2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Reviews

The CJ Lancer arrived in 2007 with plenty of promise.Compared to the previous model the CJ had fresh looks, a longer wheelbase and wider track for more cabin space, and there was more equipment.In an increasingly crowded, and hotly contested small car market, it tended to blend into the background rather than stand out, but anyone who cared to take a closer look would have discovered a solid, well built, and reliable car.The CJ range offered a choice of four-door sedan and five-door hatch body styles, and a range of models to suit most needs and desires.Most were front-wheel drive, but there were also sizzling hot four-wheel drive models to satisfy wanna-be rally drivers.At launch, everyday motorists had the option of the entry-level ES, the VR mid-ranger, and the sporty VR-X, with the Aspire, Activ, RX, and SX, added to the range in the following months and years.Weekend warriors could satisfy their need for speed with the rally-bred Ralliart and Evolution models.Standard features in the ES included air-conditioning, four-speaker sound with CD player and MP3 compatibility, cruise control, driver’s footrest, intermittent wipers, multi-function control screen, power windows and mirrors, cloth trim, trip computer, and tachometer.It had steel wheels and full wheel covers, and the spare tyre was a space saver.Metallic and pearl paint could be ordered as options.Had you chosen the VR you would have got all of that plus alloy wheels, six-speaker sound with CD stacker, air-conditioning with climate control, fog lamps, leather-trimmed, multi-function steering wheel and hand brake lever, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, and a sporty rear spoiler and side skirts.The list of standard features was even longer with the VR-X, and included 18-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth to allow you to connect your iPhone or Android device, sports seats, sports pedals, keyless start, a body kit with high rear spoiler, and a front strut brace to aid handling. High end Rockford audio and a sunroof were available as options.The four-wheel drive, turbocharged Evolution, or Evo, was Mitsubishi’s nod to its rally participation. It had everything you could imagine in a rally special, with sports suspension, a wild body kit, sports instruments, sports seats and a sporty steering wheel.For more there was the optional 'Performance Pack', which saw the suspension and brakes upgraded.An update in 2008 saw the introduction of the Aspire with a 2.4-litre engine.Standard features of the Aspire included 18-inch alloy wheels, leather trim with woodgrain highlights, a premium sound system with nine speakers, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and fog lamps.At the same time the VR-X was upgraded with the 2.4-litre engine, and the Ralliart joined the Evolution on the performance front.The RX arrived in 2009 and it was positioned above the ES, and could be distinguished by alloy wheels, and the Activ came a year later.A reversing camera was added to the range, except for the ES, in 2012, but there were no parking sensors or a parking assist system.Sat nav was not available on the ES, but was available on other models in the range from 2013.The Lancer’s cabin was quite roomy for its size, with comfortable accommodation for five.Front seats were buckets, sports seats in the sporty models, and the rear was a split-fold seat for extra carrying capacity when needed.With the rear seat in the normal position the boot volume was 315 litres. With it folded the volume increased to 400 litres.There was plenty of storage spread around the cabin, with an in-dash glove box, a compartment in the console, pockets in the front doors and front seat backs, bottle holders, and cupholders in the front and rear.Most models had cloth trim, but up-range ones had leather, and some had woodgrain, as well.The main power source across the range was a double overhead camshaft 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with variable valve timing that put out 113kW (151 horsepower), and 198Nm at is power and torque peaks, which was enough to give it solid performance in the class.A larger 2.4-litre petrol four was added to the range in 2008, and with 125kW (167 horsepower), and 226Nm of torque, it provided more performance for those wanting a bit more zip.There was a five-speed manual gearbox available, but the transmission most buyers chose was the CVT, which was the automatic option.The quirky CVT was not everyone’s cup of tea, but with the option of a six-speed sports mode the Mitsubishi transmission didn’t feel as soggy as some others.With their connection to rallying the Evolution and Ralliart models had blistering performance delivered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.It was linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, in turn to a four-wheel drive system.The CJ Lancer was a capable and user-friendly small car. It did everything well and didn’t present anyone with any untoward challenges on the