Mitsubishi Repair: smoking engine mitsu mirage, mirage coupe, coolant level

Question
I just bought a 94 mirage coupe and noticed white smoke coming out of exhaust. It's not extremely bad but noticeable. Do you what this means and if there is possibly something I can add to the gas to make it subside or to reduce the amount of smoke?
thanks

Answer
Brian,
If you notice that the white smoke has a sweet smell to it, that would indicate you are burning off coolant.  Check your coolant level.  If it is indeed coolant, that means your head gasket is starting to go bad and it will need to be replaced before it blows.  If your head gasket blows and your engine overheats, that could seize your engine and then you'd need an engine replacement; which may cost more than the car itself.

If the smoke smells more like burning oil, that's probably what it is.  That would indicate your valve seals are most likely worn, and that would require the cylinder head be pulled and rebuilt with all new seals.  Either repair would require pulling the head, so if you plan on having this service performed, get both the head gasket replaced and head rebuilt.
Good luck!