Hey guys,

New forum member here, I have a few questions regarding the differences between the 2012 Lancer GT and the 2010 Lancer GTS:

1. Are these essentially the same vehicle? I don't see a GTS trim for 2012, and don't recall coming across a GT trim for 2010.

2. Any big differences between these years/trims (aside from estimated MPG being slightly better on the 2012 model)?

I'm looking for a new daily driver (coming from a 2003 Civic sedan), and I've always been interested in the Lancer Evo (out of my price range), so I've been looking at the Lancer GT/GTS online.

My new vehicle needs to meet a few requirements (set forth by my wife):

1. Must be automatic transmission (I want something with some manual control, so paddle shifters are a must)

2. Must be able to technically seat 5 (in case there was some sort of emergency and we were not able to use my wife's Pilot)

3. Must be around $25k or under

I feel like the GT/GTS fits these requirements while also being an attractive and seemingly fun to drive daily driving vehicle.

Looks like I might be able to get into a new 2012 Lancer GT CVT w/ paddle shifters for about $20k, or a 2010 Lancer GTS CVT w/ paddle shifters (32k miles) for about $17-18k.

Which would you pick, and why?

Thanks guys!