2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews

The Lancer has been a steady and sturdy presence on the local market for many years; in that time it has gained a reputation for being a loyal and reliable friend, if not the most exciting one.

Japanese designed and built to a high quality, Mitsubishi Lancer is at the forefront in the reliability stakes, so has long been popular on the used-car scene in Australia.The Lancer began life as a small car, then gradually morphed into a medium model. From the new model launched in October 2007 it can be used as a family car if the kids aren’t yet into their hulking teenage years.Interior space is good in the front seats in all models. Rear seat headroom can be tight in the older hatches, but is generally fine in the sedans and wagons due to their extended rooflines.Lancer comes with a big variety of bodies: two-door coupes, three-door hatches, four-door sedans, five-door hatchbacks and five-door station wagons. Not all bodies were on offer at all times.Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change is simply a marketing ployThree-door hatchbacks built prior to 1996 were called Lancers, but the name was changed to Mitsubishi Mirage with the introduction of the new model of that year.Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change is simply a marketing ploy to try and create a new niche for the three-door. Imports of the Lancer-based Mirage ceased in 2004 although the name was reintroduced in 2013, this time in a small five-door hatchback.Ride comfort in the standard Lancers is generally good, though rough Australian backroads can sometimes knock them about. This improved with later models, but try for yourself if you do a lot of country driving.Engines are all four-cylinder units, with a big spread of capacities; 1.5, 1.8, 2.0 and finally 2.4 litres. The marketing strategy over the years saw the largest engine at any one time being first introduced in the upmarket models then gradually making its way down the line.The ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performanceThe 2.4-litre powerplant has plenty of torque, giving the car excellent performance and safe overtaking, yet it doesn’t use a lot more fuel than the other powerplants.Manual gearboxes are all five-speed units. Automatic transmissions from 1996 had four-speeds. The auto with the 2.4-litre engine has tiptronic functions in case the driver wants to override the computer and get more revs out of the engine.If you do want real excitement, the ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performance, but cost big bucks. However, the Lancer MR coupe of 1997 to 2004, while tamer than the Evo is still fun thanks to its firmer suspension and sharper steering.Spare parts and repair prices are about average for this class and the Australian Mitsubishi dealer network is widespread and efficient.The Lancer is relatively easy for the home mechanic to work on, with good underbonnet space and nothing particularly tricky in its layout.Insurance charges are about average for the class in all but the sportier variants. You may need to raise a big loan to cover an Evo if you’re under the age of 25.Though Mitsubishi has pulled out of local manufacture the company continues to operate as a major player here, now exclusively with imported cars. Lancer is at the vanguard of the new Mitsubishi Australia.If possible, start the engine when it is completely cold. It should fire up within a couple of seconds and idle smoothly and quietly straight away.If the engine puffs oily smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration it may be due for an overhaul.A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to useFeel for an automatic transmission that is slow to engage gear or is inclined to change up and down unnecessarily.A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to use. If not there could be troubles - fast changes down from third to second usually show the problem first.Rust normally only gets into the body following poor quality panel repairs, but look over the lower areas of the body and the bottom corners of the doors, tailgate or bootlid just in case. Also look at the surrounds of the front and rear windscreens.Check for panel repairs by looking for ripples in the panels; paint that doesn’t match from one panel to another; and tiny spots of paint on glass, badges, body trim and so on.Don’t even think of buying until you've had a full professional inspectionDo a complete check of all interior surfaces, in particular the tops of the dashboard and the rear parcel shelf that may have drive out and cracked.Look for rips in the seats, excess wear in the carpets and for damage in the luggage area.

Mitsubishi Lancer is a small to medium Japanese car designed and made to a high quality, making it one of the leaders in the reliability stakes.

