bump power up from the GVR4's 195 up to 271-horsepower. Outside of that power bump, the only thing higher than the Evo's trunk-mounted rear wing is it's price... Expect to pay a substantial premium for an early Evo compared to a Galant VR4
• 2009-2015 Lancer Ralliart Sedan and Sportback  - This is considered Evo-Lite (sort of what the WRX is to the WRX STi.   Sort of a detuned Lancer Evolution, or 'Evo Lite'.  The Evo X's 4B11 2.0-liter turbo motor with MIVEC (Mitsubishi’s acronymn for variable valve timing) made 291-hp and 300-lb.ft of torque in stock form where the Lancer Ralliart version of this motor made 237-hp and 253-lb.ft of torque.  

30:10 - Mitsubishi Galant VR4 - Part 2 Wrap Up

So there you have it… The Mitsubishi Galant VR4 – an All-wheel drive, turbocharged limited-edition rally-homologation special.  That’s a mouthful, but the GVR4 is an amazing sports sedan from an era of cool cars.  It performs well in stock form.  With 4-doors, it’s something you could live with as a daily driver.  Plus it has massive upgrade potential if you want to take it to the next level and beyond.  It’s a car that deserves respect. 

Sure, they’re not easy to find, so if you do come across a stock, low-mileage Galant VR4 in great condition, I suggest you make a deal you can live with and buy it.  You won’t regret it and those of us who know its rally heritage will give you the respect you deserve for owning and driving a quietly cool, street-legal rally car from the 90s.