Ok Brian, not to get into an argument with you...
I'm not talking about something as disposable as a warranty. I'm adding horsepower, build quality, reliability, handling and ovrall enjoyment of the vehicle.....

So I took the time (yes, I need a lfe...) to compile this list. I under shot by some the $30 per month for the extra few thousand added. But take the Lancer (15997) and the SRT4 (20450) and the monthly payment difference is only $82.49 on a 10% loan..... anyway.... my point is that there are other cars out there worth taking a look at, at least.


0% interest, 0 down, paid MSRP, 6 year loan
comparing sedans with base models under $15K per edmunds.com
Least expensive (Lancer) to most expensive

lancer OZ: $15997.00 MSRP = 222.18 per month +0 per month----10% loan = 296.36
MINI (not S) $16449 MSRP = 228.45 per month +$6.27 per month----10% loan = 304.73
Spec V: 17500.00 MSRP = 243.06 per month +$20.88 per month----10% loan = 324.20
Neon R/T $17640.00 MSRP = 245.00 per month +$ 22.82 per month----10% loan = 326.80
Focus ZX4 w/ 2.3L 17705.00 MSRP = 245.90 per month +$23.72 per month----10% loan = 328.00
2.5RS $17995 MSRP = 249.94 per month +27.75 per month----10% loan = 333.37
Civic Si $19070 MSRP = 264.86 per month +42.68 per month----10% loan = 353.29
Mini Cooper S 19899.00 MSRP = 276.38 per month +$54.20 per month----10% loan = 368.65
SRT-4 $20450 MSRP = 284.02 per month +$61.84 per month----10% loan = 378.85

 

Oh, I didn't mean to argue with you. I agree with all of that, just was pointing out the flaw in your $30 calculation. As your post above shows, the $4000 difference from the Lancer to the SRT makes for a difference of about $60-80/month. But aside from that, I agree with you. Great car for the price, but if I could afford just a little more, I would have gotten an Impreza or a Mini.

And the warranty comment ws just an off topic mini rant. Sorry.

 

If your friend is willing to spend at least 18-19k then SRT-4 (slightly used) would be a good choice for daily driving. It is not only a good price but it is also faster. And if he mods a little bit then it d faster than a stock EVO.hehehe. True though.

 

you're right Brian. I pulled that $30 number out of my a$$... you can tell because it stinks so badly But if I was to spend that extra $30 per month, I'd go with the Spec V for the exra ponies, comfort and handling...

I think warranty is why we're seeing so many Kia's, Hyundai's and the new labels from the big brands (scion, echo, areio) selling so well. I know if I'm a poor college kid or someone who didn't have money or desire to tinker with a car, a 10 year warranty would be pretty appealing. Some of these warranties are unbelievably good.
Yeah, $1500 doesn't sound like much to add to a loan, until tehy deny it for something stupid


I'm at fault for this, but I think we're losing sight of the original question: Are there any mechanical troubles with the vehicle. So far: nothing "major" on my car or any of the ES's or OZ's that I'm privvy to seeing in my car club. One guy has some problems with a drive axle because he curbed pretty hard.

So if your friend has looked at this market segment and thinks the Lancer is the way to go I think his choice between the 03 and 04 OZ will be the styling and whether he can cut a hell of a deal on the 03 (05's are just around the corner!)

Let us know what he decides, and post some pics of his new baby

 

well HER dad works for a dodge, and a Srt-4 is a possibility, but being ias picky as she is, the lancer is one of the few cars that she likes the looks of and the srt isn't. However if you could please recomend a few cars that you would rather buy instead. Dont worry about mods there wont be any, i would think more comfort, smothe ride, MPG, etc. And priced around 15-20,000. Thanks alot for everyones help so far.

 

my only major problem was no funds for upgrades.... lol... major to some.....

 

did you miss the list?! and I stand corrected on the heretofore unmentioned gender of your friend

Seriously though, your friend needs to go to edmunds.com (or a simialr site), look at the under $15K and the 15-20K categories and then do some driving to dealerships for some test drives. We can't do her homework for her.

 

For my .02, a regular lancer isn't bad at all. Only problem I have had is a squeeky plastic tube inside the passenger side a-pillar. it was quick and easy to fix though.

my OZ is my daily driver. I haven't had too many people try and challenge me, only a few... and they were like, driving broken hondas or saturns. (haha).

if your friend is going for style, the lancer (in any shape and form) is a sexy car. i don't personally like the new lancer style at the moment, but it isn't bad. give her my vote for a lancer.

 

For the price range, you don't think you can beat the Lancer. I have had no problem with mine at all. I'm pretty sure that a majority of the so called major problems are created by the operator. This isn't a car for horsepower. It's a 4 door econo sedan. You want a sports car, buy a RX8.

 

I also think the Lancer is well equipped for the price. My '03 OZ comes with ABS, Electronic Brake Distribution (Traction Control i guess), Power/Heated side mirrors, A/C, Power Windows/Locks, Power sunroof, OZ rims, Full Skirt package, Rigid Chassis. I think Mitsubishi has to refine the regular lancer's a bit more and it would become very popular like the civic haha. I wouldn't even consider buying a Neon, that and the Sunfire has some asthetic issues. I don't care how fast they are. My top pick for a reliable economy car would be a Toyota Corolla. Hard to beat Toyota's reliability. Their engines are more refined, and interior is quite nice. I think it's more of a starter family/chick car though so will probably suit your friend. Lancer has a more sportier look to it. That's why i like it. I see a lot of girls driving the regular lancers though so it might be a chick car as well haha.

 

tell her to try ou tht scion TC...looks are great and its practically a toyota

 

i wish we had the options lancers in canada have . but if i were to get a car other than the lancer, i would go with the honda civic Si or the base acura rsx. you can practically get them for around 19k OTD here and honda reliability is the shiit. my dad used to have a cr-v and it was built like a tank. no problems with it whatsover. both the Si and base rsx use the same k20a3 motor with the new i-vtec pullin around 160hp. if you are able to put up an extra 2-3k, go for the acura rsx type-s with the TRUE i-vtec that pulls 200hp and redlines at 8000 rpm.

OT: there was this story on clubrsx.com about a guy that owned an acura integra and managed to put on 330,000 miles without anything going wrong with the car. he has then upgraded to an acura rsx-s and managed to put 110,000 miles, thus far, and still has no problems yet. how's that for reliability hehe.

 

Well, if she's really into the looks of a Lancer, at least tell her to get the LS since it is the most comfortable and safe version. It is the only model with antilock brakes (I hate them, but that's my issue), speakers in the A pillars, A/C and auto as standard, and it comes with alloy rims and a elegant looking dash trim.