I need some advice :)
Honestly the power is just not going to be attainable.
I personally think you would be better off in a 4 door E46 330i like my old 2005 ZHP. Torquey, geared DEAD-ON, and will outhandle any GTS on the planet. They can also be had all day long for less than $10k (mine was $48k when new), and the insurance is 1/4 was it is on the Evo. The price per mod is still high, but it's probably the best sedan for the money if all you're going to do is drive it stock.
Otherwise if you must have FWD (snow, etc) I'd look into a hot hatch like the GTI or an "economy" German sedan like the Jetta. Again, gearing is done correctly on these cars and they will smoke a GTS to 100, and never feel slow. The Lancer GTS is way too overpriced for the amount of car you get if you're not into modding, and the 270hp Accords will kill it.
I personally think you would be better off in a 4 door E46 330i like my old 2005 ZHP. Torquey, geared DEAD-ON, and will outhandle any GTS on the planet. They can also be had all day long for less than $10k (mine was $48k when new), and the insurance is 1/4 was it is on the Evo. The price per mod is still high, but it's probably the best sedan for the money if all you're going to do is drive it stock.
Otherwise if you must have FWD (snow, etc) I'd look into a hot hatch like the GTI or an "economy" German sedan like the Jetta. Again, gearing is done correctly on these cars and they will smoke a GTS to 100, and never feel slow. The Lancer GTS is way too overpriced for the amount of car you get if you're not into modding, and the 270hp Accords will kill it.
Full disclosure, I lived in Grand Junction and I can tell you that there are at least 20 better cars for the Rockies than a 160hp GTS.
MKIV Volkswagens will blow the doors off that car for $5k.
THAT SAID. If you want the GTS, buy it. Why do you want one so badly? The looks? The utility of a sedan?
MKIV Volkswagens will blow the doors off that car for $5k.
THAT SAID. If you want the GTS, buy it. Why do you want one so badly? The looks? The utility of a sedan?
It's been a while, but I can honestly say this after owning a 2002 OZ and a 2008 GTS - you won't be impressed. Granted, I did the opposite of you - OZ was manual, GTS was auto. But I can say from the "butt dyno" - the GTS did NOT feel quick or agile. The 4G94 might suck for going up a hill and such. But the GTS really felt like a big slow turtle on wheels.
As always, YMMV. Give it a test drive and see what you think. But in my honest opinion, I was not impressed by the 2008 (which is why I only kept it for a year).
As always, YMMV. Give it a test drive and see what you think. But in my honest opinion, I was not impressed by the 2008 (which is why I only kept it for a year).
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Full disclosure, I lived in Grand Junction and I can tell you that there are at least 20 better cars for the Rockies than a 160hp GTS.
MKIV Volkswagens will blow the doors off that car for $5k.
THAT SAID. If you want the GTS, buy it. Why do you want one so badly? The looks? The utility of a sedan?
MKIV Volkswagens will blow the doors off that car for $5k.
THAT SAID. If you want the GTS, buy it. Why do you want one so badly? The looks? The utility of a sedan?
a sedan, like th lancer ( 4 doors, nice trunk space..etc...) is perfect for transporting my music equipment haha. I could never do a 2 door... not a fan of SUV's either.Although, all the suggestions for cars you have provided have also sparked my interest as well
I want to try and keep my insurance from sky rocketing too.. right now, it is super cheap for me... under $100 a month cheap.
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It's been a while, but I can honestly say this after owning a 2002 OZ and a 2008 GTS - you won't be impressed. Granted, I did the opposite of you - OZ was manual, GTS was auto. But I can say from the "butt dyno" - the GTS did NOT feel quick or agile. The 4G94 might suck for going up a hill and such. But the GTS really felt like a big slow turtle on wheels.
As always, YMMV. Give it a test drive and see what you think. But in my honest opinion, I was not impressed by the 2008 (which is why I only kept it for a year).
As always, YMMV. Give it a test drive and see what you think. But in my honest opinion, I was not impressed by the 2008 (which is why I only kept it for a year).