The first lesson for first-car buyers is to forget power and performance - go for safety, reliability and low running costs. Today's car choices are far wider and considerably less basic that Peter Brock's first car, a stripped-down 750cc Austin Seven. But the exercise of buying your car demands patience and - if possible - expert consideration.Compared with buying new, you will save money purchasing a used car. But be aware that a used car may require expensive repair costs, may be less fuel efficient and that its safety standards are likely to be lower than a new car. The basic safety gear you want are two airbags and ABS brakes.Every car is different because each has been treated differently during its life. Be cognisant that cheap new cars are bought on a budget and the penny-pinching owners may skimp on regular servicing and repairs. Steer away from hotted-up cars - you want reliable, easy-to-fix transport here, not a temperamental, ground-hugging runt that sounds like it's lost its exhaust pipe.There are a few quality used car models that have lasted the distance. These have retained a solid reputation for quality and reliability, have a strong spare parts back-up, simple service schedule and are renown for just being easy to live with.The only downside is they won't be the newest car on your block and they're unlikely to be the most rewarding ride of your life. But you have to start somewhere. Just like Peter Brock.CHOICESThese are some used cars, not in any particular order, that should be reliable first-time cars. But each car is different. Ensure your car is professionally checked before buying and that all the car's service papers are accurate, regular and preferably stamped by a competent service centre.NISSAN TIIDAThis model is the evolution of the Pulsar and, I admit, isn't the prettiest car on the road. Fellas, perhaps stay away from this one. But the model is enduring because of its simplicity and low running costs. It has a decent amount of metal around the passenger cell to minimise intrusion in case of a collision, a neat and functional interior with comfortable seats, big boot in the sedan model (and more than adequate in the hatchback version), and four doors so your friends won't have to squeeze past you on the way to access the rear seat.2006 TIIDA TI SEDANCost: $9200 with 79,000kmEngine: 93kW/174Nm 1.8-litre autoFuel economy: 7.8 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 4 airbags, brake assist Crash rating: 4-starMAZDA3Two of my daughters drive these and love them for their comfort and features. Later models are preferable because of the electronic stability control, but earlier versions had at least four airbags and ABS brakes plus a four-star crash rating. Because everyone loves these, they're going to cost a bit more than some rival cars. But Mazda's quality name should extend to the day you sell it allowing it to retain a high resale value.2006 MAZDA3 MAXXCost: $11,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 108kW/182Nm 2.0-litre autoFuel economy: 8.2 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 6 airbags, brake assistCrash rating: 4-star.MITSUBISHI LANCERThese have been made for decades yet nearly all carry a name for reliability. One model, bought with 247,000km on the clock, stayed trouble-free in my household for four years before finding yet another owner. That's not uncommon with Lancers. They're very simple cars but early models fall down badly in safety equipment, so look at 2003 and younger if possible. The 2007-plus models have a five-star crash rating. It doesn't really matter which model you buy but you may have better resale in the future with an automatic with four or five doors that will appeal to a wider audience.2006 LANCER LS SEDANCost: $10,000 with 70,000kmEngine: 115kW/220Nm 2.4-litre autoFuel economy: 8.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 2 airbagsCrash rating: 3-star.TOYOTA COROLLAThis is a stablemate of suburban living with the distinction of being a member of practically every Australian household since the 1970s. It's always been a simple and reliable car without any major hiccups, though the Toyota badge means there's a premium - justified or otherwise - on the price. Paying the extra on the Corolla name alone may not be worth it - look closely at each car before purchase. Toyota was one of the last major carmakers to introduce extra features - such as additional airbags and stability control - on base versions. Better models started from 2000 and the more upmarket versions (Levin and Ultima, for example) are preferred.2006 COROLLA CONQUEST SEDANCost: $10,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 93kW/161Nm 1.8-litre autoFuel economy: 7.4 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 2 airbagsCrash rating: 4-star.MITSUBISHI MAGNAThis is something a bit bigger and yet is generally priced about the same as the smaller cars. Mitsubishi made these in Australia and progressive years honed the product to excellent reliability while ho-hum styling and performance slashed resale. That makes this big family car good buying today. Magnas ended their run in 2005 and today these are the pick of the bunch, even though the powerplant was a 3.5-litre V6 with a four-speed auto. These cars were common in government and rental fleets but don't be put off - that means they've been regularly se rviced and repaired.2005 MAGNA ES SEDANCost: $5000 with 120,000kmEngine: 155kW/316Nm 3.5-litre V6 autoFuel economy: 11.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 4 airbags, traction controlCrash rating: 3-star.SUBARU LIBERTYAnother biggish car that offered high safety standards for its era. The later Libertys are also attractive, well equipped - in their day they weren't a cheap car - and roomy. The downside may be lacklustre performance, so-so fuel economy and some high-priced spare parts but we're primarily chasing a reliable and safe car choice here. The Libertys are all-wheel drive sedans and wagons which aids safety on wet roads rather than giving them any off-road ability (for that, look at the Subaru Outback).2006 LIBERTY 2.5i SEDANCost: $11,500 with 75,000kmEngine: 121kW/226Nm 2.5-litre autoFuel economy: 9.5 L/100kmSafety features: ABS brakes, 6 airbags, traction controlCrash rating: 5-star.