road.With independent front and rear suspension, even in base form, it was sure-footed, steered well, handled corners with assurance, and the ride was well damped.The steering was light, and the turning circle tight, making it easy to manoeuvre and park around town.Step up the model range and the picture was even better, with sportier handling from the lower and former suspension.Both engines were willing, the larger 2.4-litre unit had more torque to deliver smoother driveability, and for that reason, is a better choice than the 2.0-litre engine.Those inside were treated to comfortable seating with little external disturbance from road noise or other potentially annoying elements to bother them.The thrill-a-minute performance-tuned Ralliart and Evo models were different animals entirely; they were at their best competing on the track or in the forests.The CJ Lancer was well equipped with safety features.All models except the entry-level ES, which was rated at four stars, carried a five-star ANCAP rating from the introduction of the model.The difference in rating can be attributed to the ES not having head airbags for the front or side airbags for the front and rear seat passengers.Anyone wanting to upgrade the safety of the ES to five stars could have added an option pack of side and head airbags.That changed in 2010 when the ES got the additional head and side airbags and was upgraded to the same five stars as the other models.All models then had front airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, a knee airbag for the driver, head airbags for the front seat passengers, and side (curtain) airbags for those in the front and rear seats.All five seats had lap-sash seat belts, allowing the fitment of a baby car seat.The Lancer was one of the cars that had ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points before they were made mandatory in 2014.In addition to the passive safety features all models had ABS braking, EBD electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, and ESP electronic stability control.Except for the CVT and dual-clutch automatic transmissions the Lancer follows a well-proven formula.There’s nothing radical about it, nothing that should be cause for concern by anyone considering buying one second hand.Most owners were keen to praise the reliability of their cars, saying they were well built and were for the most part reliable.One issue that cropped up related to the operation of the ABS brakes as a result of the failure of the electronic module that controls the system.Owners said their first warning of the problem was when the warning light on the dash began flickering. It eventually stayed on; the ABS braking system was then not functioning.Check with the seller to see if there have been any problems with the braking system previously, and take note of the ABS warning light if it comes on.Another thing to focus on when test-driving a car is the operation of the automatic transmissions.No owner we spoke to raised any issues with either the CVT or the dual-clutch transmission, which suggests there are no problems with them, but the history of the transmissions in general says they are prone to problems. Observe the CVT for shuddering on take-off or when accelerating, hesitations, or any other thing that doesn’t feel right.In the case of the dual-clutch auto, observe for any hesitation on shifting, or incorrectly selecting neutral.Check for a service record to make sure your potential purchase has been well maintained.The recommended engine oil for the CJ Lancer is 5W-30, servicing should be every 15,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first, and the engines have timing chains.Mitsubishi provided a generous new car warranty of five years/130,000km, and there was also five years roadside assistance.Capped price servicing was introduced in 2012 to keep a lid on service costs.There have been some recalls, mostly for electrical issues, so check the service book to see what if any recall reworks have been done.Buying a Ralliart or Evolution model requires extra caution when inspecting prior to purchase. As many will have been driven hard by enthusiast owners, or even used in motorsport competition, it’s important to check for signs of modification or abuse.MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Mitsubishi Lancer problems page.K. Brigham: I bought my 2010 Activ new. It’s solidly built, very roomy, comfortable, gets good mileage, and there have been no problems with it at all.Anna Breinl: My 2007 VR-X is a great touring car, it’s comfortable, and it has been absolutely trouble-free.Patrick Firth: The 2013 ES feels sporty. I like the performance of the 2.0-litre engine, the manual gearbox is good, and I get good economy.Michael Beeston: I’ve owned my 2011 ES from new. It’s now done almost 100,000 km and there has been no problem with it at all. I like driving it, the handling is quite good, it’s safe, and the fuel economy is good.Apart from the Evo the Lancer wasn’t very exciting, but it was a solid and reliable all-rounder.

