Power steering went out at just 380 miles due to a leaky rack and pinion. Mitsubishi dealer service said that this was weird, but this happens sometimes to any brand new car of any brand, if you're really lucky to buy the lemon of the batch.
They gave me a free rental car while they were fixing it, but I had to return the lancer due to financing issues. But I went to another dealer and bought another 08 lancer. I'm just at 450 miles with this new one, and so far, nothing wrong with the car.
The 08 lancer has killer looks. It doesn't look like an economy car anymore. Nose like a jetfighter/volvo s40, rear like a lexus is300. Powerful engine, excellent handling, smooth CVT transmission, nice sound system. Mitsubishi has a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, and I believe in their cars. I think I was just unlucky to buy a defective one. I've always liked Mitsubishi Lancers, from the lancer GSRs from way back in the late 70's when I was growing up in Southeast Asia, to the present EVO rally car.
I bought the '08 ES with a 5-speed 2 weeks and currently have 800 miles and so far so good. I like how the mivec kicks in at about 3k. My only gripe is the thick A-pillar and the huge mirror for a mean blind spot. All in all, I really enjoy this car. I call mine the evo 9.5 but I can't wait to try the new evo X.
I'm interested in this car, but have read reviews that the fuel economy is pretty bad. Anyone with the 08 Lancer, what mpg are you getting?
I really like the 08 Lancer. After doing a lot of research on this car, I've noticed two big flaws on this beauty.
The fuel economy of the Lancer 08 is ~21/31mpg on (city/hwy). Standard SUVs of this year (even american) are giving that mileage!
Acceleration is 9s to 60mph. Animals in Africa will pass you!
A Civic of this year will offer you ~31/41mpg (cit/hwy), is much faster and is just as gorgeous.
The only good thing about this beauty is that it comes with a lot of neat features at a lower price when compared to a Civic.
That's it! And I'm still confused if I should take it or not.
When comparing fuel economy between vehicles, make sure to note that the Lancer is a 2008 model year, and the Civic, Mazda 3, Corolla are all 2007 models. The EPA has changed its testing methods for 2008, and the new Lancer is rated under those standards. It may look lower than other cars, but most cars will take a 10-20% hit in mpg ratings for 2008.
The power steering leak is very strange, but those things do happen with new models from time to time. Mitsubishi has one of the best warranties in the world, and I would not hesitate to buy one.
Also, the 9 second 0-60 time is with the new CVT transmission. It is fairly slow off the line, but will hold its own once underway. The manual is faster off the line, but in a rolling run, like 25-75 mph, they will be dead even, if not the CVT going faster due to the lack of gears to shift.
I am looking into buying a 08 Lancer and I'm debating over the model to get. Since all 3 Models come with a 4B11 engine (2.0L MIVEC) their performance should be limited only by the tire/wheel package offered.
My question to all of you is:
What do you think of their fit/finish inside the Lancer?
If you bought the Higher end model, did you feel that your money is worth it?
Here in Canada, The base MSRP for a ES is $17k and with all the options on the GTS it's $23k. But you get:
18" Alloy Wheels and slightly stickier tires
SLIGHTLY (by a few millimeters) larger front brake disks
Slightly stiffer suspension
Body Kit (looks damn good I think)
600w Fosgate System and Sunroof.
Bottomline: Will you buy the ES and spend money or a GTS and not worry about it?
The high end model of the new 08 lancer is definitely worth it in features, but for the price difference, the change is not drastic. I recently put a down payment on a 08 ES lancer and I'm excited. the one thing about the Es that gets at me is the fact that I cannot upgrade much in features. smooth and reliable ride when out witrh the base model. I'm excited. P. S I'm also in Canada. http://peekamo.com/
Just to let you know it isn't 600 watts, it is 650!
Question: I'm also from Canada and have been looking into getting a Lancer GTS which I have been told that there is a waiting list for which may cause a wait of 3-6 months. I've also been told that Mitsubishi is no longer going to make the GTS model and will be coming out with an SE model to replace it!!??
Any truth to this where others are from??
Well, before I have always thought Mitsubishi to be a boring, plain, unreliable car, but then I saw a new lancer in my local wal-mart's parking lot, and was like WOW! I eat one! My feelings for Mitsubishi have completely changed, and I now may actually look at buying one in the future. The styling of this car just totally blew me away. I feel jealous for those who are lucky enough to have one! Hope you enjoy it!
Hey guys, I own a 2007 ES Lancer. It is a great car, I have no problems with it. Yes the Lancer goes through the fuel, but it gets better as it gets older. I was in a car accident where my Lancer was smashed; I felt safe in the Lancer, I wasn't hurt at all. It had heaps of power and beats most standard V6 cars. I am going to stick to the Lancers.
Stick to the Lancers, and the Lancers will stick to you.
Especially the ones with leather seats.
I've had my DE now for 2 months and average 24 mpg city, and 30 highway. Plus I paid 14k for mine. How much was that Civic?
Plus a 10yr/100,000mi warranty.