Mitsubishi Lancer Problems

It sounds like a nice car. The trade values it at $2500-$3900, but that’s with an odometer reading of 200,000-300,000 km. With such a low odometer reading yours should be worth more. I would suggest $4000-$5000 as a private sale.

It has a timing chain, so there's no need to change it.

Unless you are buying a manual I would rule the Cruze out, the automatic is trouble in that model and not worth the risk. If you do but a Cruze I would choose the 1.8-litre engine. Others to think of are the Hyundai i30, Mazda 3, or Mitsubishi Lancer.

The Hyundai i20 and i30 are both fine car, so too is the Lancer, of the three the i30 is the better. You should be able to find a 2010 model with your budget. You won't have any problems with getting parts if you need them, and they are quite reliable, so you shouldn't have any trouble with them in short to medium-term.

They have failed to deliver what they promised and I would suggest he should claim his money back. You could take it to another mechanic and have them assess the problem for you, or you could go the Queensland consumer affairs department and ask for their help.

Mitsubishi has recalled a number of 2015 and 2016 models in North America for a hesitation problem with the CVT. The problem is a slow response when accelerating. But overall the CVT seems to be quite reliable in the Lancer.

Do not buy a Cruze, or buy a European brand. They will prove costly. It's best to go for the cars that are well proven over many years. The Lancer is a good one, but so too is the Toyota Yaris or Corolla, Suzuki Swift, Mazda2 or 3, or Mitsubishi Colt.