'04 Lancer Sportback...worth it?

Right now, I have arrangements to trade in my '00 Toyota Corolla plus $6,000 (total value of $11,218) for an '04 Sportback with 8k miles (black). Long story short, is this a good deal?

Sportback is that the wagon? I think the price is not bad at all for low milage. it is all up to what you want for a car. the Lancer wont be much faster if at all. but a good family car

Well, I would've been fine if the engine was a 2.0L but I'll take a 2.4. Basically I thought it vaguely resembled the Volvo XC70 (and I love wagons), so I was almost instantly hooked. Any idea on how insurance rates generally are for the ES/Sportback? That, and longterm reliability, are the only things I'm really concerned about.

i have a 2.4 in my Outlander(04) and no problems with the engine so far, have 27K on it. I also have the 100K powertrain warranty.
It looks to me like they are giving you a good price on the trade in and a great price on the car. Just make sure it is not a salvage title or anything like that, with all the flooding that has happened, I would do a carfax report on the car first. It actually sounds like they are selling it pretty low. Granted, this is based on a CA market and KBB info. If the title is clean, I'd do it.

quote:

ORIGINAL: mphil804

Well, I would've been fine if the engine was a 2.0L but I'll take a 2.4. Basically I thought it vaguely resembled the Volvo XC70 (and I love wagons), so I was almost instantly hooked. Any idea on how insurance rates generally are for the ES/Sportback? That, and longterm reliability, are the only things I'm really concerned about.

The motors are reliable. And if driven normal you wont have any need to worry. I couldnt agree more about it looking identical to the volvo the rear end tail lights especailly are almost exact.

Insurence should be bad it isnt a fast sporty car. it is a perfect daily driver and if you have a clean driving record it shouldnt be bad at all.

Dude, the Sportback would be soo mch better than the 'rolla

I love the Sportbacks

the 2.4L 4G69 is a powerful engine

the versions that are available to me is known as the Cedia wagon

it comes with the 4G93(T) - 1.8L

it is such a practical vehicle while retaining all the style and comfort that Mitsu has to offer in a wagon

Go for it!!!

i have a r/a sportback in red. i have 19,000 on it already and no prob's i love the car. i did little stuff to it already like denso iridium plugs a hyberground kit an intake and a roadrace downpipe with a cat delete and a roadrace cat back exhaust with a magnaflow muffler. the thing halls ass for being a single cam and only front wheel drive. it looks like the more you do to this little engine the more you get out of it. i say go for it.

I ahve only seen one of those in my life before, personally I think they look a little odd but i love 2 door small cars. ALso that is a good motor and you shouldent have any major problems with it as long as you keep up with the 710 changes and what knot.

when i do the oil changes i use 5w30 mobile 1 oil every 3,000. i will say one thing though mitsu only made this car for 1year that is 2004 then stopped poduction. so these cars a rare to see. every where i go i have people take pics and ask me a million questions like what has been done where did i get it from japan all crazy sh*t you know.

better get a ralliart version....

There Sportbacks are hard to come by, especially that cheap. Within 30 miles of me, there is only one sportback available( it's a R/A) with 28k miles for $16,000, I would have traded were it less money.

you got to keep in mind that this thing was only made for one year and in limited numbers. im glad i got mine when i did because everyone now is hunting this thing down.

true...true...esp. limited numbers.

Actually, I have one last pretty important question. One of the main reasons I'm looking into getting a Sportback is because my Corolla is too cramped for my liking (I'm 6' 3"). Does anyone, or know someone, have experience with the Sportback that could tell me if it's a good fit for taller people?

I just found out that in the early 2000's (2000-2004 or so), Mitsubishi had big financial difficulties and was covering up defects. I hope this doesn't mean my '04 Sportback is going to be crap.

deff not i have 20,000 on mine and the thing is running great

I think Mitsubishi is still trying to work out it's financial issues, however, I don't think there will be any issues with the vehicle due to that. They do have the ability to still get pretty good reviews, the Outlander for 04 was reviewed not too terribly, most were rather happy with it(professional reviews). As far as having room in it, I'm 6'2 and drove the Lancer and it was okay, there was enough headroom and all, if there is a sunroof, it makes it a bit tighter. The Sportback should be the same. The only trouble I find in smaller cars is where to put my knees. The center of the dash kind of imposes a bit. It will certainly sit lower than the Corolla, so if you have any physical ailments, may not be the best idea. If you have any large bumps, the RA will not like them too much, it is pretty low coming from a Corolla. You are planning on test driving this right????????
Don't buy until you're satisfied it fits you.

Actually, I did test drive it briefly. I just wasn't in it quite long enough to get a proper opinion on it. My problem isn't how high I sit so much as how much room there is for my legs and my shoulders. If it's longer and wider than my Corolla, then it works just fine for me. If nothing else, I believe I can raise the seat somewhat. Hopefully the fabric the seats are upholstered with are those newer fabrics which are supposed to breathe better and keep you from getting too warm and uncomfortable.

Time to hit the dealer again and test drive for 20-30 mins, hit the freeways, back roads, bumps, on ramps, etc. Mimic your daily drive as much as possibe. Over that amount of time you should have a good feel for the car. The dealer will take you wherever you need to test drive it to get the sale, they may not like it, but remember, no cooling off period.