Hey everyone, it's a pleasure to be a member on this forum. This post is directed toward those who own or have driven a 2008 GTS Lancer with the CVT transmission. So here are my concerns first:

1. Power! - Everyone seems to complain about it when reviewing this car, both professional and consumer reviews. Everyone. It's got me a bit worried. I'm obviously not looking for a speed racer, but the lazy throttle response and weak HP for the weight of the car has me nervous I won't even be able to pass anyone on the highway. Is it really that bad? I have done some research and I know the GTS will come with a 2.4 L 174PH engine for the 2009 model which will probably take care of the power complaints, but I don't want to wait that long. Sorry, the car is so hot, I want it now!

2. No stability or traction control. This is a bummer and I don't know why it wasn't part of the GTS model.

3. No telescoping wheel. Again, why wasn't this on the GTS model? Has not having a telescoping wheel been an issue for you?

My questions:

1. Approximately what RPM's is the engine turning while doing 80 MPH?

2. How are the interior noise levels? I'm not talking about flooring it under hard acceleration, I mean more like cruising on the highway at 70 or 80 MPH. Is it really loud, or moderate?

3. How are the seats? Are they comfortable for long drives?

4. How well do the paddle shifters really work? Are they more of a gimmick or can you really control the car like a manual transmission? This will be my first manual transmission in 15 years so I'm a little concerned. But I've had it with manual transmissions and the rush hour grind, I'm ready to stop shifting for myself!

The dealership I will be buying the car from is getting in a large shippment at the end of the month, and specifically they are getting a fully loaded GTS in the color I want. Obviously I will answer a lot of these questions myself when I test drive the car, but while I'm waiting for the next three weeks I would appreciate your feedback before the car arrives. A big thanks in advance for anyone who takes the time to respond.

 

1. I'm impressed with the power. Screw the haters. This car has giddy-up.

2. Why does it need it? Simple FWD car. Low-HP 2L motor. You aren't driving a 350Z!

3. Hasn't bothered me one bit.

Part 2:

1. No clue, I drive the speed limit (60 in Ohio). Sorry.

2. Moderate. Noise level doesn't bother me at all.

3. Very comfy. I've put 1200 miles on it and I'm still very happy with the seats.

4. Paddles work really well. It's like manual without all the clutch fuss. You'll like it.

Hope that helps.

 

1. I agree with blacksheepdj; the GTS has plenty of power. No, it's not a Mustang GT. And NOT everyone is trashing it for a lack of power. As has been pointed out many times, it's not the Evo so if that's what you want, wait for it. Even without using the paddleshifters I have NO complaints about the power available.

2. I don't really see that it's needed. The car has tons of grip and the brakes are phenomenal.

3. Nope, it's not a big deal for me at all.

1. Uphill? Downhill? On a flat patch of road? If I had to hazard a guess, about 2500-3000 in auto mode on a flat road while cruising at 80. The car is surprising quick and at times I've found myself doing 80 without realizing I'd reached that speed.

2. Sorry, let me turn down the stereo. Hmmm... nice and quiet. Much quieter than the Escort I used to drive. Is it a Rolls? No. But it's pretty quiet.

3. Not as many miles (although very close) as blacksheepdj, but I'd say they are quite comfortable.

4. It's not quite like a manual - no clutch to depress so you can "powershift" while not letting up on the gas. And you don't have to shift at all if you don't want to. The car accelerates very nicely in auto mode, even when passing at highway speeds it's not necessary to move it into manual shifting to pass quickly. I find myself using the paddleshifters a lot less than I thought I would.

Enjoy your test drive; make sure you take the time to really drive it and don't let the salesman distract you from really driving the car. Get it on a windy road and you'll see where this car truly excels. I live in the eastern edge of the Appalachians and I love driving this car through the hills and backroads.

 

This is a major +1. I bought the car thinking it would be in manual 24-7, but it's very fun in auto. I use the paddles for fun, but for lazy-driving, auto is still plenty fun.

I'm at 1500 miles now.

 

1420 this morning

Oh, and on the small flat patch between Hagerstown and Frederick on I-70 it was 80 MPH and 2500 RPM.

 

<cough>bullsh*t<cough>

Just kidding. I'm glad to be hearing so many good things about the '08. I might have to check one out when i get home this fall.

 

I'm getting old, man. Boring job, slow driving, retirement plan, fiancee, big car payment. Next thing I know, I'll be going to bed at 9pm or something.

 

1600 on mine.
I broke the car at 110 mph yesterday and I have to say it handled really well and I was using the CVT to hit that mark. Never got it to 6th either. Damn the car can really fly.

 

I test drove the GTS w/ CVT and a DE w/ 5spd yesterday. I wasn't sure about the CVT from what I've read, but it wasn't bad at all. It was better than I expected. As far as the 5 spd, I didn't think it was any better than the CVT. If I do get one, I'll get the CVT. The power delivery was fairly smooth and the paddle shifters worked quite well. The power was fine and aceleration from 60-80 was pretty good. I can't compare it to my current car, but overall I was impressed with the GTS. I don't see a need for traction control on this car, it handles fine. I didn't even notice whether it had a telescoping steerinf column. My car doesn't have it, so it isn't a factor for me.

 

Man, I am in the exact same boat.
Work, fiancee, car payments, 401k and the need of speed is no longer a need. Wedding plans, weekend BBQ's at the job?
WTF is wrong with me?

 

The 2008 Lancer. Specially designed for the Generation Xer joining the Rat Race.



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OK, enough of this. Let's stay on topic now...

 

Yeah if you told me a year ago I'd be driving an auto, I would have laughed in your face. I liked the idea of the paddle shifters and now that I have it (2nd day) , I havent even used the paddles! Kind of nice to be in a nice quiet car instead of my other 2 non-exhaust-having cars and not have to shift all the time

I have an SR swapped 240SX and a fully built Civic turbo and I have not once thought to myself "this motor is weak" its enough for this car, its not an EVO but the car handles awesome, brakes awesome too and Im used to driving cars with cages, full blown suspension setups, upgraded brakes and I find myself surprised when driving this car