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Mitsubishi Lancer 1998 Problems

Are you having problems with your 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used Mitsubishi Lancer review: 1996-2002

The Mitsubishi Lancer is a Japanese car designed and made to a high quality, making it one of the leaders in the small car class.

Aimed at the conservative buyer rather than the one looking for excitement, the CE Lancer was often driven gently and well maintained by caring, sometimes, older drivers.

The CE Lancer was introduced in 1996 and ran through until 2004.

It was a small front-wheel drive car available in practical four-door sedan, wagon and sporty two-door coupe bodystyles with a range of models including the GLi , GLXi, VR-X, LRXi, MR, and rally-bred Evolution.

The GLi was the entry point and it was available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan.

A 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine provided its power, and there was the choice of a four-speed automatic transmission and a five-speed manual gearbox.

It was quite sparsely equipped; the standard features list consisted of cloth trim, power steering, remote releases for the boot and fuel filler, and a fairly basic radio cassette sound system with two speakers.

The options list was also short, but included air conditioning and front airbags for the driver and front passenger.

For more you had to step up to the GLXi, which was available as a coupe, sedan and wagon.

It had a larger, 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, and the choice of a four-speed automatic transmission or five-speed manual gearbox.

Being more up-range than the GLi, the GLXi was better equipped and had four speakers, central locking, power mirrors, and a tachometer.

Options included manual air conditioning, a single airbag for the driver, and dual airbags for the driver and front passenger.

The sporty MR coupe had a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine and the choice of four-speed automatic transmission and five-speed manual gearbox.

It boasted four-speakers, alloy wheels, a sporty body kit, central locking, power mirrors, power windows, a tachometer, and fog lights.

Options were air conditioning and front airbags for the driver and front passenger.

An update in 2001 saw the 1.8-litre engine become available on the GLi coupe, and standard on the GLi sedan.

Also standard was a driver’s airbag, power mirrors, and a CD player.

In the same update the GLXi got power windows, central locking and a CD player.

Limited Edition LRX-1 coupes and sedans were launched in 2001 with 14-inch alloy wheels, a CD stacker, and rear spoiler.

Mitsubishi also added a hero model to the range in 2001 in the form of the rally-bred Evolution VI sedan.

Aimed squarely at the enthusiast driver, the Evo VI had dual front airbags, ABS brakes, Emergency Brakeforce Distribution, traction control, electronic stability control, 17-inch alloy wheels, multi-function steering wheel, sports seats, power windows and mirrors, CD player, central locking, air conditioning, a sports body kit, and an alarm to deter thieves.

Modern features like Bluetooth to connect an iPhone or Android device weren’t available.

It didn’t have a touchscreen or sat nav either, and the air conditioning was manual, not automatic climate control.

You won't find aids like a reversing camera or parking sensors either, or a park assist system.

Also missing was the option of a sunroof.

The spare tyre was full-sized.

Despite its small stature the Lancer had seats for five and could cut it as a family car if the kids were young.

Interior space in the front seats was good on all models. The rear could be tight in the coupe, but was generally fine in the sedans and wagons with their extended rooflines.

In a rather bland interior awash with grey plastics, cupholders were provided in the front.

Two single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engines were offered. They were fuel-injected and both ran on 91-octane regular unleaded petrol, and could be run on E10 ethanol blend fuel if so desired.

One was a 1.5-litre, which powered the GLi, the other a larger 1.8-litre unit, which powered most models in the range. Both offered a combination of solid performance and good fuel economy.

When working at its peaks the 1.5-litre engine was putting out peak power of 69kW (83 horsepower), and 126Nm of torque.

The 1.8-litre engine put out maximum power of 86kW (115 horsepower), and 161Nm of torque.

The Evo VI had a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that thundered out a whopping 206 kW (276 horsepower), and 375 Nm of torque.

It came with a five-speed manual gearbox and was all-wheel drive.

For performance, it’s best to forget cars with the 1.5-litre engine, its zip is lacklustre at best.

The 1.8-litre engine is the pick of the bunch; its performance in manual or automatic form is quite good.

The Lancer’s combination of independent front suspension and multi-link independent rear suspension gives it a reassuring stability on the road, with a good level of grip and responsiveness.

Being a small car the manoeuvrability is easy, with a tight turning circle to aid driving in town and parking in tight spaces.

Road noise can be annoying, but most owners are prepared to dismiss it as being normal with such a low-priced car.

Generally, the CE Lancer was a strong little car that stood up well in crash testing.

