Used-vehicle guide: Mitsubishi Lancer
No matter how good it is, the studio triumvirate Corolla, Civic and Sentra are not able to please everyone: a portion of the public that looks for a medium sedan fills their garage with a really oriental specimen, with an aggressive look, sports seasoning, and many safety items: the Mitsubishi Lancer.
Even without the anabolic version of the Evolution, he kept the pique to face also Cruze, Elantra, and Jetta. There are plenty of attributes, such as the level of equipment, the good internal space and a trunk of 413 liters with pantographic hinges. The multilink rear suspension is a very welcome technical refinement.
However, they are the advanced age (the current generation is turning ten), the simple finish and the not very optimistic market prospects - the car will be discontinued in Japan and the United States, receiving only one facelift in other less demanding markets.
With a 2.0 16V aluminium engine with variable control of 160 hp and 20.1 kg at 4,200 rpm, the Lancer brings seven airbags (front, side, curtain and one for the knees), ABS brakes with EBD and BAS, 18 rim wheels with 215/45 tyres, headlight and rain sensors, autopilot, on-board computer, multifunction steering wheel with height adjustment and automatic air conditioning (but with rotary buttons). The six-speed CVT gearbox pre-programmed with butterflies is optional.
Very firm and stable, it goes well, but no longer follows the current generation of turbine sedans: acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.1 s, with urban consumption of 8.5 km/l and road of 11.5 km/l, always with gasoline.
Above, there is the GT version, with CVT, leather seats, sunroof, chrome outside, exclusive wheels, side and center skirts with GPS, DVD player, iPod input and color touch screen.
Among the options of the GT, photochromic internal mirror and double xenon headlights with washers, automatic adjustment of the height of the beam and AFS auto-steer light, which activates a sidelight when the steering wheel is raised.
The main new feature on the 2013 model was the introduction of the GT AWD version, with all-wheel drive and traction and stability controls. Despite the increased safety in cornering, it maintains the same motorization - and because it's heavier, it performs a little less.
Few complaints weigh on the sedan, such as the sensitivity of wheels and tires to holes. Owners still lack simple items such as one-touch glass and a sensor or reverse camera. Not even the lack of flex contained the relative success, which made production in the country possible on the 2015 line.
As in all used, always look for copies with all the revision stamps. The parts are priced in the average of the segment and are almost always available for the prompt delivery, in an authorized chain of 192 stores, larger than Toyota (151) and Nissan (164) and smaller than Honda (216).
Keep an eye out
Be careful when choosing the version. As you will miss the sixth gear in the manual transmission, the CVT is the best compromise between comfort and sportiness.
And since the 4×4-wheel drive of the AWD version only helps in specific cases (e.g. on wet roads), see if it is worth increasing consumption due to the higher weight, not to mention the greater mechanical complexity of the system.
Where the bug picks up
CVT Shift - Problem already addressed in the Self-Defense section: the first Lancer came without the radiator of the transmission fluid, which causes noise and faults. Check if it was installed during the warranty period: it costs about R$ 5,000 and is located behind the left auxiliary light.
Wheels and tires - They are the main victims of our floor. It is worth asking a store in the industry to evaluate the condition and alignment of the wheels. The original tires, made of a soft compound, wear out soon and do not leave for less than R$ 1,000 each.
Headlight washer - Present in the GT version, it is indispensable for the proper functioning of xenon lights. Check the condition: malfunction or even its absence may be signs of a frontal collision.
Chain - Metallic noises in the head are not normal: in general, they indicate accentuated wear of the chain of actuation of the valve commands, caused by oil of incorrect specification or changes made beyond the period determined by the manufacturer.
Full Traction - The GT AWD version requires extra care in steering and suspension alignment, under penalty of compromising stability and causing excessive tire wear. Also, check if the oil in the transfer box and the rear differential have been changed.