On a tight budget, you had four options: unsafe cars, unreliable cars, really boring cars or cars that combined all three characteristics.  In the past decade, though, it's become easier to find a tidy, safe, cheap used car, for several reasons.Firstly, used cars don't hold their value like they once did. New cars have become cheaper in real terms, and sales have boomed, so there's a lot more used cars on the market.Cars are also much safer than they used to be. Government legislation and independent crash test programmes like NCAP, (which publicises the results of its tests, much to the annoyance of the industry) have forced car makers to improve safety. A 2005 car, no matter what make it is, will be safer than a 1995 car. At the minimum, you want two front airbags and anti-lock (ABS) brakes.Unless it's French or Italian, in which case a weekly dummy spit is part of the "ownership experience," most cars from the last 10 years will be pretty reliable, as long as servicing has been done by the book.We are talking about ordinary, everyday cars here, that haven't been thrashed. If you're looking at some dude's slammed, chipped Subaru WRX and the price seems too good to be true, chances are it will self-destruct before you make it home. You pay your money and you take your chances.Immaculate, low kilometre cars owned by little old ladies do exist, and they are gold. So is a complete service record, especially if it's from the dealer who sold the car new.  Let's see if we can find a few to recommend. Bottom dollar in our search is $5000.There's not much joy at this money, but the last of the Mitsubishi Magnas, from 2004-2005, are great value and reasonably plentiful. Many will be ex-renters. That's not necessarily a bad thing, because serving will have been done to schedule. The 3.5-litre V6-four speed auto ES has four airbags and ABS.Another Mitsubishi, the Lancer, is the best small car we can find at this price. Toyota Corollas are fine too, though they're more expensive.  The Lancer's as sexy as a can of baked beans and completely bulletproof. Pay about $7000-$8000 or so for a 2005 model. Find one with optional ABS and six airbags.If you've got around $10,000 to spend, you have much more choice.  In 2004, Mazda made six airbags and ABS available across its entire range, as options or standard, so any Mazda2 or Mazda3 from 2004 on will be worth checking out. Mazda does blue chip quality, and if you find a good one, with a service book, buy it. You'll pick up a 2 for less than $10,000; a 3 will be $10,000-$12,000.If you need something bigger, this sort of money will also get you into a 2004-2005 Subaru Liberty, another top car from Japan's A league. All wheel drive, excellent handling and Subaru's class leading NCAP scores are pluses. The 2.0-litre four won't rip your arms off, but it will do the job. Wagons cost a little more.You might prefer a small SUV wagon instead, so look for a 2004-2005 Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4, at $12,000-$15,000.  If you need a big car for a big country, the Aussie six is hard to go past.You'll pay $10,000-$13,000 for the first of the VE Commodores from 2006. The 3.6-litre V6 sounds like 1000 leaf blowers on maximum thrust, however it's durable enough. Holden got serious about safety with VE, so you get stability control as standard.  It might take a while to find the right car, but in the end, it pays to be fussy. Second hand doesn't have to mean second best.WHERE TO BUY?DealerPros: On cars under 10 years old, most states require a warranty, typically 3 months or 5000 kilometres. You also get guaranteed title. Franchised dealers (ie those who also sell new cars) usually have the best selection of used cars; the trade-ins they don't want are unloaded to non franchised dealers or auctions.Cons: Can be more expensive than a similar car bought privately. Beware of non-franchised dealers selling flood damaged or rebirthed (ie cars written off by insurance companies but then repaired) from Queensland.PrivatePros: The best way to find a bargain.Cons: You have to do plenty of legwork, and finding the right car, in a place that's close to where you live, can be a time consuming process. There's no guarantee of title or provenance, and no comebacks if it drops its guts on the way home. Buyer beware.AuctionsPros: Ex-government or fleet cars, usually properly serviced, with low kilometres. Guaranteed title. Many dealers buy cars at auction, take them to their car yard, and jack the price up by thousands of dollars. Buy it yourself, and pocket the difference.Cons: You can't test drive the car before you bid. It's also easy for an amateur to pay too much, so go to a couple before you buy to get an idea of prices and how it all works.

