Although the Diamante Wagon has a lot going for it, it is expensive. The base price of more than $28,000 seems high (al-though the long list of standard features offsets sticker shock to some extent), and the few options that are available will run the tab up quickly. At a minimum, you'll want to order the ABS, which adds almost $2000 to the total. Ordering the other four extras (CD player, leather upholstery, sunroof and remote keyless entry system) will push the Diamante Wagon's tab up toward $33,000 even before taxes and license fees are figured in. Granted, Mitsubishi touts the Diamante as an alternate choice to luxury class offerings from BMW, Mercedes and Volvo. That's pretty high-class company and, if you perceive the Diamante as a member of this clan, the high price seems more than reasonable. That seems to be a perceptual stretch, though. And more realistic comparisons - with the Camry and Sable wagons, for example - put the Mitsubishi at a price disadvantage that its comprehensive standard equipment list doesn't quite counter. In the end, as always, it's a question of money and how much of it you're willing to spend. There's nothing wrong with the Diamante Wagon, and much to praise. Whether it's good enough to justify the cost is a matter for you and your checkbook to decide.
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