The 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage came from an era when compact imports balanced economy, light weight, and increasingly trim-specific personality. A Mirage from this period can range from a basic commuter setup to a sportier Turbo or LS configuration, so tire selection starts with identifying the exact version and wheel diameter on the car. This model uses radial construction throughout, with 13-inch fitments in 155/80R13 and 175/70R13, and a 14-inch 195/60R14 fitment for LS and Turbo models. Available choices also vary by blackwall and whitewall presentation, along with different tire series and brands. For an accurate result, match the tire to the sub-model, wheel size, and the look you want from the car.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage
Three tire sizes apply to the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage, and they do not all fit the same version of the car. The first step is confirming the exact sub-model and whether the car is on a 13-inch or 14-inch wheel, because Base models use 13-inch radial sizes while LS and Turbo models use a 14-inch radial fitment. Once that is settled, the real choice becomes brand, sidewall appearance, and how closely the tire suits the car's intended use.
155/80R13 is a metric radial size in which 155 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 80 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 13 is the wheel diameter in inches. On the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage, this size is part of the 13-inch fitment used on certain Base configurations. Tire choices in this size include blackwall-free traditional whitewall presentations, with narrow whitewall and wide whitewall options from brands such as Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, and Tornel. It is a useful size to evaluate when preserving a smaller-wheel Base setup and choosing the visual style that best suits the car.
175/70R13 is also a metric radial size, with a wider 175-millimeter section width, a 70-series profile, radial construction, and a 13-inch rim diameter. For the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage, this size belongs to the 13-inch wheel family used on Base models, so it should not be assumed to apply to LS or Turbo versions. The available product in this fitment is a blackwall Avon CR6ZZ, which gives this size a more performance-oriented product character than the whitewall-heavy 155/80R13 selection. It is the size to consider when the car already carries the corresponding 13-inch wheel setup and this specific fitment matches the vehicle.
195/60R14 uses the same modern metric radial naming system: 195 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 60 is the aspect ratio, R indicates radial construction, and 14 is the wheel diameter. On the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage, this size is tied to the 14-inch fitment used by LS and Turbo models rather than the Base model's 13-inch setups. The available product is a blackwall Michelin MXV3-A, making this size more straightforward in terms of appearance choice but still dependent on correct wheel diameter. It is the right fitment path when the car is an LS or Turbo and still uses the proper 14-inch wheel arrangement.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage because tire size changes with both trim level and wheel diameter. Base models stay in the 13-inch range, while LS and Turbo models move to a 14-inch setup, so identifying the exact version of the car is the first step before comparing tires.
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1989 Mitsubishi Mirage Base
The 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage Base uses 13-inch radial fitments and can be found with either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13. That means selection starts with confirming which 13-inch size is actually on the car, then choosing between the available sidewall styles and product character within that fitment.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage LS uses the 195/60R14 radial fitment on a 14-inch wheel. Tire selection is therefore more about confirming the wheel setup and choosing the right product within that size than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
The 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage Turbo also uses the 195/60R14 radial size on a 14-inch rim. For this sub-model, the main task is making sure the car still has the proper wheel diameter and overall setup before selecting a replacement in that fitment.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage Tires for Sale
Available 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage tires span Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Avon, and Michelin, with choices shaped by size, wheel diameter, and appearance. Depending on fitment, the product grid includes blackwall, narrow whitewall, and wide whitewall radial options across several distinct tire series.
Owners of a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage usually need to sort out exact tire size, wheel diameter, and sub-model fitment first. The questions below focus on those fitment differences, available tire styles, and the basic checks that matter before putting a Mirage back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage?
A 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage can use 155/80R13, 175/70R13, or 195/60R14, depending on the sub-model and wheel setup. Base models use the 13-inch fitments, while LS and Turbo models use 195/60R14 on a 14-inch wheel. All of these are radial tire sizes.
The most important step is identifying the exact Mirage version and confirming the wheel diameter currently on the car. A Base model may have either of two 13-inch sizes, so the tire size already mounted, the wheel itself, and the vehicle's present configuration should all be checked before choosing a replacement.
What size rim does a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage use?
The 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage uses either a 13-inch or 14-inch rim, depending on sub-model and tire size. The 155/80R13 and 175/70R13 fitments use a 13-inch rim, while the 195/60R14 fitment uses a 14-inch rim for LS and Turbo models.
That difference matters because tire size selection starts with the wheel diameter, not just the model name. If the car has had wheels changed over the years, measure or verify the actual wheel before ordering tires. A Mirage with aftermarket wheels or swapped trim components may not still match its original sub-model-based tire setup.
Why does the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage have more than one tire size?
