Hey everyone, i posted this in the lancer general section on the forum, but figured i might get a few more repliesif posted here

Hi all! I have a couple questions or issues rather that I want to see if anyone else has experienced or noticed with the new lancers.

First, the sound of the engine at idle, rather let me back that up, does anyone elses lancer with the Mivec have a god awful noise when you do a cold start? It lasts for about 5 secs. or so and only for a cold start. It basically sounds like a loud clacking noise from the engine bay, and the exhaust sounds equaly as bad. I contacted the stealership who said "its a normal start up noise". This being my first Mitsubishi, i went along with it. However, along with this "normal" start-up noise, when at idle, the car makes a clicking noise. I guess my father said it best "Is that the Lancer? i thought you had the Mercedes running" (I also have an 83 Mercedes Diesel, before hydrolic lifters) in a nut shell the engine sounds like a 4 banger Diesel engine. Anyone else notice this? Heck my Younger brothers 97' Altima with 152K on the clock is much MUCH quieter than this thing. ANyone else notice this, or have this issue?

Secondly is my windows constantly fogging up. I have to keep the front defrost on at all times it seems like. Seems like a windshield seal to me, what do you guys think


Other than that, i seem to pretty much have the normal complaints, like left front tire wear, the paint is Ridiculous on this car (tarmac black) Only had it for 9 months and the side skirts might as well be white, and scratches seem to apear daily, I also had the hard start issue, but the dealer updated the software. Other than that, it's an alright toy Best thing is, i was a bit hesitant to get a Mitsu, so instead of buying it, i leased it. I could buy it out in a couple years for around 3k, but if it starts falling apart and theres no paint left, ill just hand them the keys and say "your problem now!"

Sorry to be so long winded, after a few cups of coffee, i just dont shut up BUt if anyone has any input to my issues, its GREATLY appriciated!!

 

Ah, don't worry about being long-winded after coffee.... I just chugged one and I cant stop posting replies this morning. I feel ya

The engine idle is def. pretty nasty sounding on this baby. (i have an 09 gts... mivec is also new to me) I hear the constant little clicking and the ugly exhaust rattle as well. I think its normal also. I used to have an '03 OZ and that thing was soooo quiet, so this was disquieting to hear. The initial noise you hear, Im not so sure about.

And as far as the scratches go... its black. It hurts to see it, but its gonna happen. Every speck of sand that hits the hood, every piece of mud that gets flung up from the wheels, and every time your finger lands on the paint you will have a new scratch. but boy does it look sweet with a fresh wash and even more at night. Nothing is better.

 

Yeah, all that stuff is normal. The paint is especially thin on the hood too, don't ride too closely behind people on the highway. I already have a ton of chips all over the place, luckily they aren't quite as noticeable on Rally Red, but I still know they're there.

One of the bolts holding the tin foil muffler tip had already rusted out sitting on the dealer's lot and broke off shortly after I got the car (brand new), so now that rattles while the car is warming up in idle. Once it gets warmed up, its not so bad, and I do like the car a lot, but I'm used to all the little quirks you get with a first year new car.
Just crank up the Fostgate a bit and you wont hear anything .