Hi everyone,

I'm planning on buying a Lancer ES 5 speed for my daily driver and am looking for some info from current owners.

How reliable has this car proven for you guys? Doesn't matter if you have an ES or OZ model I would like to know. Any known or common problems that occur with this car? For $15K im not expecting a bullet proof car but I am looking for reliability and the chance of getting very high mileage out of it.

Thanks in advance,

TGZ

 

I have an ES 5 speed, and have had nothing but good luck with it. Knock on wood. I love it, and think I got alot of car for my cash, and a hell of a deal. I have over 10K miles on it, by the way.

 

im 17 drive an es, it hasnt given me any problems.

that price seems high, i got mine for 14.

-alex

 

You don't need any help- you've already found a really good car. I've had no trouble with mine in the 2 months, 3100 miles I've put on her. They drive really well, they look good (IMO), the seats have proven comfortable on long rides under my large posterior. there's lots of room in the engine compartment so it should be an easy car to work on (when needed), the plugs are right on top (you have to unbolt 2 of them but that's easy), I would expect 200K+ miles out of the engine, several companies are getting on board for aftermarket accessories...
If you're paying in the mid $14K's for your car your doing about as well as any of us.
Good luck and good driving!!

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm hoping to get a few comments of owners with some high mileage cars if possible.

Also, one thing I just came across that concerns me is the ES does not come with ABS breaks and the rear brakes are drum. What have your experiences with the brake system been so far?

Thanks again,

TGZ

 

I have an ES automatic, very good car, havent had a problem.

 

15k miles. High enough mileage for you for...10 months? Does ABS matter that much to you? Only a true benefit under wet conditions and only available on the LS. The only braking problem I've had is a squeal every now and then under hard driving but...that's to be expected.

 

6k miles, 8 months, 5spd OZ. No problems whatsoever.

 

67K on my Subaru Impreza RS......ooops sorry, wrong car

 

10 months 30k miles, replaced door once when hit by Civic, hit in King Soopers parking lot not yet fixed, seems to attract mad attention. Slight engine leak from the oilpan, cause unkown tightened it up and it stopped. Brake pads seem like they are going faster than they should so I would recommend the Kevlar pads from RRM. I will be doing that soon.

 

Just bought a '03 ES... last night and lovin it!

Clean, Simple, Affordable and ready for some mods

Got it for $14,400.00
1 Day old and already over 200 miles

Good Luck, Hope you get one soon!

 

the usdm lancer is too new to get real reliability numbers on, but carpoint stores them when they exist:

http://carpoint.msn.com/home/reliabi...s.asp?src=URES

the numbers don't always match up with the anecdotal evidence i've seen, though.

-bd

 

today when i was backing out of a parking spot, it wouldnt go into reverse for some reason, so i tried to force it, and it made this grinding noise and then went into gear (5spd). just so you know, my foot wasnt on the gas pedal. not sure what that was

 

Just got a '02 5spd ES a month ago. Great car. Although I would rather have the OZ interior.

Paid $12,500
1000 miles

 

If you have that problem again... Don't FORCE it into gear!
Try putting it in 1st, 3rd or 5th - then try Reverse again.
If it is still hard - again Don't FORCE it into gear!
Try 2nd or 4th - then Reverse.
If you can get it into a forward gear... drive up just a tad bit, then try Reverse. It should go in smoothly by then.