The 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage has more than one tire size because fitment changes by sub-model and wheel package. Base versions stay with 13-inch radial sizes, using either 155/80R13 or 175/70R13, while LS and Turbo models move to a 14-inch wheel with 195/60R14.
That means the correct tire is tied to the specific car's trim and wheel arrangement rather than the Mirage name alone. The practical approach is to verify whether the car is a Base, LS, or Turbo model, then confirm the actual wheel diameter and the size currently fitted before comparing tire options.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage tire?
Start with the correct size for the exact 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage sub-model and wheel diameter. After that, compare the available tire's construction, sidewall style, brand, and tire series. Because this Mirage uses radial fitments only, the main variation is not construction type but the combination of size, wheel, and product character.
A Base model buyer may be choosing between two different 13-inch sizes as well as whitewall or blackwall presentation, while LS and Turbo owners need to stay focused on the 14-inch 195/60R14 fitment. It also helps to review rim-width compatibility where it is stated and make sure the tire suits how the car is actually used.
What sidewall styles are available for 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage tires?
Sidewall style depends on the Mirage tire size. In 155/80R13, available choices include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall designs. The 175/70R13 and 195/60R14 options shown for this vehicle are blackwall tires, so appearance choice becomes more limited once the fitment moves away from the smaller whitewall-capable size.
That makes sidewall style part of the buying decision mainly for certain Base-model 13-inch setups. A whitewall can give the car a more traditional presentation, while blackwall keeps a cleaner late-1980s look. The key is matching the sidewall treatment to the tire size the car actually uses, rather than choosing appearance first.
What brands offer tires for the 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage?
The 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage has tire options from Travelstar, BFGoodrich, Maxxis, Tornel, Avon, and Michelin across its applicable sizes. Brand choice is tied closely to tire size, since the 155/80R13 fitment has several whitewall-oriented options, while the 175/70R13 and 195/60R14 fitments are represented by Avon and Michelin blackwall products.
That means the brand decision usually comes after the size and wheel decision, not before it. Once the correct fitment is confirmed, compare brands in terms of sidewall appearance, tire series, rim-width guidance where available, and how closely the overall presentation matches the character you want for the Mirage.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage?
A period-style 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage tire choice starts with using the correct sub-model fitment and wheel diameter. Base models open the door to 13-inch options that include whitewall treatments, while LS and Turbo models use 195/60R14 blackwall radials. The most appropriate look depends on whether the car is being kept closer to a simple commuter presentation or a sportier trim identity.
Appearance should follow fitment, not replace it. A whitewall may suit some Base-model builds, while blackwall can look more natural on LS and Turbo cars. When exact originality matters, compare the tire choice against period photos, factory literature, or marque-specific references before settling on a sidewall style or tire series.
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage restoration?
Correct tire fitment matters on a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage restoration because this model uses different sizes across its sub-models and wheel diameters. A restoration-minded Mirage should first be matched to the proper 13-inch or 14-inch setup, then to the tire size that belongs with that configuration, rather than treating all 1989 Mirage versions the same.
Getting that foundation right affects both stance and visual balance, even before brand or sidewall style enters the picture. It also prevents a common mistake in compact-car restorations, where a later wheel swap or trim change blurs the original setup. Confirm the actual wheels on the car before using appearance cues to guide the final tire choice.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage?
Modifications can absolutely affect tire fitment on a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage. Wheel changes, altered offset, suspension lowering, spring replacement, and body or fender work can all change the amount of space available for a tire, even when the car still carries one of the original Mirage tire sizes.
That is especially important on a car with both 13-inch and 14-inch factory fitment paths. A modified Base model may no longer suit the same tire choice it did in stock form, and an LS or Turbo with changed wheels needs fresh measurement. Check wheel diameter, width, steering clearance, and fender clearance before mounting replacement tires.
What should I inspect before driving a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage on new tires?
Before driving a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage on new tires, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, verify that the tire size matches the sub-model, and look over the valve stems and mounting surfaces. It also makes sense to confirm that the suspension and alignment are in serviceable condition so the new tires are not immediately compromised.
After installation, watch for rubbing at full steering lock, uneven stance, vibration, or signs of air loss. Older compact cars often have replacement wheels or long-deferred chassis work, so a quick road test and visual recheck are worthwhile. Tire pressure, lug security, and basic clearance should all be reviewed before any longer drive.
How often should tires on a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage be inspected?
Tires on a 1989 Mitsubishi Mirage should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Check them before routine use and again before any longer trip, paying attention to tread wear, cracking, cuts, bulges, and any sign that a tire is losing air.
Low-use collector and survivor cars can develop tire issues even when tread still looks acceptable. A Mirage that sits for extended periods also deserves pressure checks and a close look at sidewalls and contact patches. Storage away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tires between drives and reduces surprise problems later.