I noticed that it was way quicker then my Oz and it felt a lot more controlled around turns. It also had a lot more power in second gear which is where my Oz suffered bad. I believe....
I just want a newer, more comfortable, a little more powerfull, more stable and manual sedan that looks bad ***. Do you think this would be a step in a good direction? I don't want a racecar/ Evo yet and I know this car doesn't even come close
Okay. I was unaware of the changes between the 2008 and 2009. That could easily make a big difference.
It's probably a step in the right direction.
PS - thinking back more, my OZ was so modified that it was nearly a dedicated autocross vehicle (that I drove everyday because I was that HARDCORE
). So that also alters the way I compare it to the new, bone-stock GTS I owned.
It's probably a step in the right direction.
PS - thinking back more, my OZ was so modified that it was nearly a dedicated autocross vehicle (that I drove everyday because I was that HARDCORE
). So that also alters the way I compare it to the new, bone-stock GTS I owned.
I can appreciate you liking the brand because of the reliability your family experienced, but you also admit to knowing little about cars. The truth is that Mitsubishi doesn't hold any records for quality of manufacture. Even Evos, with all their strengths, have weak wheel bearings and strut mounts that MAY last 40k miles if you're lucky.
By contrast, my BMW 330I went to 102k and drove like new when I sold it, and my wife's mkiv Jetta went to 132k with nothing more than service and a water pump. Spend some time in the mkiv section of vortex. There's a huge community for them also, as they are pretty much the Evos of the fwd world.
Sorry man, just trying to give it to you straight and help you out.
By contrast, my BMW 330I went to 102k and drove like new when I sold it, and my wife's mkiv Jetta went to 132k with nothing more than service and a water pump. Spend some time in the mkiv section of vortex. There's a huge community for them also, as they are pretty much the Evos of the fwd world.
Sorry man, just trying to give it to you straight and help you out.
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Okay. I was unaware of the changes between the 2008 and 2009. That could easily make a big difference.
It's probably a step in the right direction.
PS - thinking back more, my OZ was so modified that it was nearly a dedicated autocross vehicle (that I drove everyday because I was that HARDCORE). So that also alters the way I compare it to the new, bone-stock GTS I owned.
It's probably a step in the right direction.
PS - thinking back more, my OZ was so modified that it was nearly a dedicated autocross vehicle (that I drove everyday because I was that HARDCORE
). So that also alters the way I compare it to the new, bone-stock GTS I owned.Yeah, but even then, I heard a manual Oz was way more of an improvement over the auto, so I don't know what to think....
I think part of me only wants the GTS cause it is newer, a little more powerful and it looks really sick. It gives me something pretty new that I can call my own
Part of me also knows that it is not a huge step up from what I have and it is super over priced, consideringg it is $18k at quality Mitsubishi and I will get the lowest price possible from my Oz even though it is amazing condition (2006 with a little under 60k miles, almost perfect interior and exterior, no engine problems, new tires and all that jazz.) Only problem is, I am still making payments on my Oz and I wouldn't probably save much with my trade in :/
So confused and I just want a newer nicer manual with a little more power....
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I can appreciate you liking the brand because of the reliability your family experienced, but you also admit to knowing little about cars. The truth is that Mitsubishi doesn't hold any records for quality of manufacture. Even Evos, with all their strengths, have weak wheel bearings and strut mounts that MAY last 40k miles if you're lucky.
By contrast, my BMW 330I went to 102k and drove like new when I sold it, and my wife's mkiv Jetta went to 132k with nothing more than service and a water pump. Spend some time in the mkiv section of vortex. There's a huge community for them also, as they are pretty much the Evos of the fwd world.
Sorry man, just trying to give it to you straight and help you out.
By contrast, my BMW 330I went to 102k and drove like new when I sold it, and my wife's mkiv Jetta went to 132k with nothing more than service and a water pump. Spend some time in the mkiv section of vortex. There's a huge community for them also, as they are pretty much the Evos of the fwd world.
Sorry man, just trying to give it to you straight and help you out.
