Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars?

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Tue 12 Aug 2014 20:17
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Brianthebubble

I was looking to buy a Mitsubishi Lancer 1.5 petrol sportback 2009/2010. I have seen three all in black (51K, 25K and 39K) around £4400- £5400. However, the condition of the paintwork was poor - lots of sratches and chipped paint. There is a grey one 2011, 1.5 petrol, with 20,000 miles on the clock at a dealer for £6995. I was planning to go and have a look at it as it should be in better condition than the others. I like the car, it drives well and I find it comfortable.

However, having read the reviews of the car in previous topics here in the forum, and the fact that it is no longer imported and was only on the market for three years (?) - so parts could be problem in five years time - I am now wondering whether I look for something like the first generation Mazda 3 1.6 petrol (2008 or 2009). I have also had a look at a 2010 1.6 petrol Suzuki SX4, which I tested but found I needed to get used to the higher driving position. Is the quality of the 2010 SX4 similar to the 2010 Lancer and would you say the 2008/9 Mazda 3 is higher in quality and reliability than the other two?

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Tue 12 Aug 2014 22:45
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Bobbin Threadbare

Having had a couple of Mazdas and driven a Lancer a few times for work hire, I would say that Mazdas are better quality. I found the Lancer very tinny (rain sounded ridiculously loud on the roof) and the inside wasn't as nice as either of my Mazdas. I also preferred the handling and driving feel of the Mazdas (I had a 6 and a MX-5, and regularly drive a 2), but that can be something of a personal preference. Reliability and economy stats can easily be looked up on this site, as can owner reviews.

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Fri 15 Aug 2014 17:55
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Brianthebubble

Bobbin - thank you for your feedback. Looking at the Reliability Index, the older model 05-08 was second to the Honda Jazz. HJ has only one negative point listed in bad points of the current model - the sat nav. However, I have read some other reviews and there does seem to be those who like the car - in its base form - and those that slam it for rusting, poor quality - which is the point you were making. I have now had a look at a Toyota Auris 2010 and will have a drive in one this weekend. What I have not yet tried is the Mazda 3 2004-2008/9. I may also yet go back to the Suzuki SX4, which I found strange being high up and my daughter - with me driving !! - found she was being bumped around. One interesting thing, my daughter filmed the engine compartment on the 2010 model SX 4 and when I showed it to my local mechanic, he said he was horrified by the amount of corrosion on the piping- he served his apprenticeship with Mazda. However, when I quietly showed the same film to some 'directly related mechanics', they said this was normal. Difficult to choose which car to go for but will keep going. Again, thank you for your reply. What I have also learned is how much chips and marks show up on black - and there has been criticism of the quality of paint used on the Lancer- apprarently due to the requirement for a more water-based paint. The paint work on the SX4 looked much better.

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Sat 16 Aug 2014 00:54
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - LukePilot152
Bought a 1.8 GS3 Saloon CVT a few weeks ago - 31k with £2.5k of optional extras and a 12 month warranty for £6495. Must say, I agree with Bobbin when it comes to the 'tinny' nature of the car. It was built to be light and it shows, with the doors feeling a lot less solid than comparable models.

However, there are some things I really like about it. Mine is Orient Red, and combined with the spoiler and body kit it really is a looker. Also, you're less likely to see these on the road than actual Evos, which is a nice feeling, especially when you're the only kid at school with one. Also, the sound system is good, however vibration meant we had to have the door panels off to dampen the speakers. Another thing I like is the way it drives. I learnt to drive in a 1.4 Corsa, and spent some time in my dad's Audi A4 2.0TFSI before driving this. Even with the CVT box, it's perky when you go above 3500rpm and holds the road really well - it's on a set of Nankangs that have a really high deterioration rate, yet seem to hold the road better than the worn Yokohamas we managed to get replaced by the garage as part of the deal. If you have a spirited driving style though, you may want to be prepared to see your average mpg the wrong side of 30 after most journeys (1.8 auto, the 1.5 manual should be a lot better than this)

I'm happy with my lancer, despite all of the people on the lancer forums telling me to just save up for a secondhand EVO IX. (I'm 17, insurance would be more than the ruddy car!)

Even though I've just described the saloon, the two have many similarities despite the very different looks, so I hope there is something here that can vaguely help!

Regards
Luke
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Sat 16 Aug 2014 09:48
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Brianthebubble

Luke. Thank you for your reply. I think you are at a higher level spec to me but I know the oriental red - and it is a nice colour. I was going to see a 1.5 saloon in the colour 09 with similar mileage for £4400. Somehow, never went. Looking through the reviews, it is a car at the normal spec level that either people like or dislike - at the higher ends of the spectrum though, it does seem to be almost wholly positive. My only concern are the reports of quality and the fact that the only ones I have seen are at the garages. The same almost applies to the SX4 as you do not see that many. The Auris and the MK1 Mazda a lot more.

Regards

Brian

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Sat 16 Aug 2014 10:39
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Engineer Andy

As an owner of a mk1 Mazda3 (1.6 petrol TS2 saloon, owned from new [well ex-showroom car with 17 miles on the clock] from Jan 2006 [55 reg]), I can safely say its a good car all-round.

If I recall correctly, the mid-2006 facelift introduced a few 'quality' issues (see HJ's car-by-car reviews), but hopefully any issues (such as issues with the Dynamic Stability System) should have been fixed by now (mine didn't have that system as it was an import from Cyprus). Check for signs of major rusting, as some cars (though not all) can suffer from this. Avoid the Ford-PSA-sourced diesel IMO due to multiple problems - the petrol engined cars are very reliable.