When launched the safety features were limited to lap-sash seat belts, airbags for the driver and front passenger were available, but only as options.

That changed in 2001 when a driver’s airbag became standard, which makes that a key consideration when shopping.

ANCAP rated the dual airbag models at three stars.

ISOFIX baby car seat mounting points weren’t fitted; it was too early for them.

Quality, condition and service history are the most important things to consider when choosing a cheaper car.

Buy the best car you can afford, in the best condition, with a solid service history and you shouldn’t go wrong.

The CE Lancer had an enviable reputation for reliability, but it depends heavily on being well serviced.

Mitsubishi recommended servicing the CE Lancer every 10,000km or 12 months, and it’s important to adhere to that if you value reliability.

The oil to use is 15W-40.

Capped price servicing didn’t apply to the CE Lancer, but service costs are not excessive, and any competent mechanic can do it.

Mechanics who regularly work on them say the CE Lancer gives little trouble, although they stress that it’s important to change the cam timing belt as per Mitsubishi’s recommendation of 90,000 km.

Walk away from any car that hasn’t been properly maintained, even if it appears a cheap buy.

When new the CE Lancer was covered by a three-year/100,000km warranty.

Older cars tend to get knocked about by owners who couldn’t care less, so look closely for panel damage that has been poorly repaired.

When you lift the bonnet, look for oil leaks around the engine and gearbox.

Peeling paint can be an issue. It’s not uncommon to find the clear coat peeling away. There’s nothing that can be done to fix it, short of repainting panels.

MORE: If anything crops up, you’ll probably find it on our Mitsubishi Lancer problems page http://www.carsguide.com.au/mitsubishi/lancer/problems)

Geoffrey Jarvis: I bought a used CE Lancer in 2004. It had done 55,000km at the time and I drove it until it had done 210,000km. I found it to be reliable, with good handling, performance and economy. I heartily recommend it.

Raylene Meyer: I bought my GLi a year ago. It’s great to drive, is reliable and cheap to run. My only concern is that it’s difficult to install a baby car seat in the back seats.

Sean Evans: I’ve owned two GL models and had a good run out of both. Both did more than 400,000 km, and were very reliable.

Barry Thomas: It’s a great little car for driving around town, it will get you where you want to go with minimum fuss and little cost. The only complaint is that it’s a little cramped in the back.

VW Polo
Great driver, but can be expensive as kays climb.
3 stars.

Toyota Echo
Cute, roomy, and Toyota quality, what more could you ask for in a cheapie.
3.5 stars.

Nissan Pulsar
Well-built, solid and reliable small car.
3.5 stars.

Read the article
Used Mitsubishi Lancer review: 1995-2014

Japanese designed and built to a high quality, Mitsubishi Lancer is at the forefront in the reliability stakes, so has long been popular on the used-car scene in Australia.

The Lancer began life as a small car, then gradually morphed into a medium model. From the new model launched in October 2007 it can be used as a family car if the kids aren’t yet into their hulking teenage years.

Interior space is good in the front seats in all models. Rear seat headroom can be tight in the older hatches, but is generally fine in the sedans and wagons due to their extended rooflines.

Lancer comes with a big variety of bodies: two-door coupes, three-door hatches, four-door sedans, five-door hatchbacks and five-door station wagons. Not all bodies were on offer at all times.

Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change is simply a marketing ploy

Three-door hatchbacks built prior to 1996 were called Lancers, but the name was changed to Mitsubishi Mirage with the introduction of the new model of that year.

Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change is simply a marketing ploy to try and create a new niche for the three-door. Imports of the Lancer-based Mirage ceased in 2004 although the name was reintroduced in 2013, this time in a small five-door hatchback.

Ride comfort in the standard Lancers is generally good, though rough Australian backroads can sometimes knock them about. This improved with later models, but try for yourself if you do a lot of country driving.

Engines are all four-cylinder units, with a big spread of capacities; 1.5, 1.8, 2.0 and finally 2.4 litres. The marketing strategy over the years saw the largest engine at any one time being first introduced in the upmarket models then gradually making its way down the line.

The ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performance

The 2.4-litre powerplant has plenty of torque, giving the car excellent performance and safe overtaking, yet it doesn’t use a lot more fuel than the other powerplants.

Manual gearboxes are all five-speed units. Automatic transmissions from 1996 had four-speeds. The auto with the 2.4-litre engine has tiptronic functions in case the driver wants to override the computer and get more revs out of the engine.

If you do want real excitement, the ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performance, but cost big bucks. However, the Lancer MR coupe of 1997 to 2004, while tamer than the Evo is still fun thanks to its firmer suspension and sharper steering.