You know what it is, part of just wants a new car that is nicer then what I have that is a little more powerful and is just what I can call my own
Part of me understands that it is not much a step up from what I currently have and that it is a little over priced. I went and checked them out/ tried them out yesterday and they used one they had on the lot that was manual was 18k... it should be more like 13k used.. I also know that I wouldn't save much with my Oz trade in. I didn't have them look at the car, but I had them explain their process and they would give me the minimum even though she is in an amazing condition ( 2006 with a little under 60k, almost perfect interior and exterior, no engine problems, new tires and all that jazz...)
I just want a new car that is really nice and bad *** looking, reliable, a little more powerful then my current situation, comfortable, spacious (for a sedan), and that just is something really fun to drive...
Oh and I forgot to answer, I do need front wheel drive for all the snow out here in CO.
No no, I love to get the truth, that's why I asked you guys rather then the sales people cause they bend the truth just to sell you a ****ing car haha.
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If I can, which I know I can do, haggle them down to 13k for the GTS, would that be more worth it haha? TMV for that car is 14k with the sound and sun package, the car I test drove had neither.
13k is more worth it for sure. I wouldn't pay 18k for it if it came WITH A MKIV GTI. That's Evo price range.
As far as "records", I mean records as in first place, not service records. For example, for 2011: The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the sportiest options among Affordable Small Cars. While it receives solid marks for its handling and comfortable front seats, its cheap interior and subpar engine keep it at the bottom of the ranks.
The same would hold true for 2009 I'd imagine.
Personally, I'd look for something with a lot better performance and a helluva lot more soul. Like this,
2010 GTI 5-door
or this:
2008 Mazdaspeed 3
I guess my point is, if you are set on the Lancer, then get it! But if you think you might have buyer's remorse after getting it, or think it's a lot of money for a car you won't be happy with, then you owe it to yourself to shop around for some good, inexpensive ENTHUSIAST cars. Both of the above have huge followings, and for good reason. Spend some time on the forums and drive one of these on the same day you drive that GTS. That will help you make an informed decision, if nothing else.
Good luck!
That's Evo price range.As far as "records", I mean records as in first place, not service records. For example, for 2011: The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the sportiest options among Affordable Small Cars. While it receives solid marks for its handling and comfortable front seats, its cheap interior and subpar engine keep it at the bottom of the ranks.
The same would hold true for 2009 I'd imagine.
Personally, I'd look for something with a lot better performance and a helluva lot more soul. Like this,
2010 GTI 5-door
or this:
2008 Mazdaspeed 3
I guess my point is, if you are set on the Lancer, then get it! But if you think you might have buyer's remorse after getting it, or think it's a lot of money for a car you won't be happy with, then you owe it to yourself to shop around for some good, inexpensive ENTHUSIAST cars. Both of the above have huge followings, and for good reason. Spend some time on the forums and drive one of these on the same day you drive that GTS. That will help you make an informed decision, if nothing else.
Good luck!
^ Good advice, however he mentioned that the RA was out of his price range, which would most likely put the speed3 out of it as well...granted I don't know what is offered in your area/at what price but if you could find a speed3 at the price of a GTS I would also suggest going with the mazda.
The 2.4L GTS certainly fairs a lot better than the previous 2.0l, but it really is nothing to write home about in terms of power when left stock. A friend of mine had a manual OZ and I can assure you that the 2.4l gts is quicker and handles better.
Ultimately, you certainly could find a car that performs better than the GTS for a similar price, however if you are only concerned with reaching highway speeds and maintaing them comfortably the GTS will certainly fit the bill. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't seems as if you are too interested in modding whatever car you get, however if that ever changes, a few inexpensive mods would make the GTS a very enjoyable and affordable daily driver.
Hope that helps!
Mark
The 2.4L GTS certainly fairs a lot better than the previous 2.0l, but it really is nothing to write home about in terms of power when left stock. A friend of mine had a manual OZ and I can assure you that the 2.4l gts is quicker and handles better.
Ultimately, you certainly could find a car that performs better than the GTS for a similar price, however if you are only concerned with reaching highway speeds and maintaing them comfortably the GTS will certainly fit the bill. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't seems as if you are too interested in modding whatever car you get, however if that ever changes, a few inexpensive mods would make the GTS a very enjoyable and affordable daily driver.
