For under 30k, I think I only found one car that had all of the below:

1. AWD.
2. 6-spd automatic.
3. 220+ HP.
4. Fold down rear seats (for my snowboards and bikes).
5. 4-doors.

The audi A3 would've been a close 2nd but it was down a bit on power and up a couple grand on price. Though the hatch would've been perfect (the sportback wasn't out back then).

Even though certain fwd cars have more power and are faster in a straight line, the fact of the matter is, I'll never legally use all that in the dry anyway. Where I (and I suspect most people) approach the limits much more quickly are going to be when it's wet or snowy. That's where the AWD comes in handy. And with respect to that, it's one of the few cars that will go when you floor it in the snow.

 

i find the overall reasoning behind this question to be opinionated at best. But in the 6 pages i have seen numerous valid points to but this car. Nothing more needs to be said.

 

Agreed this thread has been an excellent read. The bottom line is we all found enough in this car that we liked versus the little pet peeves we may have with the car. It's fun and it's faster than what most people think and turned out to be the perfect daily driver. My 2 cents anyway.

 

It was unique, not many people had it on the road,
Loved the aggressive looks, AWD, I'm a mitsu fan

 

Cause I can't afford the insurance on an evo and when I got a quote on the WRX it was still about $75/month more than the Ralliart.

 

It's aggressive look caught my attention from the beginning. Would have wanted an evo but too expensive as far as insurance and payments.

 

Me?
I love the removable roof rack (Sportback FTW) for my kayaks and MTBs. Holds my gear.
Turbo AWD
Looks. It means a lot to me. Call me shallow.
rare. i still have not SEEN a black RA SB... except on the web. At the dealership the salesman actually said, 'i don't think they make a sportback RA...'

I plan to pull the trigger in a few months. I am not in a hurry. My Mazda Protege5 still runs like a mashed cat and keeps a corner with a BMW M3... It is just beat up looking and rattles like a spray paint can in a dryer!

 

I love the aggressive styling, great and fun to drive, auto trans SST (wife) , AWD , very roomy interior that fits four 6'+ 90Kg guys, 5 year manufactors warranty and 10 years on engine and drive train, 4 doors. It drives like a normal 2ltr 4 unless you boot it and then hmm it boots back.

 

How'd you get a 10 year warranty on the engine and transmission?

 

comes standard with all mitsu in australia. We even get capped service and 5 year roadside assist. Think my 15k service cost me $155.00.

http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/...ntage/overview
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/...anty-10-5-year

 

i have an aftermarket warranty for 10 years 100k.. lol wait till they see the $9k tranny job

 

The way this car looks and, believe it or not, the steering wheel and the way the wheel felt along with the handling. Its not too hard to turn

(although sometimes while driving a bit aggressively with your right hand on the shifter knob and your left hand on the wheel can be tough!),

but you get GREAT feedback, very nicely weighted. I like details and mitsu got that right, along with some other stuff too....

 

This is true and not often mentioned. The steering feedback is very good. Got to appreciate this now they are putting the electronic power steering in cars now, which provide little real feedback.

 

I actually read a lot of reviews between the RA and other comparable cars where the RA would be rated lower in a lot of technical areas vs. other cars but the reviewer still prefered the RA because of the steering and ride quality of the car once the road got curvy.

 

I live in Colorado and I needed a car with AWD, turbo, enough room for my family, comfortable as a DD and very fun to drive. It handled last winter like a champ. I would highly recommend you replace the factory tires right away. I made a deal with a local tire shop and drove there right after I got the car. They bought my factory tires from me since they only had 25 miles on them. (sweet!)

Bottom line: The Ralliart is comfortable, fun to drive and no competitor came close to the price (23.5 OTD)