Spare parts and repair prices are about average for this class and the Australian Mitsubishi dealer network is widespread and efficient.

The Lancer is relatively easy for the home mechanic to work on, with good underbonnet space and nothing particularly tricky in its layout.

Insurance charges are about average for the class in all but the sportier variants. You may need to raise a big loan to cover an Evo if you’re under the age of 25.

Though Mitsubishi has pulled out of local manufacture the company continues to operate as a major player here, now exclusively with imported cars. Lancer is at the vanguard of the new Mitsubishi Australia.

If possible, start the engine when it is completely cold. It should fire up within a couple of seconds and idle smoothly and quietly straight away.

If the engine puffs oily smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration it may be due for an overhaul.

A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to use

Feel for an automatic transmission that is slow to engage gear or is inclined to change up and down unnecessarily.

A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to use. If not there could be troubles - fast changes down from third to second usually show the problem first.

Rust normally only gets into the body following poor quality panel repairs, but look over the lower areas of the body and the bottom corners of the doors, tailgate or bootlid just in case. Also look at the surrounds of the front and rear windscreens.

Check for panel repairs by looking for ripples in the panels; paint that doesn’t match from one panel to another; and tiny spots of paint on glass, badges, body trim and so on.

Don’t even think of buying until you've had a full professional inspection

Do a complete check of all interior surfaces, in particular the tops of the dashboard and the rear parcel shelf that may have drive out and cracked.

Look for rips in the seats, excess wear in the carpets and for damage in the luggage area.

Read the article
Used Mitsubishi Lancer review: 1995-2012

Mitsubishi Lancer is a small to medium Japanese car designed and made to a high quality, making it one of the leaders in the reliability stakes. Aimed at the conservative buyer rather than the one looking for excitement Lancer is usually driven gently and maintained correctly. Which explains why it’s well-regarded on the used-car scene.

However, the Lancer MR coupe of 1997 to 2004 is a popular choice with sporting drivers due to its firmer suspension and sharper steering.

If you do want real excitement, the ultra-hot Lancer Ralliart and Lancer Evolution (Evo) models provide stunning performance, but cost big bucks. We won’t cover them in this used-car feature as they are from a totally different market segment.

Engines are all four-cylinder units and come with a big spread of capacities.

The Lancer grew larger with each new model and from October 2007 is comfortably into the medium segment so can be used as a family car if the kids aren’t yet into their hulking teenage years. Interior space is good in the front seats in all models. Rear seat headroom can be tight in the older hatches, but is generally fine in the sedans and wagons due to their extended rooflines.

Lancer comes in a big variety of body types:two-door coupes, three-door hatches, four-door sedans, five-door hatchbacks and five-door station wagons. Not all bodies were on offer at all times.

Three-door hatches prior to 1996 were called Lancers, but the name was changed to Mirage with the introduction of the new model of that year. Mirage shares most of its out-of-sight parts with Lancer, the name change simply being there to try and create a new market niche for the three-door. Imports of the Lancer-based Mirage ceased in 2004 although the name returned in 2013 but in an unrelated small hatch.

Ride comfort in the standard Lancers is generally good, though rough Australian backroads can sometimes thump them about. Engines are all four-cylinder units and come with a big spread of capacities ranging from 1.5, 1.8, 2.0 and finally 2.4 litres. The marketing strategy saw the largest engine at any one time being introduced in the upmarket models, then gradually making its way down the line.

The Lancer is relatively easy for the home mechanic to work on.

The 2.4-litre powerplant has plenty of torque, giving the car excellent performance and safe overtaking, yet it doesn’t use a lot more fuel than the other engines. Manual gearboxes are all five-speed units. Automatic transmissions on most older models were three-speed units until 1996, and had four-speeds from then.

The auto with the 2.4-litre remains a four-speeder, but tiptronic functions give it increased usefulness if the driver is keen on squeezing a little more out of the engine. Spare parts and repair prices are about average for this class and the Australian Mitsubishi dealer network is widespread and efficient.

The Lancer is relatively easy for the home mechanic to work on, with good underbonnet space and nothing particularly tricky in its layout. Insurance charges are about average for the class, though you will often be asked to pay considerably more for the hot turbocharged GSR.

Though Mitsubishi has pulled out of local manufacture the company continues to operate as a major player here, now exclusively with imported cars. Lancer is at the vanguard of the new Mitsubishi Australia.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

If possible, start the engine when it is completely cold. It should fire up within a couple of seconds and idle smoothly and quietly straight away.

