Hello everyone, I have few questions to throw to you guys.

As prior to getting this car, I heard some problems that Lancer's struggling with.

I just want to confirm some stuff with you guys.

1. Thin paint,, paint easily get chipped.. Is this same for 2009 models too?
2. 2008GTS leaning towards left while driving.. Is this only on GTS models?
3. Loud Engine noise..
Now, are there anymore problems that I'm not aware of?

I really would appreciate all your help and support as I'm looking for my very first car.
My idea is to go with 2008SE or 2009GT or Honda civics.
All 3 cars are on similar budget line, in general, which one would you guys prefer?
I live in Canada, I don't need a navigation system, I'm not interested in tuning the car, it's look is pretty important for me, will get black coloured for sure.

 

get the GTS, for what your paying your getting way better value. If you are looking buy and the paint chip is your concern. talk to the GM before you buy. your sales agreement is a contact. if you have paint chips in a certain manner. work it out ahead of time and have them shoulder some of the responsiblity.

 

paint will always be mitsu problem . i would say get 2009 gts they r basically the same price, ppl say engine noise is loud but i dont really think so, plus i got intake and exchuast and im always listenign to music so it doesnt really matter to me. but im not aware of problems the 09 gts has

 

hmmm... i dnt knw bout that. Maybe these people had some suspension mods and has yet to get alignments. Ive had mine for almost 10 months. No problems at all. I suggest u get the 2009 fully loaded if u have the budget. Should come out within 21-22k prior to taxes (thats atleast from my dealer)

 

I have test drove the 2008 and 2009. I got my 2009 for 21,000 aprox but really got it for around 20,200 because they gave me way to much for my trade-in and I got a free 80gig ipod with the deal.

The larger engine in the 2009 didnt make it any louder and I thought the handeling was even better than the 2008. I probably will get the clear armor coat over the front of the car to prevent rocks due to the thin paint. (300$ at my dealership so that comes out to a extra 5$ a month so well worth it)

Over all with a 6k downpayment I came out with 16.3k to pay off at 4.9%apr over 60 months so not to bad.

 

The lean to the left shouldn't happen, i'd check the suspension and alignment

 

1. That's probably going to be ANY car you buy. Automakers are cheaping out on the paintjobs. I've seen complaints from MANY different brands.

2. No, it's all of them. More so on the GTS, which has lead many to believe it's the tires. But it's also that makes the camber "non-adjustable", so if one side gets more camber, the car will pull towards that side. Easily fixed with camber bolts.

3. No clue what you're talking about.

I can't give you advice on what to buy. Buy the car that will make you happy. Not what Internet forum members tell you to...

 

does it really matter for us 08 Lancer owners to be bothered by 09 2.4 ones? yeah its 168... Fed spec is 153. pzev spec is 143. But do we really need that 20hp lost?

 

1. all Mitsu's have crappy paint from what I've heard, the 09s should be no different
2. seems like only the GTS have this problem, no problems with my SE
3. engine noise is kinda loud from the outside but I find it very quiet once you're inside

 

Only if you have no life whatsoever and the most important thing in your whole world is HP.