I've done some searching, but most were older threads, so I'd like to ask for current owners, after they've put some miles on their cars...

First off, I'm a prospective RA owner, I'm looking at the sportbacks in particular. I have a wagon fetish I guess ( I used to own a Forester XT, and up till recently was looking at an E61 - BMW 535XI estate... but reliability comes into question ). It seems people are able to have a decently reliable DD out of the RA's.

Current daily is an 08 Miata GT, which is a bit... small Love it, just need more room, hence the SB. Toy car is an 88 Mitsubishi Starion.

Anyway

Some RA's come with Recaro's - for those who have owned them long term, complaints? Those without the Recaro's, I noticed the seats still have some decent side bolstering. Anyone ever feel they were lacking in lateral support?

Is the Rockford Fosgate/MMC really worth it, or is the nav not updated at all whatsoever by Mitsu.

I'm aware the SST needs to be maintained religiously, and 08-09's have timing chain issues ( at least the Evo's did to my understanding ). Any reason why to avoid an 08-09 RA beyond that and the fun color LCD between the gauges?

Goal would be to have a reliable daily wagonthingamadoodle that could have some corner carving fun on a weekend here and there - figured upgrade to hard pipes, springs ( for starters ) and better tires ( Michelin Pilot AS3's are a godsend ), upgrade sways and a strut bar.

 

Looks like you have done your research. I own a 2009 with 111,000 miles, did my first trans fluid change/rear diff/transfercase at 67,000 miles, then again at 108,000. Change my oil every 5k with Mobile 1 synth. Its been a very reliable daily driver, I average 19kmiles/year. My seats are regular and still feel like the day I bought them. Strong cushions. (I've sat in Recaros and I highly recommend them) but my regular seats have never been lacking anything in comfort.

On cold mornings, I do feel a little slip in my gears but it goes away after a couple minutes.

 

If you're set on getting the Sportback, you have to limit your search to '10 and '11 (only years it was offered). I love it, really sets it apart from the Evo. The other advice I would offer is to look for one with a sunroof, as that is a sure indicator you're getting HID, leather, heated seats, RF stereo... i.e. a higher trim/package that most used car dealers don't know about. More value for your money.

 

I suggest looking for a 2010+ for the reasons you already mentioned. I have the Recaro package and absolutely love the seats. Ive driven my car 4+hours at a time without comfort issues. I have the nav system as well and although its nice to have Id say its not necessary but I like having a decent stereo already installed in my car so I like the RF stereo.
One issue you need to keep an eye on is the dreaded ACD pump problem. Most of these have gone out around 40,000-60,000 miles and usually on cars that drive in pretty bad winters because the salt is really ruining them. They cost anywhere from $700-$2000 to fix depending on parts and labor.
I love my Ralliart and at 60,000 miles, other than the pump I havent had an issues with my car. They are pretty reliable but maintenance really needs to be kept up with on these cars!
As far as parts go, if the car comes stock, I suggest replacing the intercooler and piping as its well known to be to small for the car. An intake will require an immediate tune once install. If you are gonna change anything on the exhaust a cat-back will sound good but alone wont yield much hp. The cat is very restrictive and if replaced will help alot with the hp but will also require a tune once installed. There are alot of things that can be done and searching is the only way you'll know what youre gonna want to do.

 

I love my Recaro seats but everyone who gets in my car hates that little lip they have to get over to get out lol.

Fosgate system is amazing! Hardest hitting stock sound system i have ever used.

 

I'd have to agree about the Fosgate system being awesome. Unfortunately I don't have it in my Ralliart, but it sounded amazing in my Lancer GTS.