Carburettor engines, only fitted until 1996, won’t be quite as smooth when cold as fuel-injected ones, but if things seem too bad call in an expert for advice.

If the engine puffs oily smoke from the exhaust under hard acceleration it may be due for an overhaul.

Look for rips in the seats, excess wear in the carpets and for damage in the luggage area.

Rust is uncommon but look over the lower areas of the body and the bottom corners of the doors, tailgate or bootlid as applicable. Also check the surrounds of the front and rear windscreens.

Check for panel repairs by looking for ripples in the panels, paint that doesn’t match correctly from one panel to another, and tiny spots of paint on glass, badges, body trim and so on.

Do a complete check of all interior surfaces, in particular the tops of the dashboard and the rear parcel shelf. Look for rips in the seats, excess wear in the carpets and for damage in the luggage area.

A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to use.

Feel for an automatic transmission that is slow to engage gear or is inclined to change up and down unnecessarily. A manual gearbox should be slick and easy to use. If not there could be trouble - fast changes down through the gears will show the problem first.

CAR BUYING TIP

Beware cars aimed at family cars but which fall into the hands of crazy teenagers who are just getting into their car-enthusiast years.

Read the article
Used Mitsubishi Lancer review: 1996-2004

Quality, condition and service history are the most important things to consider when choosing a cheaper car for the young motorist.

Buy the best car you can afford, in the best condition, with a solid service history and you shouldn't go wrong.

Most young drivers, or their parents, usually have a limited amount of money to spend, which necessitates looking at older models to find the ones that fit. Buying a quality older car almost certainly means buying one from a Japanese carmaker, such as the CE Mitsubishi Lancer.

Mitsubishi launched the CE Lancer in 1996 and it ran until 2004. Prices now range around $1500 for the earliest examples to as much as $7000 for the last ones. It's available in practical sedan and wagon body styles, and a coupe, which is likely to be the most appealing to young drivers.

Two four-cylinder single overhead camshaft engines were offered. One was a 1.5-litre, the other a larger 1.8-litre unit, both of which offered a combination of solid performance and good fuel economy. The GLi was the entry model and came in sedan and coupe form.

It came standard with power steering, cloth trim, full wheel trims, and a fairly basic two-speaker sound system. For more there was the GLXi sedan and wagon that came with central locking, power mirrors and four-speaker sound.

IN THE SHOP

The Lancer has an enviable reputation for reliability, but it depends heavily on being well serviced. Walk away from any car that hasn't been properly maintained, even if it appears a cheap buy. Mechanics who regularly work on them say the Lancer gives little trouble, although they stress that it's important to change the cam-timing belt as per Mitsubishi's recommendation of 90,000 km.

Older cars tend to get knocked about by owners who couldn't care less, so look closely for panel damage that has been poorly repaired. Under the bonnet look for oil leaks around the engine and gearbox.

IN A CRASH

Generally, the Lancer is a strong little car that stands up well in crash testing, making it a safe choice for young drivers. Importantly, Mitsubishi added dual front airbags in 2001, which makes that a key consideration when shopping. ANCAP rated the dual airbag model at 3 stars.

UNDER THE PUMP

Mitsubishi claimed the Lancer averaged around 6.5 L/100 km in their lab tests, which makes it an economical little car. It took 91-octane unleaded fuel and Mitsubishi gave E10 ethanol blend fuel a tick.

AT A GLANCE

Price new: $20,730 to $26,950
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder; 69 kW/126 Nm 1.8-litre 4-cylinder; 86 kW/161 Nm
Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed auto, front-wheel drive
Economy: 6.5 L/100 km Body: 4-door sedan, 4-door wagon, 2-door coupe
Variants: GLi, GLXi Safety: 3-star ANCAP

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Used Mitsubishi Lancer review: 1996-2004

The current focus on petrol prices is apparently causing a fundamental shift in buying habits. If the latest new car sales figures are to be believed there is a significant trend towards smaller more fuel-efficient cars.

That being the case there is no reason to believe there won’t be a similar shift in the buying pattern of used car buyers and cars like Mitsubishi’s proven Lancer could well be one of those used cars buyers turn to.

The Lancer has been a popular small car for many years. The Lancer badge dates back to the 1970s when it was part of the then Chrysler family, but in the years that have followed it has become a well respected Mitsubishi name representing quality, reliability, affordability and style.

Added to that a long history of success in rallying would have helped build its reputation considerably as well.