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Mitsubishi Lancer as a used buy.

You can save a motza on a late-model used car, because the first owner has already taken the biggest hit... usually 30-50 percent, in depreciation. Ideally, you want to be the second owner, and hang on to the car for a few years, to maximise the value you get from your motoring dollar. We've picked our top five used

It seems the Lancer has been around forever, much like the Toyota Corolla, but unlike the small Toyota it has never commanded a lot of attention from buyers. Those who know recognise it as a solid, well-built, reliable small car that makes sense, but it's a car that has blended into the background rather than stand

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.

Graham Smith reviews the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer as a used buy.

The Lancer has long been the small car staple of the Mitsubishi diet. It's always been well-respected in the Japanese carmakers range, one that small car buyers have felt comfortable with over many years.MODEL WATCHIn recent times small cars have taken on a new role in the local car market as buyers have sought ways of saving money. Buyers who would once never even considered buying a small car have been searching for a car that was safe, economical, and a pleasure to drive, but in a compact package.No longer were small cars thought of as cars for poverty-stricken motorists who simply couldn't afford anything better. In that environment Mitsubishi's management trumpeted its intention to deliver cars with "the best levels of occupant safety, security and comfort at the best possible price", no matter the class.The CJ Lancer was a huge step forward from the previous model, which had well and truly reached its use-by date. Fresh new looks gave it a great kick-start. It looked good from any angle with well-balanced proportions and taut lines, and importantly, it had an attractive face.Inside, there was enough room for adults to be accommodated in comfort. Even tall people had enough head and legroom to allow them to travel with comfort in supportive and comfortable seats. The interior was neat and tidy, although some might have said it was bland and boring compared to the busy interiors in some of its rivals. But it was more about old school function than playschool gimmick, and everything was where you might expect it to be and the controls were easy and logical to use.A 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine delivered 113 kW at 6000 revs and 198 Nm at 4250 revs, which gave the ES and VR Lancers good performance with plenty of zip whenever it was needed. The sporty VR-X was given extra punch courtesy of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that produced 125 kW and 226 Nm. The transmission choices were a five-speed manual 'box or a six-speed CVT transmission as the auto option. The final drive was through the front wheels.The Continuously Variable Transmission drove without flaw, it was smooth and there was no lack of get up and go when the right pedal was sent to the floor. There was also the option of manually shifting the CVT 'box to extract more zip; that could be done by moving the shift lever across the gate and then using the six preset ratios much the same as you would with a conventional auto.There were three models in the CJ range, starting with the base ES and moving up through the VR to the VR-X hottie.IN THE SHOPOwners of the CJ Lancer are not complaining to Cars Guide about their cars, which should be reassuring for anyone looking to buy used. Cars driven by CarsGuide have all been well built and nicely finished with no faults to be found. The CJ Lancer is still relatively new to the market so early ones will have only done 30,000-40,000 km. Even so, check for a service record to rule out possible neglect.ON THE ROADTime spent at the wheel of the CJ Lancer confirms that it is a roomy and comfortable car to drive, with plenty of head, leg and elbowroom, and supportive seats. The dash, with its large expanse of plastic, while a little bland, is neat and tidy, and functional, with all controls well placed and easy to use on the run. Overall the Lancer feels a little light on the road, and the steering could have a little more feel.The suspension is supple giving a comfortable ride over all surfaces. The 2.0-litre engine has all the performance you could want in a small car, and there is plenty of get up and go when needed and it was at all times smooth.IN A CRASHThe Lancer performed well in crash testing and ANCAP awarded it five stars. It had front airbags for the driver and front passenger and a driver knee airbag, plus standard ABS antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control. The VR and VR-X models had the additional protection of side and side curtain airbags.AT THE PUMPMitsubishi claimed the Lancer would do 7.7-8.2 L/100 km and road tests suggested the claim was on the mark. A Lancer tested by Cars Guide averaged just over 8.0 L/100 km when driven in normal town traffic.LOOK FORNeat, attractive looksComfortable, roomy interiorGood fuel economySafe and soundWell-built.THE BOTTOM LINE: A safe and sound small car choice.RATING: 80/100

One of the biggest mistakes a car company can make is to hand its rivals a free hit by vacating the market. In this business where brand loyalty is supreme it can take a long time to play catch up - unless of course you have some serious ammunition to fire back at the opposition.Mitsubishi only has two serious full-on performance cars, the awesome Lancer Evolution MR SST ($72,190) and the slightly less potent but still full-on Evolution ($59,990).But missing in action has been a more affordable road warrior in the sub $50,000 bracket to slot in under the Evo twins — a model which could go head to head with Subaru's WRX or Ford's Focus XR5.Enter the Lancer Ralliart and Mitsubishi is back in the game with plenty of bang for the buck. It's essentially a detuned Evo and priced at $42,990 for both sedan and sportsback.Mitsubishi has been quite clever here, borrowing many of the Evo's go-faster bits but giving the Ralliart a more comfortable ride to broaden its appeal.Power comes from a detuned 2-litre four cylinder with single scroll turbo as against the Evo's twin-scroll. It also shares in part the active differential all-wheel drive system which is switchable to suit road, gravel or snow conditions, a twin-clutch transmission and alloy bonnet to reduce weight.There's 177Kw on tap at 6000 revs (down by 50kW on the Evo) and a fist full of 343Nm torque (down 23Nm) with little in the way of turbo lag. While not as potent at the Evo, the Ralliart's performance nevertheless is surprisingly surefooted and quick on and off road.But you need to get the Ralliart above 2000 revs before that power comes into play. Peak torque is on tap from 2500 to 4750rpm, just where you need it for swift overtaking or tackling twisty mountain roads.The downside: power comes at a price in the form of thirsty fuel consumption.Given a choice, in my book the sportback looks better than the more practical sedan but the hatch's rear visibility is limited by the heavy C-pillar. The cabin will fit four adults in comfort, even the back seat; the front buckets offering excellent support.The dressed in black cabin styling also gets a tick of approval, especially the instruments, although I am still coming to grips with the exterior lines, particularly the elongated nose with what Mitsubishi describes as a jet fighter grilleThe suspension set up is softer than the Evo so there's a bit more body roll and pitching in the twisty stuff. But the car is far more liveable and quieter on a day to day basis, unless you like, of course, the Evo's annoying bone jarring ride.The six-speed twin clutch manual-auto gearbox is also borrowed from the Evo with slightly modified top end ratios to provide better fuel consumption. It's better than the VW DSG setup but isn't as slick as the PDK system from Porsche although it still offers seamless gear changes. It has two modes — sport and normal — but not the track-ready Super Sport mode featured in the Evo.The shift paddles on the steering wheel are cumbersome to operate and I dislike the invasive nature of the transmission in auto mode by holding the car in too lower gear descending hills. Flicking the paddle shift takes it back to manual mode solves the problem.So, is it as good as an Evo? No, but it comes so close. You can have just as much fun and the Ralliart version for $16,000 less and it's easier to drive.SnapshotPrice: $43,890, sedan or sportbackEngine: 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinderPower: 2-litre in-line 4, 177kW @6000rpm, 343Nm @2500-4750rpmTransmission: Twin-clutch, six-speed manual/auto.Rivals: Golf Gti, Ford Focus XR5, Subaru WRX

