Alright so Ill start by introducing myself, My names Mike. Im from West Virginia and im currently going to tech school for electric distribution. I am getting my financial aid soon and im looking to buy a car. Found a great deal on a 2003 Lancer ES, unfortunately its an automatic trans, but the price is unbeatable. Its in great shape with 95thousand miles....$3500. I blue booked it at like $6400. I think its a good deal, it seems to run good, no strange noises or lack of power. no oil/Fluids leaking anywhere..

Basically what I wanna ask is, What are the typical problems of these lancers. What should I look out for.. I want this car for now until I can afford an EVO. Ive always wanted an evo, but this will have to do for now. Thanks

 

depends on the upkeep from previous owner,though if you read through these forums you will find ALOT of problems with these lancers. mine had a blown headgasket when i bought it so i replaced the engine, i havnt had many issues other than normal wear and tear but my previous owner did nothing to the car. alot of smart guys on here to help with issues and guide you. if they will let you take it and run any hidden codes they might of cleared. check the oil for metal flakes and while its running see if the overflow tank on the radiator is bubbling(blown headgasket) just check it. thats alot of money to me for that year and that many miles, but thats just me.

 

You think that's a lot of miles? I thought it was fairly low compared to everything else in my area. Then again I can't spend much more than 4000. I'll check it out thoroughly. I just want it to last a few years. I don't plan on running it hard. It's just going to be my family car until I can buy an EVO 8.

 

well its not bad ive just never had that much money to spend on a car ive always had to buy em broken and then rebuild them but that is about what they are goin for. after my new motor mine has been pretty good. but now i have two lancers so i have alot of spare parts.

 

i bought my 03 lancer with 96k miles for just below 6k. haven't had any major issues

 

High mileage lancers seem to have very few issues as long as basic maintainance has been performed throughout its life

refer to this thread for more info

 

Umm...most common issue I'm aware of, stupid temp (hot/cold) knob or cable or gear popping and leaving you stuck on one or the other, lol.