The sole wagon in its range, with the end of the Magna, is the recently re-engined Lancer Sportswagon.In a dwindling market, where Toyota Corolla and Holden Astra are effectively its sole competitors, the Lancer wagon is aimed at family men. Which does make the only colour of its top of the range VR-X — bright canary yellow — a bit of a strange choice.The wagon comes in only two model variants, the base ES, and the range-topping VR-X, which was the test car.Power is now provided by the 2.4-litre MIVEC four-cylinder first seen in the make's larger people mover, the Grandis.Extensive testing by CARSguide of that car has shown the engine is clearly capable of hauling a large family on holidays and several adults on a golfing trip without any complaints about lack of power.Therefore the engine is well at home in the smaller wagon. Mitsubishi claims the new engine has a 25 per cent boost in power and a 27 per cent increase in torque over its 2.0-litre predecessor, which is retained in the ES base sedan model. Both wagons have the larger 2.4-litre MIVEC engine which boasts figures of 115kW at 5750rpm and 220Nm at 3500rpm.To assist the power increase, the braking package has also been upgraded.Features abound on the VR-X.On the outside it has a new "Evo-influenced" mesh grille, while standard bumpers now replace the previous extended rear bumpers.The large tail-light assembly is certainly striking and indeed, it's an effective and bright warning to other motorists.Sportswagon's 16-inch alloy wheels are left over from the previous model. And inside there's a four-spoke leather steering wheel, sports pedals, a six CD, in-dash stacker and now automatic climate control air-conditioning replaces the manual operation of the previous model.Safety-wise, there are three-point seat belts for all the wagon's five seats.Two-tone cloth trim adds appeal to the otherwise black interior.Driver and passenger airbags are standard here, while side and curtain airbags can be had as a $1500 option. The driver's seating position is well adjustable and the control panel clear to read. The Sportswagon's ride and handling is also up to the standard that would be expected in this price range.The VR-X models have a 15mm lowered sport suspension and a front strut tower brace fitted as standard equipment, which does improve the ride.Now, the key reason for owning a wagon is in the load-carrying space.Tested with a family-sized load of groceries, there was plenty of room. A retractable cover over the load is provided for security and to help shield items from heat.The rear seats have a 60:40 split and folding them down is fairly straightforward to provide room for longer loads. Priced at $31,490 manual and $33,990 auto, the VR-X wagon has few extras. Apart from the aforementioned extra airbags, there's just a power sunroof at $1600 and metallic/pearlescent paint at $300.At a mid-$30,000 total, that puts it in the price range of the cheapest medium 4WDs, larger wagons and in fact comes dearer than some people movers.These cars offer more space but at the cost in some cases of poorer fuel efficiency and being harder to manoeuvre and park around town. Mitsubishi says it is aiming for a modest 200 wagons a month — and 10 per cent will be the VR-X Sportswagon.And clearly, the battle to save the Aussie wagon is becoming a real struggle.

I am not sick – perhaps love sick after spending a week in the new Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9.This car talks to you, no, roars at you – drive me.It's the latest and greatest Evo from Mitsubishi and is the last in this generation. The next Evo will be new from the ground up and a bigger car.That's a few years away so in the mean time, we will be spoiled by the presence of one of the quickest point and squirt cars on the block.It's better than ever having shed a few kilos and gained some grunt. The transmission of power to all four wheels is better controlled and improvements have been made inside.Better yet, the price has come down by about $6000 compared to the Evo 8. The RRP is now $56,789.It's a powerful lot of performance car for the money – a low 5.0 second bracket 0-100kmh proposition and has a truckload of go fast goodies like massive four pot Brembo brakes MIVEC engine, close ratio six speed manual transmission and a sophisticated drive system that actively counters body roll and loss of traction.The engine is a refinement of what we have come to expect from Evos : a 2.0-litre turbo four cylinder with 206kW/355Nm output.This time variable inlet valve timing optimises engine performance to any given situation. It would also assist reduce emissions and fuel consumption.The new six speed manual gearbox helps too, offering easy access to everything the engine produces.Mitsu has been able to run all dynamic controls through one computer.These include ABS, super active yaw control and the active centre differential.The car rolls on 17in alloys with low profile Bridgestone rubber and rides on a strut front and multi-link rear suspension. It's all fairly mainstream stuff – just optimised to the max in the Evo.It has a tight chassis and the bodywork is less fussy than before although a Ralliart options kit can take it over the top.Inside is not quite to luxury car standards but is a vast improvement over the previous model featuring Recaro sports seats, velour/leather upholstery, premium audio, climate control air and a Momo steering wheel. The dash is livened up with metallic fascia inserts and the instruments are simple and clear.To keep it yours, Datadot theft protection is used.How does it go?How do you think?Super quick, think Porsche 911 and you will not be far wrong. It has incredible grip through corners and precise steering spoiled a bit by an over large turning circle. It's a noisy beast but the mechanically attuned will appreciate this.Being last of the line could make the Evo 9 a collector's item although availability is not an issue on this model, it fully complies with volume import regulations.

