I just got back from a week's vacation in Florida. I left Maryland in the '08 Lancer ES at 9,900 miles and returned with 12,300, and I'm very pleased with the car. Much of the drive was along highways with 65 or 70 MPH speed limits, and the Lancer just gobbled up the miles. It is nice that even in 5th gear there is enough to accelerate from 65 or 70 when desired. Back in my college days, my '83 Nissan Sentra had something like 85 hp from its 1.6 liter engine, and acceleration from 70 MPH was basically not an option. The Lancer motor was silky-smooth for the whole trip.

My wife rode most of the miles in the back seat with our 9-year-old son, reading, playing games, etc. Neither of them made a single complaint about being uncomfortable. I'm 6'4" and 190 lbs, and I can't complain much about comfort either. After 3 hours at a time in the car, my butt would start to get a bit sore, but use of the cruise, and short stops every 3 hours or so would generally remedy the situation. I do regret not having a telescoping steering wheel.

Gas mileage was over 30 MPG. Can't complain about that!

 

damn..thats one long trip. I was actually thinkin about driving down to miami from NY for spring break. I'mma end up buying a plane ticket since I have to drive alone and no one to switch off with.
glas u like the car

 

Agree 100% about the telescoping steering wheel. Really wish it had one.

 

I don't think I've been in a car that has one.

 

My Boxster has telescope but no tilt! Go figure . . .

 

yeah. the only two things I'm going to miss about my jetta are the telescoping wheel and the blue dash lights.

 

Blue dash lights are available for us too.

 

Are they relatively cheap and easy to install? Might be something for me to look into. I want to get the windows tinted ASAP after I get it.....gotta make sure to get the moleskin too haha