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Mitsubishi Starion: turbo coupe, engines and what to know when buying used
The Mitsubishi Starion is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with a turbocharger, produced from 1982 to 1990. In this article, we look at the model's generations, engines, and what to check if you're hunting for one of these retro rides in Lithuania.
Mitsubishi Starion in brief
The Starion is Mitsubishi's 2+2-seater sports coupe with rear-wheel drive and a turbocharged petrol engine. Its styling is typical of 1980s Japanese sports cars: angular lines, a low stance, and an aggressive posture.
In the US, this car was sold as the Chrysler Conquest and Dodge Conquest. The Starion is quite rare in Lithuania, so it's often sought after as a retro or collector's item.
Generations and which to choose
Early models came with a 2.0-litre turbo engine, followed by a 2.6-litre unit. Later versions got a wider body with flared arches — they look more aggressive and are often favoured by collectors.
Many surviving cars have been modified or tuned, so it's crucial to find out what's been changed and whether it's been done well.
Engines and gearboxes
The Starion is powered by turbocharged petrol engines — 2.0 and 2.6 litres. It's rear-wheel drive.
Gearboxes are manual or automatic. Due to the turbo and powerful engine, maintenance needs to be on point.
What to check when buying a used Starion
The key things to check are the turbocharger and engine: there shouldn't be excessive smoke, oil leaks, or unusual noises. Ask how often the oil was changed and if there was any non-professional power tuning.
Inspect the body for corrosion and signs of previous repairs, check the interior trim and electrical equipment. Rare body and interior parts might need to be sourced from abroad or collector communities.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions most commonly found in Europe.
2,0 Turbo
Early versionsEarlier version with a 2.0-litre turbo engine.
- 2.0-litre turbo engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- Often — a narrower body
2,6 Turbo
Later versionsLarger-displacement turbo engine.
- 2.6-litre turbo engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- Often — a wider body
Platus kėbulas
Later versionsWith flared wings and a more aggressive stance.
- Flared wings
- Often — bigger wheels
- A more aggressive look
Conquest (JAV)
US marketThe US-sold version of the same model
- Sold under the Chrysler and Dodge names
- Technically close to the Starion
- Most commonly imported into Lithuania from the US
Comparing Mitsubishi Starion versions
| 2,0 Turbo | 2,6 Turbo | Platus kėbulas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For collectors | For more dynamic driving | For style enthusiasts |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbo | 2.6-litre turbo | 2.6-litre turbo |
| Body | Standard | Standard | Wider |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Mid-range | High-end | High-end |
For most buyers, the key is to find a well-maintained example that hasn't suffered from amateur tuning. The wide body and 2.6-litre engine are particularly prized by collectors.
Pros
- Distinctive 1980s design
- Rear-wheel drive and turbo engine
- Rare model
- Collector's item
Cons
- Very few available in Lithuania
- Finding parts can be tricky
- Often tuned or modified examples
Frequently asked questions
Does the Starion have rear-wheel drive?
Yes, the Starion is a rear-wheel-drive turbo coupe.
What is the Starion called in the US?
In the US, it was sold as the 'Chrysler Conquest' and 'Dodge Conquest'.
Is the Starion suitable for daily driving?
A well-maintained example can be used daily, but due to its age, turbo engine, and limited parts availability, it's better suited as a collector's item or weekend car.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
