Used Mitsubishi Lancer review: 2007-2010

AS NEW

The Lancer has always been a popular, if unassuming Mitsubishi model with Australian car buyers, but striking new looks made the CJ stand out from the crowd. The Lancer has always been a cheap and cheerful model, and for that reason often overlooked, but Mitsubishi was busy updating its image at the time of the CJ and tapped into its rally-bred heritage for the new look.

A distinctive nose, larger body and clear improvements in quality made buyers sit up and take notice. Any doubts that the Lancer was a genuine small car contender were swept away when it finished near the top of the Carsguide Car of the Year tussle for 2007. 

Mitsubishi offered sedan and hatchback body styles and a range of model from basic entry level to sporty. Inside, there was plenty of room for five adults in comfortable seats, the controls feel positive in their action, and the cabin layout is pleasant. 

The base engine at the launch late in 2007 was a 2.0-litre four-  cylinder that delivered a decent blend of performance and economy, but a model update in 2008 saw a new 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine introduced with more performance.

Unfortunately it also came with higher fuel consumption. Manual and auto transmissions were offered, the latter a six-speed CVT. On the road it drove nicely, even the CVT was pleasant with its six pre-set ratios. It was a well-equipped little car, even the base ES came with air-  conditioning, cruise control, power windows and mirrors. Dual front airbags were standard, and side and curtain airbags were optional.

But take a step up the range, to the VR, and you drove away with all the airbags and six-stack CD sound. At the top of the pile, the VR-X got big alloy wheels, paddle shift on the auto transmission and premium sound. On the road the Lancer comes across as a solid toiler, not as sporty as some, not as grand as others, but it gets the job done with aplomb.

NOW

There is nothing to suggest the CJ Lancer has any issues that prospective buyers should be wary of when shopping for a used example. With an unblemished record like the Lancer any cars that come onto the market are snapped up quite quickly, so shoppers need to be on their toes and watching the classifieds closely.

One seller reported that he had seven people phoning within a day or two of putting his wife's Lancer up for sale, and it sold very quickly. The Lancer's engines are solid and reliable in service, but like all modern engines, demand regular servicing to keep them ticking over in good health.

Transmission specialists report the gearboxes are also sound and reliable, one auto transmission mechanic reported he hasn't had one Lancer come through his workshop in the last two years, where he's seen plenty of rival brands in for rebuilds.

SMITHY SAYS

A small car winner all round, the Lancer is definitely a keeper

MITSUBISHI LANCER CJ- 2007-2010

Price new: $23,290 to $31,490
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 113 kW/198 Nm; 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 125 kW/226 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 6-speed CVT
Economy: 8.2 L/100 km (2.0), 8.8 L/100 km (2.4)
Body: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatch
Variants: ES, Aspire, VR, VR-X
Safety: 4/5-star ANCAP

COMING UP

Do you own a Mazda3? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.