I'm in the market for a new or used car. Thought about buying the GTS. After reading this forum, i started to steer away from the Lancer. does the car really have so many problems? or those are just uncommon cases. is there a lot of owners having no problems at all?

 

I'm seeing what you're seeing! I was seriously considering a new Ralliart when they arrived; but now am more leaning on a used LGT now.

 

1 - It's the 1st year. There are always small problems in the 1st year of a new platform.
2 - This is a Troubleshoot forum... of course u will only find problems.
3 - Most of the problems (if u get one) are solvable.
4 - You've got a warranty, so if u do have a problem, take it back and ask for a rental car...

 

I haven't had any real problems with my GTS since I got it back in April. A lot of people on here like to upgrade their cars and there are some things that can be improved, but especially considering the price this is a really nice car with a lot of good features. I haven't experienced any of the actual problems other people have mentioned. I'd say go ahead and get it and have fun with it.

 

I have to say those are uncommon cases.

I got the very first GTS bought in Florida, and I haven't had one problem.
Not one.
In fact, the car has exceeded my expectations for a 300lbs heavier, CVT, @ 152hp.

A wandering steering, a sound from the sunroof on 6th gear etc and not one of those problems existed in my car.

For me, it is an excellent DD car.

But if your looking for more power, on the Lancer lineup, go with what the guys are saying - RA Version.

Thats just my experience so far.
Good luck car hunting.

 

Most problems are small, typical 1st year car things. Nothing major and the warranty is about the best you can ask for incase something does go wrong. I agree with the above statement too, the lancer sure uses the 152hp very well, especially considering its size and weight. I drove a civic before this with about the same HP and I can tell you the lancer with 2-3 passengers and AC will whoop the civic with 1 passenger and AC. But honestly, you don't buy the Lancer for power, its more of a scoot around town DD that offers aggressive styling, quiet interior, and decent gas mileage.

first post btw, and I have to say the members on this site seem much better mannered than most honda sites i've been too

 

^We are your upscale source for the finest automotive data! LOL

Curious, what Civic did you drive that had near 150 ish hp? A swap I bet?

I said similar things about my Lancer, being since it was newer to the US and figured I'd wait until the second model year to get it. But soon found out...ah, the car had be in the worldwide market since '00. So by our model year, all the bugs are gone! Only problem I've had is the crankshaft position sensor got dirtied/greased up and had to be cleaned. No problem...seeing I had to replace the T-belt anyways.

 

was the 1.6 sohc vtec with crower stg2, usual boltons, and tuning, was 130whp. fun little car to drive around but at 12 years old, weird stuff starts to break and deteriorate so it was time to shop, and even though the power isn't quite what I wanted, the lancer has to be the best looking car in its class right now, just can't beat the GTS

 

^Guess it wasn't in a gutted hatch like I have...cuz I could take a GTS right about now ('92 VX w/ z6 swap). But I totally agree on the styling cues...can't be beat for the price!

 

was 95 coupe, with pretty much every option, including audio console and armrest.
it was a lot quicker than the GTS, but every civic I have driven, even with more power, became a slug when you had passengers and AC on, or you have to drive it like you stole it for it to be quick
To be honest, the CVT really adjusts for passengers well, hardly notice a difference unless you floor it everywhere you go. Part of me misses the intake and exhaust sound too though, been keeping a close eye on those RRM products....they are probably going to make their way to my car one day....grrrr, wallet is already whooping my butt

 

^LOL, most over-used stmt on here I see...this'll be my DD, and it'll remain in stock form. LOL, right! It's a hobby...way-of-life. Others just can't see it.

 

Some of us have trouble-free Lancers... Other than the slight pull to the left (which I'm sure a decent alignment would fix), my car has been 100% fine.

 

good to know

 

when i got my mitsu mirage back in 99 ppl were liek oh man it must give u problems cant be as good as civic ...to date i never had to get any warranty work first major expense was a valve job at 100k and the cat just went out at 145k i regularly missd oil changes and i didnt do the 60k till 110k no joke...

i also have a 04 lancer RA and concern from other prevented me from doing anything to it in... retrospect that was a waste of time i never used the warranty the only problem i have had is the zipper got undone on a seat cover and i just unzipepd and zipped it again and the change holder bulb went out which i jsut replaced....

the new platform for teh 08 its gonna have some bugs in it i guess but if you get a good deal and you like what you are getting go for it but only if you are convinced of the 2 you dont wanna have remorse you wanna enjoy the time in the car

 

Yeah other than that small alignment problem, which I don't notice unless I'm looking for it, I have had no issues whatsoever.

I had an '02 OZ and it was a good car. I now have an '08 GTS and I absolutely love it. A+++ would buy again.