Various sections of the demanding track had been turned into chicanes with witches hats that played to the strengths of the Evo– unbeliev- able get up and go, eye popping brakes and almost peerless drive out of corners.This is the latest incarnation of a world championship winning rally car and it's better than ever. Almost forgot, the price has come down nearly $8000 on the earlier Evo 8.Cleverly priced at $56,789, Evo 9 represents the pinnacle of Mitsubishi's road going automotive aspirations – the show piece, the hero car in Mitsu's range.But you won't need to be a hero to have fun safely in this potent four-door sedan, it makes mug drivers look good and has high levels of primary and secondary safety.Big changes this time around include the adoption of variable valve timing on the inlet side for more power and better response. A clever hydraulic system advances or retards the inlet camshaft to optimize output at any given engine speed.There's also a six speed manual transmission replacing the previous five speeder and weight is down by about 60kg thanks to the wider use of aluminium for the roof, door intrusion beams, bonnet and front guards. The roof is fixed using similar techniques to an aircraft fuselage with rivets and crimping to deliver a stronger roof, kilograms lighter.The 2.0-litre, turbo, four cylinder engine is now good for 206kW/355Nm most of which is accessible across a wide spread of engine speeds to about 7500rpm.It's been revised for improved reliability and passes Euro 4 emissions regulations.Handling and stability is enhanced through the use of an active yaw control system that monitors and changes various functions of the vehicle to maintain stability. It's controlled by one computer.The differentials also contribute to Evo 9's prodigious grip and drive.Braking and suspension is carried over from the previous model but the front struts are upside down units to reduce unsprung weight.Minor external and internal changes make the Evo 9 better looking and more functional. Climate control air, cruise control and an excellent audio system are now included in the package. The previously tacky looking interior is spruced up through the use of carbon fibre and titanium look fascia. Sports seats have large side bolsters and are a blend of suede and leather. The wheel, gear knob and hand brake all leather-clad.An excellent new anti theft feature is Diamond Trac based on GPS satellite position monitoring and remote control of the vehicle if needed. If someone steals the Evo9, it can be disabled remotely and the owner knows its precise location. The Evo 9 also features Datadot protection.Plenty of dress-up and performance accessories are available to customise the Evo9 including a sports pack with BBS wheels and Bilstein dampers.Mitsubishi says the Evo 9 will sprint from 0-100kmh in 5.7 seconds but it feels quicker than that. Well have to test that one on home turf.It is a beautifully balanced car to drive and is extremely difficult to get out of shape.The full time all wheel drive is electronically controlled and the 17in tyres offer plenty of traction.A dash operated three mode centre diff optimizes the drive system for tarmac, gravel or snow driving conditions.Evo 9's direct competitor is Subaru WRX STi which is a little more unruly and is dogged by turbo lag in the lower revs. The Evo suffers no such problems. It is highly specified rocketship that will satisfy the most discerning driving enthusiast and will be freely available through Ralliart Mitsubishi dealers.