Mitsubishi is ideally positioned with its 2.0-litre Lancer Sportswagon that's been on the market for almost a year.They're still a bit of a rarity on the road but the imminent appearance of Holden's new Viva small wagon and possibly others will gee- up interest.Lancer Sportswagon is available in ES and VRX grades with a significant price difference of about six and a half grand between the two. The ES goes for a tempting $21,990 for the manual, sequential auto adds $2000.Both models are essentially the same under the skin with the VRX scoring goodies like alloy wheels, more equipment and a sportier interior.The body looks low and flat compared with the tall-boy look of various SUVs and small people movers.But it's practical offering plenty of load space behind the seats which fold for even more room.There's a clever storage box hidden under the boot floor and others dotted about the cabin.The rear of the Sportswagon is distinctive and attractive with full height tail lights adding a cyber touch to the look. But the real story is what Mitsubishi jams into the ES Sportswagon for the price.Goodies include driver and passenger air bags, aircon, power steering, remote keyless central locking, engine immobiliser, electric mirrors, white-faced instrument cluster, drivers seat height adjuster, 60:40 split fold rear seat and rear centre arm rest with cupholders to name a few.It misses out on power windows which we would like to see included even if something else was struck off.The engine is a single cam, multi-valve four with 92kW/173Nm output.This is ample to propel the Sportswagon with vigour even with four or five aboard.The five speed manual is good offering slick shifting and accurate gearing for the engine's output.aSportswagon gives a comfy ride and still hangs on pretty well in corners for a wagon.But most important, it sips lightly.We have been averaging around 7.5-8.0 litres/100km consumption with mixed driving.Average urban weely running costs about $25 at current petrol prices.

Mitsubishi's Lancer Evolutions have always walked their own path – sometimes to the detriment of their mainstream popularity.A prime example was the firecracker Evo VI Tommi Makinen edition which arrived as a low-volume import special in 2001.Focused on being a performance leader, the Evo VI was a tour de force for a street car. Unfortunately, the car fell down in two key areas: it cost a bomb – at $79,990 it was $20,000 more than Subaru's own little banger, the WRX STi – and living with the thing day to day was a one-way ticket to a chiropractor.Having skipped the Evo VII for Australia, the arrival of the Evo VIII was greeted with elation and trepidation.Having lived with one for the past couple of weeks – and with plans to drive it in next weekend's NSW round of the Dutton Rally – the trepidation was misplaced.Without losing its edge the latest Evo – at least until the arrival of the IX late this year – has gained a great deal of civility.Mitsubishi's look, while certainly not soft, is more restrained than its STi rival.The cut-out air vents on the bonnet are not as prominent, badging is less aggressive and the interior more mainstream. The carbon-fibre rear wing is a point scorer for those in the know.Certainly, the test car is not exactly stock. It has a Ralliart aero kit with winglets on the front airdam, gold alloys, bespoke KYB suspension, a rear suspension tower brace through the boot and free-flow exhaust.But the core goodness is still there, and there is plenty of that.The Evo has some very clever electronics which sit like a guardian angel on the shoulder for that inevitable moment when ambition overtakes ability.The latest generation of the active rear differential – super active yaw control (SAYC) – keeps the Evo gripping tighter than a vertigo sufferer atop the Harbour Bridge.In simple terms, SAYC uses planetary gearing to direct torque through the rear diff, working to settle the rear of the car as the steering input works to force it out of shape.It is not magic and there is no protection against idiocy, but with the ability to select a diff program for either tarmac, gravel or ice through a simple dash-mounted switch, the performance envelope is huge.The 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine is well proven.Its 195kW peaks close to the top of the rev range at 6500rpm while maximum urge of 355Nm is on tap from 3500rpm.With five well-sorted ratios, the Evo's power delivery is linear and impressive.Keeping the urge going is not difficult as even moderately quick upshifts will keep the needle in the busy band.With its competition potential in mind the pedals are well placed for heel-toe work – not perfect but certainly above average.With the sort of performance the Evo encourages, a decent set of brakes is a matter of some import. Dealt with most adequately by a Brembo system with four-pot calipers on the 320mm front and two-pot on the 300mm rear ventilated discs, fade is not an issue.Inside, the Evo is not plush but is certainly functional. The grippy Recaro seats are wonderfully comfortable and, being race-bred, ready to accept a racing safety harness.For the Dutton car, the fitting of a set of three-inch belts by the guys at Revolution Racegear was accomplished with a minimum of fuss. Not necessary under the Dutton rules, the belts are a security blanket. Given the Evo's prodigious grip, any loss is going to be at the limit.For day-to-day driving the Lancer special is at the higher end of the scale for performance practicality.However, to see the Evo VIII's true greatness you are going to need to belt up and get on track – or out in the forest. That is, after all, what the beast was bred for.