Mitsubishi Lancer Review (2005 to 2007)

Quick Summary

As a used purchase the Lancer makes a surprising amount of sense. Yes, it is a long way from the cutting edge in terms of interior design and innovation but it's reliable, it's affordable and it's fun to drive in a way that many more inert feeling modern cars seem to have forgotten. A 2.0-litre Sport Estate is a surprisingly capable piece of kit and can be had with fairly negligible miles on it for the price of a basic new citycar.

Overall:

Models Covered: (4dr saloon, 5dr estate 1.6, 2.0 petrol [Equippe, Elegance, Sport])

EVOLUTIONARY DEAD END?

Some car manufacturers have five year plans so rigid that Stalin would have given them the seal of approval. Every model is succession planned, facelifts are scheduled well in advance and every national importer has to rely on a fixed schedule. Then there's Mitsubishi. In this country, the importers take what they can get and if it sells, all the better. Every now and then they'll bring in an end of line special that's offered at almost ridiculously cheap prices. Such a car is the non-Evo version of the Mitsubishi Lancer that sold here between 2005 and 2007. As a used buy, it's not bad because the cars were so inexpensive from new that used examples go for peanuts.
Used Mitsubishi Lancer for sale

History of the Lancer

The way things used to work for Mitsubishi was that they offloaded their ageing stock to Proton who re-badged the old Lancers as Personas and Wiras. Come 2005, with Proton now building more modern tackle of their own such as the Savvy and the Gen-2, Mitsubishi found itself with a surplus of right-hand drive Lancers, these the humble non-Evolution models with normally aspirated 1.6 or 2.0-litre petrol engines offering no more than 133bhp. The UK importers had done pretty well in selling non-Evo Lancers before, shifting a respectable number of Lancer Estates between 1999 and 2001. Could it work again? This time, there were saloons as well as station wagons to sell and that choice of engines. However, this time, there was also a great deal more competition from cars like Chevrolet's Lacetti, Kia's Cerato and Hyundai's Elantra. As a result, the Lancer struggled until it was replaced by a new generation model in 2007.
Used Mitsubishi Lancer for sale

Mitsubishi Lancer Road Test

Somewhat improbably, a sliver of the Evo's driving dynamics leaches down into the Lancer. There's a quick, almost nervy, feel to the steering and the car is happy to change direction very quickly. Drive the Lancer for any length of time and you'll begin to like it. It feels as if you're benefiting from Evo development without paying the bills. It's almost a guilty pleasure. The Macpherson front struts and multi-link rear are standard sports car fare and give the Lancer a firm ride with decent body control. The brakes aren't the crushing weapons Evo drivers are used to but the 15-inch ventilated front discs and 14-inch solid rear rotors nevertheless offer strong retardation albeit without a great deal of pedal feel. Anti lock braking is fitted as standard to all versions and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution backs it up, directing braking power to whichever wheel can best accommodate it.Safety is a key theme of the Lancer range, Mitsubishi recognising that it's a key driver for family car buyers and all models come with not only twin front airbags but also side bags, door impact bars and anti-trapping electric windows at both front and rear. The Lancer has proved its crashworthiness and all round visibility is very good – an often ignored safety function.It's a shame there are no diesel models to choose from as this would widen the appeal considerably and the fact that the very good 1.9-litre Direct Injection Diesel as seen in the Carisma can comfortably slot into the Lancer's engine bay is a missed opportunity. Nevertheless, the two engines served up both have something to be said for them. The 1.6-litre unit will power the manual Lancer saloon to 60mph in 11.6 seconds and on to a creditable top speed of 114mph. A combined fuel economy figure of 41.5mpg is not to be sneezed at either. Opt for the INVECS II automatic transmission and consumption is adversely affected, an automatic Lancer managing only 35.3mpg. The upside is that INVECS II is a very slick automatic gearbox which features software that attempts to learn your driving style, altering gearchange strategies as a result. The Sport model will hit a terminal velocity of 124mph and return 32.5mpg. If you're looking for a small saloon or estate that can serve up a decent supply of jollies, the Lancer Sport seems a surprisingly appealing contender.
Used Mitsubishi Lancer for sale

Buying a Mitsubishi Lancer

This is a bit of a difficult one, as there's not too much to worry about, which is excellent news for you. So, provided you're buying a car with full service history, you shouldn't be in for any nasty shocks but check that the electric windows, locks and door mirrors all work and that the air conditioner produces chilled air – fixing such items can be pricey.
Used Mitsubishi Lancer for sale

Mitsubishi Lancer Typical Pricing

The net effect of being rather overlooked from new is that the small amount of used stock that is in the system isn't in huge demand. Yes, there may be the odd young 'un who fancies an Evo but can't afford the insurance who may be tempted by the 2.0-litre Sport model but by and large these cars are thin on the ground and are easiest to find through a Mitsubishi franchised dealer.You'll need around £5,750 to get your hands on an early Lancer 1.6 Elegance on an 05 plate showing highish miles. Look for average mileage on one of these and you'll need to pay around £6,500. Just over £7,000 should net you a very clean 05 registered 2.0-litre Sport estate.
Used Mitsubishi Lancer for sale

Mitsubishi Lancer Parts

(approx based on a 2006 Lancer Estate) A clutch assembly is around £185 and an exhaust system about £430. Allow £35 or so for front brake pads, whilst an alternator is about £200 and a starter motor around £370. A replacement headlamp is a similarly punitive £350 and a catalytic converter retails at around £300.
Used Mitsubishi Lancer for sale