Hope that helps!
Mark
Also, the Rockford Fosgate sound system that comes with the sight and sound pkg is absolutely breathtaking if you like listening to music when you drive. Chances are you won't find any car around the price range of a GTS that has that potential trifecta (Decent performance, affordable, and comfortable w. the aforementioned sound system). The car also looks nice compared to cars in its price range, but that of course comes down to a matter of personal opinion
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^ Good advice, however he mentioned that the RA was out of his price range, which would most likely put the speed3 out of it as well...granted I don't know what is offered in your area/at what price but if you could find a speed3 at the price of a GTS I would also suggest going with the mazda.
The 2.4L GTS certainly fairs a lot better than the previous 2.0l, but it really is nothing to write home about in terms of power when left stock. A friend of mine had a manual OZ and I can assure you that the 2.4l gts is quicker and handles better.
Ultimately, you certainly could find a car that performs better than the GTS for a similar price, however if you are only concerned with reaching highway speeds and maintaing them comfortably the GTS will certainly fit the bill. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't seems as if you are too interested in modding whatever car you get, however if that ever changes, a few inexpensive mods would make the GTS a very enjoyable and affordable daily driver.
Hope that helps!
Mark
The 2.4L GTS certainly fairs a lot better than the previous 2.0l, but it really is nothing to write home about in terms of power when left stock. A friend of mine had a manual OZ and I can assure you that the 2.4l gts is quicker and handles better.
Ultimately, you certainly could find a car that performs better than the GTS for a similar price, however if you are only concerned with reaching highway speeds and maintaing them comfortably the GTS will certainly fit the bill. Forgive me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't seems as if you are too interested in modding whatever car you get, however if that ever changes, a few inexpensive mods would make the GTS a very enjoyable and affordable daily driver.
Hope that helps!
Mark
its a great car I liked the way the GTS felt when I tested it 2 days ago
especially compared to my auto Oz... hahaWhat kind of inexpensive mods? I am down with that for sure
what are they?
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13k is more worth it for sure. I wouldn't pay 18k for it if it came WITH A MKIV GTI. That's Evo price range.
As far as "records", I meakn records as in first place, not service records. For example, for 2011: The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the sportiest options among Affordable Small Cars. While it receives solid marks for its handling and comfortable front seats, its cheap interior and subpar engine keep it at the bottom of the ranks.
The same would hold true for 2009 I'd imagine.
Personally, I'd look for something with a lot better performance and a helluva lot more soul. Like this,
2010 GTI 5-door
or this:
2008 Mazdaspeed 3
I guess my point is, if you are set on the Lancer, then get it! But if you think you might have buyer's remorse after getting it, or think it's a lot of money for a car you won't be happy with, then you owe it to yourself to shop around for some good, inexpensive ENTHUSIAST cars. Both of the above have huge followings, and for good reason. Spend some time on the forums and drive one of these on the same day you drive that GTS. That will help you make an informed decision, if nothing else.
Good luck!
That's Evo price range.As far as "records", I meakn records as in first place, not service records. For example, for 2011: The 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the sportiest options among Affordable Small Cars. While it receives solid marks for its handling and comfortable front seats, its cheap interior and subpar engine keep it at the bottom of the ranks.
The same would hold true for 2009 I'd imagine.
Personally, I'd look for something with a lot better performance and a helluva lot more soul. Like this,
2010 GTI 5-door
or this:
2008 Mazdaspeed 3
I guess my point is, if you are set on the Lancer, then get it! But if you think you might have buyer's remorse after getting it, or think it's a lot of money for a car you won't be happy with, then you owe it to yourself to shop around for some good, inexpensive ENTHUSIAST cars. Both of the above have huge followings, and for good reason. Spend some time on the forums and drive one of these on the same day you drive that GTS. That will help you make an informed decision, if nothing else.
Good luck!
Oh yeah haha... that makes sense. I thought you meant they don't keep any records like service and stuff... haha
I will definitely check those out when the decision day comes
Thanks for all the help man!