Okay, I just test drove a 02 ES Lancer. It had 17,600 miles on it and I actually kind of liked it. The dealer is asking 8,998 for it.. Is that a reasonable price? I didn't see any damage inside or out. The only thing I saw was a little chip on the back that could be touched up.. and the hubcaps were a little scratched. Those can be changed. I wanted to hear what you guys have to say? Is it a good car? I need a reliable car. Something that can get me back and forth to school and work. Also, I will be attending college in August, which is 200 miles away. I need something reliable and with good gas mileage. I need to know if I should get the car. If what you guys say is good, I'll call the dealer and have him take it off the lot now. Thanks. I really appreciate it.

Also, does the car have cruise control.. I forgot to look for it.

 

some have cruise control some don't.

02 es probably doesn't.

 

ive seen brand new 2002 es's going for about 9-10. is it auto or manual? cause that will cut like 900 off if its manual. Im sure the dealer is in desperate need to get rid of that car so try to bargain with him a little more.

 

Yes, he is in desperate need to get rid of it. I'm not sure if I saw cruise control.. That could be a HUGE CON for me. It's also Auto.

 

Ive seen brand new Es for that price

 

So, it's not a good deal? But also look at the mileage.. I'm not really sure about the resale values and all. This is the first time I ever thought about a Lancer. I also don't know much about them.

 

well i hear the oz rally is about 6k more. so my car was about 16k and im doing payments. its manual so thats 900 off of the sticker and it has a sunroof. What options does that es have. My friend bought a car from a dealer and WOW its a total piece.

 

No ESs had cruise as an option nor standard equip. You'll have to get an LS (I don't think I've ever actually seen one come to think of it. . . ) or the OZ.
If you want reliable- haggle them down some and go for it. If you want to slap a cheap turbo in it an be a drags monster you need a different car. They're fun to drive, though and with some suspension upgrades they'll handle well. Mine's been good in the little bit of snow we've had.
My landlady bought hers after seeing mine (paid cash, that *****) and drives to Portland from Seattle regularly. She also does shorter trips (75-100 mi) at least a couple weekends a month and she commutes in ****-*** Seattle traffic.

There you go. Let us know what you decide.

 

The car is farely basic. I just want something reliable. I don't need to do any upgrades or anything like that. I just want something that I know i'll be safe driving 200 miles to college and back. That's all. Other stuff, I can do later.

 

then why not get an echo

 

The car will serve you well, but don't pay 9000 for an ES with 18K. If you can get the dealer to the mid 7K range, it'd be a good deal, other wise, find a different dealer with new car stock and take advantage of model year closeouts.

A new Lancer with good finacing might not be much more than this guy wants for the used one.

 

Ok.. thanks for the advice. I really appreciate it. It turns out that my family's credit isn't too well at the moment anyways. I'll just wait until spring. I'll need to have another car by August though. I'll keep yall updated.

 

btw, I have an 03 es and I had the option of getting cruise/sunroof and every extra...

 

I do believe the ES had CC as an option. So if you decide to get this car, check for it (either in the controls or look for that brass thingy on the throttle body) and then bargain them down.

 

To be completely honest, I think you should opt with a Hyundai Accent or Elantra instead. They're doing a $1500 cash rebate on their 2003 model so you'll end up paying around the same for a used ES. With a Hyundai though, you get a 10 year warranty... So if reliability and maintanance cost are your main concerns, then that's what I would suggest.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Lancer a lot. My gf's OZ is great around town but it's got a short warranty plan (compared to 10 years, 100,000 miles offered by Hyundai) and it doesn't have the best gas mileage either.

Something to think about.