Make:
Mitsubishi
Model:
Starion
Country:
USA
Region:
VA
City:
Newport News
Zip:
23606
Body Style:
Coupe
Year:
1988
Mileage:
166655
Miles
Transmission:
Manual
Fuel:
Gasoline
Doors:
2
Engine:
2.6L Gas I4
Condition:
Used
This 1988 Mitsubishi Starion is an original.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R with 166,550 miles. This car is a 5 speed manual and is equipped with the sports handling package (SHP) which means the car came with the desirable wider rims (8 inches up front, 9 in the rear) versus the standard rims (7 and 8 inch) as well as adjustable dampening struts. This car runs and drives great, looks great, and is rust free on the body and underneath.
The car has been repainted, and it’s not perfect but it’s a very decent job. There are a few imperfections to nit pick (run in the clear coat on the passenger side rear 1/4, slight color variations on the hood and roof, see photos included). It is not a concours quality job, but it presents very well, certainly good for a driver and cruising to cars and coffee. As mentioned above, this car is absolutely rust free, which is a rarity for these cars.
The interior is in great shape, the front seats are very comfortable and have been reupholstered (I am not sure what the material is, but likely a leatherette or synthetic leather). The rear seats have some age and minor wear on the top edges as shown. The dash shows minor sun fading (photos shown). The headliner and carpet are in great shape. Everything works as it should (windows, radio, blower motor, gauges etc). I have not tried to charge the AC, but all components are still in place and hooked up.
Per the previous owner, the engine has been rebuilt. I have no paperwork on this, so take that for what it’s worth. The engine does not have the grease caked everywhere you’d expect to find on a car of this age/mileage.
I have done a lot of work to get it running well. I had the fuel tank professionally cleaned to remove all rust/sediment, and lined with Red Kote to ensure no future issues. All fuel filters were replaced, and the fuel injectors were professionally cleaned and flow tested. It has new tires, new brake master cylinder, the rear calipers were rebuilt by Phoenix calipers, and the pistons were replaced to ensure they would not leak. The only modifications are a MSD ignition coil and a turbo XS blow off valve.
This car starts on the first try, and runs great. No smoke, or bad noises. The turbo spools up as it should, and the car pulls well through the gears. The 5 speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the clutch is strong. The suspension is smooth, nothing feels excessively worn.
Quirks and flaws other than already mentioned are the drivers side mirror glass does not adjust well, the power steering gearbox leaks a little fluid, and the factory exhaust is showing it’s age.
This is a really nice example of a starion / conquest , and would be great to keep stock and enjoy as is, or a good starting point if your looking for one to modify. I have owned several of these cars through the years, and have a bunch of work to get this car running and driving right.
1988 Mitsubishi Starion ESi-R with 166,550 miles. This car is a 5 speed manual and is equipped with the sports handling package (SHP) which means the car came with the desirable wider rims (8 inches up front, 9 in the rear) versus the standard rims (7 and 8 inch) as well as adjustable dampening struts. This car runs and drives great, looks great, and is rust free on the body and underneath.
The car has been repainted, and it’s not perfect but it’s a very decent job. There are a few imperfections to nit pick (run in the clear coat on the passenger side rear 1/4, slight color variations on the hood and roof, see photos included). It is not a concours quality job, but it presents very well, certainly good for a driver and cruising to cars and coffee. As mentioned above, this car is absolutely rust free, which is a rarity for these cars.
The interior is in great shape, the front seats are very comfortable and have been reupholstered (I am not sure what the material is, but likely a leatherette or synthetic leather). The rear seats have some age and minor wear on the top edges as shown. The dash shows minor sun fading (photos shown). The headliner and carpet are in great shape. Everything works as it should (windows, radio, blower motor, gauges etc). I have not tried to charge the AC, but all components are still in place and hooked up.
Per the previous owner, the engine has been rebuilt. I have no paperwork on this, so take that for what it’s worth. The engine does not have the grease caked everywhere you’d expect to find on a car of this age/mileage.
I have done a lot of work to get it running well. I had the fuel tank professionally cleaned to remove all rust/sediment, and lined with Red Kote to ensure no future issues. All fuel filters were replaced, and the fuel injectors were professionally cleaned and flow tested. It has new tires, new brake master cylinder, the rear calipers were rebuilt by Phoenix calipers, and the pistons were replaced to ensure they would not leak. The only modifications are a MSD ignition coil and a turbo XS blow off valve.
This car starts on the first try, and runs great. No smoke, or bad noises. The turbo spools up as it should, and the car pulls well through the gears. The 5 speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the clutch is strong. The suspension is smooth, nothing feels excessively worn.
Quirks and flaws other than already mentioned are the drivers side mirror glass does not adjust well, the power steering gearbox leaks a little fluid, and the factory exhaust is showing it’s age.
This is a really nice example of a starion / conquest , and would be great to keep stock and enjoy as is, or a good starting point if your looking for one to modify. I have owned several of these cars through the years, and have a bunch of work to get this car running and driving right.