 

Ive got a 2010 RA SB with about 58,000km, with recaros and the non RF stereo

Love the car i bought it to be a practical DD... And im planning to keep this car as long as possible

i can stuff my snowboarding gear, my dog, my mountain bike, 50" flat screen, and all sorts of things in the back with the seats down with no issue



The stereo;

i previously had the last gen ralliart with a custom stereo system that pounded, and same with the car before that so this is my first stock stereo ive had because its the first one I've been happy with

ive got a friend with the RF system in his SB and I'm not a fan of it, simply because i find it doesn't sound all that better and the sub sounds cheap

This could have been due to the quality of my buddies music or the way he tuned it who knows but i certainly wouldnt pay extra money for that system

personally i used the stock non RF system for 3 ish years with no complaints except occasionally missing that deep/loud bass frequency

Ive recently upgraded my headunit simply just for ipod control and the ability to tweak the sound just a little bit

So having the RF system from the get go definitly isn't a deal breaker



The recaros;

I love them, passengers have mixed reveiws but to hell with them lol

The only bad thing I've experienced is some occasional discomfort as im 5'8" and 230lbs im a broad guy so on odd occasions i have trouble getting completely comfortable between the bolsters

and on the fabric seats ive developed a wear point on the left hand bolster of the drivers seat from getting in and out over the years



Mechanical/performance;

Absolutly none, i was on a stage 1 cobb OTS map after a month after owning it for about 2 years and now stage 2 with intake map for the last 2 years

Switched over to Pentosin ffl2 fluid & SSP stainless filter about 10,000kms ago for my SST and no issues as of yet


One thing I've found is on the rear fenders at about the 10 o'clock position they will dent and stay that way if you bump into them too hard... Ive got matching dents on my car that I've yet to get pulled (could prob be popped out with a fender roller)

Other then that i just wish mileage was better, but who buys an AWD turbo charged car for gas mileage lol


Happy buying I

 

The 2010 was the only Sportback that had Recaro's as an option from the Factory.
They dropped it in 2011.

I Ordered a 2011 Sportback touring which had heated leather non-Recaro's which are nice but will not keep you planted like the Recaro's.

You can always buy some used off an Evo though and swap them out.

 

Do it!

It is a great car (I came from the Protege5 and this does all that did and MOAR POWAH!)

Removable Thule roof racks (look under the little plastic covers on the roof

With maintenance very reliable.

Hardest part? FINDING ONE! GL. You may not have many options to choose from - you may have to buy a used base one (like me) and then add HIDs, NAV, etc - I did and saved $12K over buying the car new with all the options I wanted.

 

I chose the RA for many of the same reasons you are mentioning. I drive almost 200 miles per day. Have the R sport seats that are aftermarket leather and the Rockford system which is also great.

So far the only problem I've had is the ACD pump. "4 wheel drive system" light comes on periodically. Common issue already mentioned.

Another "issue" I guess is that the rear control arms are not adjustable so I did have some uneven tire wear after lowering the car with Eibach springs.

I've also done the Evo X swap and would recommend if you have a good shop close or can do the work yourself. You can find the parts cheap because of all the people upgrading their Evo X. (Turbo, Manni, IC and piping etc)

The $10k tranny is un-nerving - but I try not to think about it.

Very happy with the car - and will consider getting another one if the new version exists and looks nice. The only other issue is that I don't feel "grown up" in this car VS a BMW \ AUDI etc. but I also NEVER see them so that is cool.

Good luck.

 

totally forgot about those...which reminds me i need to buy a roof rack

 

2010 RA Sedan with 105k km's

bought the car at 89k, changed oil and fluid at 96k and I've not really had any problems of note. I did call the mitsu dealer the previous owner used to take it and luckily he did take care of it for the previous 89k of it's life.

I do have the regular seat, and while I've drivin in an RA with recaro's, I'm hesitant to give my seats up. the height adjustment is nice to have to get comfy. I feel the bolstering is pretty solid on twisty roads (haven't tracked it yet).

Good luck with your choice!

 

Isn't there one in the FS section right now?

 

Also i would suggest relocating the acd pump or sealing it so you don't have the dreaded awd system light on like i got and costing you a good chunk of money thsts the only flaw i found in my ra

 

The regular seats suck *** when you are on the track, that's my only complain when I'm on the track.. But good comfort wise and easier to get in and get out of the car.