Too good to be true? Mitsu Lancer X Ralliart

[volumeone]

I just realised there is no Mitsubishi section on these forums..... so I'll have to post here....

I have been looking around for a good all-round car that has decent performance (no crappy 2.0 diesels please) and hopefully AWD. I also wanted something that would be good when stuck in traffic but couldn't decide between manual or automatic. I also want something quite comfortable with luxurious options (xenons, good sound system). It should also be good looking, not too expensive (max 18k), and not overly common.

The closest I came so far was a Volvo C30 T5 or D5 in manual form.

Then suddenly I came across the Mitsubishi Lancer X Ralliart Sportback and it looks just the ticket. Permanent AWD, Dual-Clutch Transmission with flappy paddles (so I get my manual and auto kicks), it looks good, has great specificion, is reasonably quick, and very practical.

Anyone else considering buying one of these? It seems too good to be true.

[sklar]

Dunno, I always thought that they're pretty crazy emissions and price considering what else is out there. I know its mostly VAG and therefore Haldex, but still...

£750 first year tax then £450 a year, plus not that fast. I'd get a 1 year old Evo X for the 22k+ they're charging for a Ralliart.

Just my 2 pence tho.

EDIT: Damn, noticed you said, up to 18k so I presume you mean used. Still a lot of metal around at that money. I'd get an R36.

Edited by sklar on Sunday 15th August 00:59

[volumeone]

Thats a very good point. I didn't bother to check the emissions on these.... £425 a year for tax on a 2.0 seems a lot.

[EDLT]

Not a fan of the Impreza then?

[volumeone]

EDLT said:

Not a fan of the Impreza then?

The styling of the new one just doesn't cut it for me. Those horrible Lexus lights makes it look tacky.

[Simbu]

I always end up suggesting the same car to these kinds of requirements...

Mazda 6 MPS

256BHP, AWD, 4 door saloon. Looks reasonably good and is uncommon and fairly stealthy.

[GravelBen]

volumeone said:

EDLT said:

Not a fan of the Impreza then?

The styling of the new one just doesn't cut it for me. Those horrible Lexus lights makes it look tacky.

FWIW NZ Autocar did a comparison last year between the Ralliart Lancer and the WRX sedan and gave a clear victory to the WRX, especially in regard to driving dynamics. Apparently the Lancer is quite partial to understeer.

I agree about the Impreza lights but surely there is an aftermarket replacement for them available by now?

[redtwin]

volumeone said:

EDLT said:

Not a fan of the Impreza then?

The styling of the new one just doesn't cut it for me. Those horrible Lexus lights makes it look tacky.

I felt the same way about it until I saw the pic you posted of that Lancer hatchback. Suddenly the Impreza looks a whole lot better. Not that I would buy either one for 18K. Far too many other better options out there for that kind of money.

Edited by redtwin on Sunday 15th August 04:44

[Opengate]

It's a Lancer NOT an Evo.

[Liquid Knight]

Looks like a Chav'd up Focus to me. Same as the WRX then.

[volumeone]

redtwin said:

I felt the same way about it until I saw the pic you posted of that Lancer hatchback. Suddenly the Impreza looks a whole lot better. Not that I would buy either one for 18K. Far too many other better options out there for that kind of money.

I liked the Ralliart because it is almost like an entry-level Evo but cheaper and more comfortable. If only the emissions were less!

The Mazda6 seems ok but its FWD right? It also looks quite big and I've seen too many people buying them in white with basic engines (mainly old people). Not quite what I had in mine. I think an Imprezza might be good if I can change those rear lights or just buy the previous generation model (which again seems mighty big).

What else do you suggest? I'm quite happy to look at 3-door cars and coupes.

[vxrandy]

Monaro VXR
HTH

[Marf]

volumeone said:

The Mazda6 seems ok but its FWD right?

No, the MPS is AWD.