As with most Japanses cars, the ride is quite firm, though the facelifted model was supposedly better than my version. If you need decent access for hauling stuff, then go for the hatchback version, as the saloon's boot has a relatively small opening (even though it has a larger boot) and as such larger 'cubed-shaped' boxes won't fit through. The saloon is IMO a much better looking car and (due to its better stiffness) is better handling than the hatch - but then I'm biassed as a saloon owner. The saloon is more difficult to park though due to its high bootline.

Good handling, made better (including the ride) without the standard fit Bridgestone ER30 tyres (awful IMO). 15in or 16in rimmed versions fine in that regard, can't say about 17in+ rimmed versions. All mine's electrics still working fine.

Dealership experience appears to be variable (mine is generally fine, other nearby ones not so, according to other reviews), so shop around if you can and try and get views from people you know who use them.

Overall, check for suspension problems (age-related), such as the bushes and multilink suspension arms needing replacement (each costing £200+ fitted) which would likely affect cars between 5-10 yo or having done 50-100k miles. Better to go with one that's done a reasonable mileage and less short journeys, but especially look for a full service history and evidence of using Mazda replacement parts, not some generic knock-off which won't last.

Best of luck.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 16/08/2014 at 10:39

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Sat 16 Aug 2014 20:04
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Brianthebubble

Engineer Andy.

Thanks for your reply. I think the Mazda 3 has always been in the background - and like you I like the saloons although through the garages there seems to be just the occasional example. I have opened a parallel thread bringing in the Auris and Suzuki SX4. I do like the look of the Mitsubishi Lancer but wonder if it will have the quality of the Mazda. Do you find you sit quite low down in the Mazda? Thank you also for the advice on what to look out for. With the Mazda , I would try to find nearer 2008 if I can. The Suzuki SX 4 I have had a test drive and found it strange being high up but I know it is a competent car - I have an R reg Renault Megane, which I am looking to replace and the seats are very low but very smooth and quite quiet. Any ideas you have on the other three cars would also be appreciated.

Regards

Brian

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Sat 16 Aug 2014 23:53
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Happy Blue!

Brian

I have driven both Mitsubishi Lancer and Mazda 3 as rental cars overseas and have a Mazda 3 on my drive as a spare car in our fleet. The Mitsubishi is reliable, as it is less sophisticated engineering. The Mazda 3 is superior in every way except perhaps absolute interior space. Far more comfortable, quieter, economical etc etc. I really like the one I drive every so often. I struggle to find something not to like.

Also in the UK the parts availability will be better for the Mazda as they sold many more over a longer period.

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Sun 17 Aug 2014 00:29
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Brianthebubble

Happy Blue.

Thank you. Your experience of the two cars is important to know - I was also thinking about the parts as I have yet to see a Lancer on the road since I have been looking at them. Is your experience with the MK1 Mazda 3?

I have a parallel thread bringing in the Toyota Auris and Suzuki SX4 post 2010. Do you have any experience of these other two cars? The SX4 I have driven and was my original choice, and the Auris I will have a drive next week. I wonder how you would expect the Auris to compare with the Mazda 3? I have been looking at the MK1 Mazda 3s and will get to drive one as well. Thank you again.

Brian

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Sun 17 Aug 2014 13:55
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Brianthebubble

taica4. Hi.

I have tried to open the link but just get what looked like coding and was unable to access the site.

(Edit - don't open rubbish links like this. He's probably a harmless idiot but there's always the chance that the link could spread a virus.)

Edited by Avant on 17/08/2014 at 16:50

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Sun 17 Aug 2014 13:54
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Engineer Andy

I don't think the driving position is particularly non-standard in the Mazda3 - I like it (better with the versions that have driver's seat lumbar adjustment and steering wheel rake and reach adjustment [mine has, the TS or below may not]). The 3 has a good left foot rest, which for me was a must and makes the driving experience over longer journeys a more comfortable one. You're right in that there aren't many saloons about, probably 10% or less of the total sold. If you can get a TS2/other model with climate controlled A/C over manual A/C, all the better.

I actually like the exterior styling of the Lancer (at least the later versions), however IMO the interior looks very dated and cheap-looking, especially with some having DIN CD/radios well past the time that all other decent makes switched over to built-in (higher security) units.

Of all those mentioned, the Mazda3 is the best handling, whilst its likely that the Auris has the edge (though not by that much) on the relaibility front. I also suspect you'll be more likely to get a better dealership experience with the Toyota.

Unfortunately I've never owned/driven any of the other cars - only seen inside the two others I've commented on.

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Tue 19 Aug 2014 11:38
Mitsubishi Lancer - Should I buy one of these cars? - Brianthebubble

Engineer Andy.

Thank you for your reply.

I also liked the exterior styling of the Lancer and even the staid interior. However, I have decided to go with the Toyota Auris - and see if I can get one 2010 onwards post - facelift at a reasonable price from a dealer. I was driving down to the airport with my daughter in a people carrier and she was saying that it was similar experience to the SX4 - bouncing around a little. I feel the Auris will be a good compromise with a taller than usual car but still with the car feel. I am going to have a test drive in one hopefully tomorrow and then see what comes up. I have also seen a lot of complaints about Mazda dealerships and as you say would expect a better experience with Toyota.

Regards

Brian

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