So I am new to the forum and have been lurking for about 6-9 days. I am thinking of trading in my 2006 IS350 for this. Does it seem like a good deal? Also, are there any gotchas I should be looking for. I talked to the salesman and he said there were no signs of aftermarket parts, but it worries me that the last owner only had since late 2k13.

I know it is crazy to want to go from my fully loaded IS350 to a bare bone, cloth seat lancer, but I have always missed the turbo4 platform from my 98 GST way back when. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, I hope to join the ranks soon!

 

Nevermind the cloth seats, an IS 350 is a much higher class car than a Ralliart in general. In most ways it's a better, also a fair bit faster...

If you're buying a Ralliart, you might want to check if the transmission fluid has been changed yet, that's very important for these cars. If not, make sure you do that. Otherwise give it a good test drive and make sure that shifts are quick.

 

A trans service (trans fluid and filter change) should have been done at around 30,000 miles. Also make sure to check that the ACD Pump is in working order as this is a major issue with our cars as most go out right around this mileage and cost from $700-$2000 to fix. Also the 09s also have an issue with stretched timing chains so that would also have to be checked before purchasing.
I love my Ralliart for many reasons including AWD and being turbocharged. My car is also fully loaded with Recaros and HIDs so that is a huge plus. My car is quite upgraded as well and feels like a totally different car after some upgrades and a tune!

 

Thanks guys for the pointers. So quick update: I did not pull the trigger today for a few reasons.
I test drove 2 Ralliarts today, both were lackluster at best. One was completely beaten on (including 2 wrecks) and the other was well maintained (2x transmission fluid changes at that dealership), but the dealership would not budge on the price (it is priced well above KBB). I will say I love the sounds this thing puts off (compared to my quiet IS), but the lack of power is definitely noticeable. I also seemed to have more fun driving a Mini Cooper S (6MT) than the DCT. I absolutely loved the kick in the pants around 3500 RPMs tho and you cant beat the looks of the lancer. I did have a few questions:

Would you all suggest the 2k10 over the 2k9?
Is the transmission "clunkyness" at parking lot speeds normal?
Are Cali Ralliarts different than the rest of the states?

As it stands right now, I think I am going to privately sale my current vehicle (so I dont have to deal with the typical trade in BS) all while still searching a warm state for the perfect one (think FL, TX, and CA). I am in no rush and in fact, may even buy the upgrades before the car! Again thanks for all the help and I look forward to being in the group some time.

 

I do suggest the 2010 over the 2009 for a couple reasons: One year newer vehicle, Colored gauge display instead of the orange, and no worry about the stretched timing chain.
I pretty much believe all Cali cars are different than the rest because of emission reasons.
It doesnt take much to get the Ralliart really moving. A simple e-tune really helps and throw in a boost pill with that tune and you'll notice quite a difference. I have a feeling that parts and maintenance for the Ralliart is way cheaper than that of the Lexus.

 

The SST is jerky at parking lot speeds that's normal, just like how a MT would behave if you just leave it in gear and don't go neutral.

If all of your concerns are about power, you are in luck, the engine is very mod friendly if your goals are reasonable.

 

The Lancer GTS and under do have California specific exhaust components for California emissions.

The Ralliart does not. The only part I have ever found the is different on RA's in California is the Vapor canister. one part is California the other is Federal.

 

If I were you I would search and find a nice Evo 9. I would not waste my time with a Ralliart, no offense to the owners that are in here. Id rather have my iron block closed deck 4G63 over an aluminum open deck 4B11 any day. Especially when going for high horsepower.

 

That all depends on preference and whether or not he wants to buy a used car. Its been proven that the 4B11T motor can handle high hp. The trans can really only handle about 350 wtq then the clutch packs need an upgrade.
Most people on here arent building high hp cars so this platform is absolutely fine. The Ralliart runs the Evo IX awd system also.

 

The 350 HP mark is also a good bit.. not just because of the clutch but also those teeny tiny brakes are a bit of money to upgrade the right way (ie getting wheels to clear bigger calipers, rolling fenders and don't forget new tires to go with the wheels.oh and a good set is over 2k) I'm actually rather considering a brake upgrade over the cbrd full turbo as I'm afraid My current brakes don't fair well above 70mph... it would be great to get them properly done. So here's the kicker.. If you do what I want to do. Between the turbo and brakes.. just estimate about 5-6k for everything.. how far off would you be from getting an evo instead (GSR)

 

My brakes work absolutely fine and Im running the CBRD turbo. Only thing Ive done is bought new pads and cut my stock rotors. The brakes are fine for a 300-400hp car. If anything buy some upgraded rotors but calipers arent necessary for this hp amount. Its not really easy to find calipers anyways and the couple kits that are available arent cheap one bit!
Im running 18x8.75 wheels on 225/40 tires with a fender roll that I did myself because of the drop with my Tein springs.

 

Except for a straight line, My RA will crush an IS350 on any track. those are straight line cars only, nice power, but nothing to back the weight they're pulling around. And they suffer from massive under steer,.. You can buy a new RA for $24k in Ca, and build the **** out of it for less than $30 total.. For that extra $6k you'll get, KWs, recaros, BBS, and now we have the option of 6 piston Cadillac and corvette brakes, an option not avail to evos or IS.. Add the EVO x turbo that's easily found for $350, and you'll have evrything you need..

Is there anything near that for $30 total, tune included? If so, I'm int..

And I've had two Lexus's, you'll probly never a more reliable car, but they're pricy on evry end. Parts, ins gas etc...

 

Have you considered the EVO X, or even the new 2015 WRX? I think you'd be much happier with the subtle differences compared to the Ralliart.

 

If you only have a budget for the ralliart, then go for it. Otherwise, I would say get an Evo or look at another car again. I will say, however, that the car can get some good gains if you know what you're doing in terms of what aftermarket parts to purchase. In terms of performance, I made a terrible mistake on purchasing a brand new UR muffler lol. Sorry for going off topic.

 

My fiancé went from an IS300 to a 370z and loves it! But she doesn't need a four door lol. If you want something compare able to your IS350 get a G37Sx. It's AWD and I know it's not a turbo but 330ish HP is pretty good. If you're set on the Ralliart tough you can get leather seats and such as wel as the SSS package. It'll never be anywhere close to the Lexus as far as interior quality or refinement/luxury but it's not bad. That being said. My RA is as base as they get and that's how I wanted it. Things like a sunroof and the RF sub in the SSS package add weight I didn't want, well, .,,because RACECAR (yeah, I went there lol)