The Ultimate 2009 Ralliart Thread mega merge
Shahul how in the world do you have so many cars? That's insane! What do you do?
A couple of things dawned on me the other day.
1) I'm guessing the Lancer is the dealerships' meat and potatoes... so that usually means markups. I visited a dealership earlier today and saw that their GTS's carried a sticker price of around 26k and the Evo X had a sticker price of around 40k. It scares me to think that they're going to mark up the price of the RA to around 30k. I think Honda does the same thing with their Civic Si's.
2) How well does Mitsubishi's cars retain their value?
1) I'm guessing the Lancer is the dealerships' meat and potatoes... so that usually means markups. I visited a dealership earlier today and saw that their GTS's carried a sticker price of around 26k and the Evo X had a sticker price of around 40k. It scares me to think that they're going to mark up the price of the RA to around 30k. I think Honda does the same thing with their Civic Si's.
2) How well does Mitsubishi's cars retain their value?
A couple of things dawned on me the other day.
1) I'm guessing the Lancer is the dealerships' meat and potatoes... so that usually means markups. I visited a dealership earlier today and saw that their GTS's carried a sticker price of around 26k and the Evo X had a sticker price of around 40k. It scares me to think that they're going to mark up the price of the RA to around 30k. I think Honda does the same thing with their Civic Si's.
2) How well does Mitsubishi's cars retain their value?
1) I'm guessing the Lancer is the dealerships' meat and potatoes... so that usually means markups. I visited a dealership earlier today and saw that their GTS's carried a sticker price of around 26k and the Evo X had a sticker price of around 40k. It scares me to think that they're going to mark up the price of the RA to around 30k. I think Honda does the same thing with their Civic Si's.
2) How well does Mitsubishi's cars retain their value?
2. not that well unfortunately.
For anyone that cares, I did see the Ralliart in person on Saturday, but the car was closed up, barracaded, and up on the turntable so I wasn't able to see anything interesting. I tried to take a couple underbody shots, but the car has tons of underbody paneling, so I couldn't see much of anything.
And yes, the car does appear to have split folding rear seats, for whomever was asking.
They also had an Evo X MR on the floor, but the thing was locked up tight, so I couldn't sit in it/open the hood/etc. ****ing annoying that I can crawl all over $60k+ BMWs and Mercedes, but a "crap" brand like Mitsu won't let you touch.
And yes, the car does appear to have split folding rear seats, for whomever was asking.
They also had an Evo X MR on the floor, but the thing was locked up tight, so I couldn't sit in it/open the hood/etc. ****ing annoying that I can crawl all over $60k+ BMWs and Mercedes, but a "crap" brand like Mitsu won't let you touch.
). 2. I wouldn't worry too much about retaining value on the new models. The old models were plentiful since they sold so many to rental fleets. Not anymore with the new cars. The less there are in the market, the more valuable they will be.
Not sure if this has already come up elsewhere on the forums (please forgive me if it has) but I thought it was relevent to this discussion.
Translation of a response.jp article:
If this is true, it sheds some light on why Mitsubishi chose to offer only the SST for the Ralliart.
http://response.jp/issue/2008/0118/article104436_1.html
Translation of a response.jp article:
The Reason for the 5MT
In addition to the twin-clutch SST, a 5-speed MT is also offered in the Lancer Evolution X. But considering that the previous generation Lancer Evolution IX could be purchased with a 6-speed MT, why is it that the Evo X is configured with only 5 speeds?
Hiroshi Fujii (Product Planning Dept engineer who was responsible for the development of the Evo X):
It seems as the average user mainly selects the twin-clutch SST, while motorsports participants go for the MT. Having actually driven a 5MT GSR, it certainly is fun. As the gear ratios between 1st and 4th gears are closely spaced, quick shift-ups are demanded and it makes you feel like you're in a racing machine. Moreover, there is less friction in the new MT which results in a great shift feel. If limited to looking at brochures, 6-speed MTs are glamorous. But it's very rare to have opportunities to use 6 gears in races in the motorsports scene. The general consensus is that a 5-speed MT is sufficient. A person who understands that difference will likely enjoy this 5-speed MT.
In addition to the twin-clutch SST, a 5-speed MT is also offered in the Lancer Evolution X. But considering that the previous generation Lancer Evolution IX could be purchased with a 6-speed MT, why is it that the Evo X is configured with only 5 speeds?
Hiroshi Fujii (Product Planning Dept engineer who was responsible for the development of the Evo X):
The Lancer Evolution X is offered with the two pedal twin-clutch SST transmission, and a manual transmission offering for users that may use it in competitions such as rallying.
The 5-speed MT has been revised so 1st through 4th gears use close gear ratios allowing for an enjoyable transmission. I think the 5MT GSR will satisfy those who like to shift their own gears.
It seems as the average user mainly selects the twin-clutch SST, while motorsports participants go for the MT. Having actually driven a 5MT GSR, it certainly is fun. As the gear ratios between 1st and 4th gears are closely spaced, quick shift-ups are demanded and it makes you feel like you're in a racing machine. Moreover, there is less friction in the new MT which results in a great shift feel. If limited to looking at brochures, 6-speed MTs are glamorous. But it's very rare to have opportunities to use 6 gears in races in the motorsports scene. The general consensus is that a 5-speed MT is sufficient. A person who understands that difference will likely enjoy this 5-speed MT.
http://response.jp/issue/2008/0118/article104436_1.html
So I wanted to chime in with my two cents...
Not offering a manual is a huge disappointment to me. Especially without the option to upgrade that SST. I'd like to see how this turns out after they release it. They may receive complaints.
I think the power the 09 RA ships with is perfect.
I think the interior is way better than the 04-06 ones.
I think the exterior is better on the 04-06 ones but that is my personal choice.
Honestly my biggest complaint with the 04-06 is no AWD. I think I may keep my 04 RA after all. It's been a great car. I don't think I'd like a car w/o a stick either.
Not offering a manual is a huge disappointment to me. Especially without the option to upgrade that SST. I'd like to see how this turns out after they release it. They may receive complaints.
I think the power the 09 RA ships with is perfect.
I think the interior is way better than the 04-06 ones.
I think the exterior is better on the 04-06 ones but that is my personal choice.
Honestly my biggest complaint with the 04-06 is no AWD. I think I may keep my 04 RA after all. It's been a great car. I don't think I'd like a car w/o a stick either.
Not sure if its posted but this should solve most questions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KLHCsEuxw8
Mid $20k for the new RA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KLHCsEuxw8
Mid $20k for the new RA.
The same engine... only single scroll, small profile cams and smaller intercooler....Im salivating all over that, wait until and EVO X owner gets cams and buy them off him....or buying the same cams.....HELL YEAH
Not sure if its posted but this should solve most questions:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KLHCsEuxw8
Mid $20k for the new RA.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KLHCsEuxw8
Mid $20k for the new RA.








