Review used Mitsubishi Lancer: 1995-2014
Designed and engineered to Japanese standards with high quality, Mitsubishi Lancer leads the way in reliability, so it has long been popular in the used car market in Australia.
Lancer started life as a small car, then gradually became a midsize car. From the new model released in October 2007, it can be used as a family car if the children are not yet a teenager.
The interior space in the front row is good in all models. Rear-seat rear headroom may be tight in older hatches, but is generally good in sedans and wagons due to their extended roof lines.
The Lancer has a variety of body types: two-door coupe, three-door hatch, four-door sedan, five-door hatchback, and a five-door scooter. Not all agencies are offered.
Mirage shares most of her out-of-sight parts with Lancer, and the change of name is simply a marketing ploy.
Three-door hatchbacks made before 1996 were called Lancers, but the name was changed to Mitsubishi Mirage with the introduction of the new model that year.
Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, and the name change is simply a marketing ploy to try and create a new niche for the three-door store. The import of the Lancer-based Mirage ceased imports in 2004 although the name was reintroduced in 2013, this time as a small 5-door hatchback.
The ride comfort on standard Lancers is generally good, although the winding Australian roads can sometimes surprise them. This improves with later models, but try for yourself if you drive a lot of water.
The engines are all four-cylinder, with high capacity; 1.5, 1.8, 2.0 and finally 2.4 liters. Marketing strategies over the years show that the biggest engine at a time is introduced for the first time in luxury cars, then gradually descending.
The extremely hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models deliver great performance
The 2.4-liter engine has a lot of torque, giving it excellent performance and safe passing, but it doesn’t use more fuel than the other engines.
The manual gearbox is all 5-speed. Automatic transmission from 1996 has four speeds. Automatic with 2.4-liter engine has a tiptronic function in case the driver wants to override the computer and get more revs from the engine.
If you want to get really excited, the extremely hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models offer great performance but come at a premium price. However, the 1997-2004 Lancer MR coupe, while a cleaner Evo is still enjoyable thanks to the stiffer suspension and sharper steering.
Parts and repair prices are average for this class and its extensive and efficient Mitsubishi Australia dealer network.
The Lancer is relatively easy for a home mechanic to work with, with good underground network space and nothing particularly complicated in its layout.
Average premium for vehicle class across all sportier versions exclusions. You may need to raise a large loan to cover the Evo if you are under 25.
Although Mitsubishi withdrew from domestic production, the company continues to operate as a major manufacturer here, currently exclusively with imported cars. Lancer is the pioneer of the new Mitsubishi Australia.
What are you looking for
If possible, start the engine when it is completely cooled. It activates within seconds and doesn’t work smoothly and is quiet immediately.
If an engine spits out oil smoke from the exhaust when accelerating strongly, it could be due to an overhaul.
The manual gearbox should be smooth and easy to use
Feel that the automatic transmission shifts slowly or tends to go up and down unnecessarily.
The manual gearbox should be smooth and easy to use. If not, there could be trouble – a quick change from third to second usually indicates the first problem.
Rust usually only gets into the body after poor dashboard repairs, but look at the lower areas of the bodywork and the bottom corners of doors, rear doors or sliding covers in case. Also look at the front and rear windshield surround.
Check panel repair by looking for ripples in the control panel; paint does not match from board to board; and small paint spots on glass, badges, body borders, etc.
Don’t even think about buying until you’ve been fully professionally tested
Check all interior surfaces, especially the top part of the dashboard and rear shelf that may come apart and crack.
Look for tears in the seats, excessive wear on carpets, and damage in the luggage area.
The Lancer is relatively easy for a home mechanic to work with, with good underground network space and nothing particularly complicated in its layout.
Average premium for vehicle class across all sportier versions exclusions. You may need to raise a large loan to cover the Evo if you are under 25.
Although Mitsubishi withdrew from domestic production, the company continues to operate as a major manufacturer here, currently exclusively with imported cars. Lancer is the pioneer of the new Mitsubishi Australia.
What are you looking for
If possible, start the engine when it is completely cooled. It activates within seconds and doesn’t work smoothly and is quiet immediately.
If an engine spits out oil smoke from the exhaust when accelerating strongly, it could be due to an overhaul.
The manual gearbox should be smooth and easy to use
Feel that the automatic transmission shifts slowly or tends to go up and down unnecessarily.
The manual gearbox should be smooth and easy to use. If not, there could be trouble – a quick change from third to second usually indicates the first problem.
Rust usually only gets into the body after poor dashboard repairs, but look at the lower areas of the bodywork and the bottom corners of doors, rear doors or sliding covers in case. Also look at the front and rear windshield surround.
Check panel repair by looking for ripples in the control panel; paint does not match from board to board; and small paint spots on glass, badges, body borders, etc.
Don’t even think about buying until you’ve been fully professionally tested
Check all interior surfaces, especially the top part of the dashboard and rear shelf that may come apart and crack.
Look for tears in the seats, excessive wear on carpets, and damage in the luggage area.
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