I've owned my Ralliart for about a year and a half now and it's been a great car. No major problems, very fun to drive. However, the times are changing and things aren't the same as when I initially bought it. Finances are becoming tighter, my possible upcoming career opportunity (law enforcement), etc.

While I know fuel is expensive in this car for the lower-than-average fuel economy and fears of the SST or timing chain taking a poop, I don't foresee these being an issue since a lot of 2011 owners are having better luck with theirs compared to the 2009-2010 models, and yes I know anything can happen at any time. And the fuel thing, nothing I can do about that other than drive like a grandma most times.

I've also dumped a lot of money in this car in mods and labor for things I couldn't get done due to lack of tools or location. The car isn't perfectly set up how I want it, especially these awful DWS tires that feel like marshmallows. I really can't afford to keep dumping money into it for now, but I don't want to get rid of her either. Plus, going back to stock wouldn't be fun for me anymore since I enjoy the car a LOT more the way it is (minus the tires).

If I did end up trading her in, I'd stick with Mitsubish, probably an Outlander Sport. I just don't like CVT's, but I guess I could live with it. Better on gas with 87 octane, cheaper maintenance, more cargo room (I now wish I had the Sportback, man would that have come in handy on several occasions), less tempting to mod... But the "fun" wouldn't be there anymore, and I enjoy having fun driving to and from work, or wherever I drive to. That's simply not what the OS is for. Now... if they made an Outlander Sport Ralliart, I'd be happy to trade my car in for it... but that will never happen because Mitsubishi isn't bright enough to do so.

So, I'm torn. On one hand, I love this car, best vehicle I've owned besides my F-150 I owned in high school. But on the other hand, it's getting too expensive, and I haven't even done any major maintenance yet. Plus, I wouldn't be able to sell/trade the car the way it is, I'd have to revert it back to stock which wouldn't be an easy task.

 

I'm in the same exact boat as you, except I haven't put as much work into my car as yours (don't have the evo x IC or the coils).

I wish there was a sportback model available when I bought my RA, I play hockey as a goalie and putting the huge bag in the backseat of my car kills me. I've scratched the window with the bag and it's just disgusting having a smelly bag in the backseat.

I was extremely close to trading to an outlander sport, but like you said, there wouldn't be any fun in that car. I test drove one a few times and although it is a really comfortable drive and there's a lot of nice tech in there compared to my RA (RF audio, panoramic moonroof, heated seats, etc), the car is really really slow. I was flooring it out of the parking lot and it sounded like we were going somewhere but the pickup was really slow. I really hope they eventually make a ralliart trim of the OS and throw the 4b11t in there, but then again, there would be no 31mpg or the ability to use regular gas in it.

It's a hard decision to make, but you just have to weigh your options and make an educated decision. I love having a faster than average car, but I never go to the track or drag strip because there isn't one close to me, and so I barely get to drive the car fast, so is it really worth having a fast car for daily driving?

Edit: I haven't done any major work either because I don't have the funds for it, and I really hope the timing chain holds up (knock on wood)

 

Hey hey, don't be knocking on stock I hear ya though. I have 0 mods except for Plastidip on my RA because modding is expensive. Bills are far more important than buying an exhaust and what not on my car. I'm stoked to even say I drive an RA. It beats a LOT of cars If you have to revert back to stock, I'd say don't be sad to. This gets you from point A to point B, it's better than a p.o.s. vehicle. As for the Outlander, I've never really took a look at them, but I'm sure it will save you money with 87 octane and other things. Hope you get things figured out financially soon.

 

Bringing this back up, as I might be selling the RA tomorrow morning...

I have a few options in mind for a new vehicle. There is an almost fully loaded 2012 Outlander Sport SE AWD for $21k, which is a great deal. I also found a base 2012 Outlander GT for $24k, which has gotten my attention lately.

 

To be honest, it really doesn't sound like you want to. As long as it's possible, you should just do what makes you happiest.

 

No, you're right, I don't want to. But things have changed with my new career and whatnot.

 

As bossssman said, you do have to weigh your options and make an educated decision, but I think there's also something to be said for the happiness factor. I know people who have had to trade in cars for similar reasons and in the end the happiness they had with the first car outweighed the savings on the second car.

Obviously, everyone is different and that remorse isn't guaranteed, but I think it's a worthwhile point to consider. Before you decide to trade in, see if you can make any economical cutbacks that allow you to keep the car.

 

I know you have been considering this a very long time so im not gonna try to sway you. Sorry to hear it though man But its for the better. I would go w AWD but i also havent test driven either of them... But im sure you know dont settle! cant spell dealers without deals!

Best of luck in your future endeavors!

 

So trade it in for the sport back and sell what mods u have for the down payment.