Mitsubishi has maintained a steady as she goes policy with the Lancer, and why not when they’ve got a winner in their showrooms.

The current car can be traced back to the late 1980s, although that shouldn’t suggest that it is mired in the past. The Lancer is a great little car that holds its own in the toughly contested small car sales race.

Compared to other current small cars the Lancer isn’t the most stylish. In an era in which stylists are going for the carved from stone look with crisp edges and sharply defined shapes the soft and cuddly Lancer looks a little like it’s been styled for an older more conservative buyer.

The problem with styling though is that it comes into fashion fast and can drop out of fashion just as quickly, and the jury is out on the current trend. The Lancer on the other hand, while making you feel like throwing on a cardigan, has stood the test of time quite well and still looks appealing even if it feels a bit like an old sock now.

There were three body styles on offer in the Lancer catalogue, the four-door sedan, wagon and two-door coupe. If the sedan and wagon finds favour with young families, older couples, or those wanting a second car, the coupe is the one that younger buyers prefer.

The GLi opened the range in sedan and coupe form, and came standard with power steering, cloth trim, full wheel trims, and a fairly basic two-speaker sound system.

For more there was the GLXi sedan and wagon that came with central locking, power mirrors and four-speaker sound.

If you wanted more in a coupe there was the sporty MR, which was standard with alloy wheels, side body skirts, fog lamps, power windows and a rear spoiler.

In the GLi the power initially came from a 1.5-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected four-cylinder engine that pumped out 69 kW at 550 revs and 126 Nm of torque, but buyers of the GLXi and MR had the extra punch of a 1.8-litre SOHC engine that boasted 86 kW at 5500 revs and peak torque of 161 Nm.

An update in 1999 saw the 1.8-litre engine replace the 1.5-litre unit in the GLi sedan and coupe.

Both had the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed auto and drove through the front wheels.

The Lancer has an enviable reputation for reliability. Mechanics who regularly work on them say they give little trouble, although they stress that it’s important to change the cam timing belt as per Mitsubishi’s recommendation of 90,000 km.

Generally the Lancer is a strong little car that stands up well in crash testing, making it a safe choice for young drivers.

If there’s a down side it is that they’re noisy. Expect a lot of road and engine noise, which can trick you into thinking something is wrong. Again experienced mechanics say it’s not unusual for owners to think they’ve done a wheel bearing when it’s only road noise they’re hearing.

It’s simply that car companies tend not to spend much money on sound proofing of small cars and in most that means there’s a lot of road noise.

The Lancer was rated about average in the latest annual survey of real life crashes. Crash protection improved with the addition of a driver’s airbag in the GLi and GLXi in 2001, the MR coupe got dual airbags at the same time.

Louise Ryan bought her Lancer GLi coupe in 2004. She liked its looks, thought its performance was good, and preferred the idea of buying a new car rather than the risk of purchasing a used car. In the 11,000 km she has now done in it there have no problems and she’s happy enough with it to consider buying another one. Her only complaint is that there is little room in the rear when she needs to carry passengers.

• four-cylinder fuel economy

• middle of the road styling that will last

• sporty coupe favourite of young buyers

• zippy performance

• reliable engines and gearboxes

• high level of road noise

A good reliable small car that will give good service with a good turn of speed with miserly fuel consumption.

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Used Mitsubishi Lancer review: 1996-2004

The current focus on petrol prices is apparently causing a shift in buying habits. If the latest new car sales figures are to be believed, there is a significant trend towards smaller, fuel-efficient cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer.

MODEL WATCH

Compared to other small cars, the Lancer isn't the most stylish. In an era in which the carved-from-stone look, with crisp edges and sharply defined shapes, dominates, the soft and cuddly Lancer looks as though it has been styled for an older, conservative buyer.

The problem with styling, though, is that it moves in and out of fashion. But the Lancer has stood the test of time, and still looks appealing, even if it feels a bit like an old sock.

There were three body styles on offer in the Lancer catalogue: the four-door sedan, wagon and two-door coupe. If the sedan and wagon find favour with young families and older couples, the sleek, sporty coupe is the one for younger buyers.

The GLi opened the range in sedan and coupe form, and came standard with power steering, cloth trim, full wheel trims, and a fairly basic two-speaker sound system.

For more, there was the GLXi sedan and wagon which came with central locking, power mirrors and four-speaker sound.  For coupe extras there was the sporty MR with alloy wheels, side body skirts, fog lamps, power windows and a rear spoiler.

In the GLi, the power initially came from a 1.5-litre single overhead camshaft fuel-injected four cylinder engine, which pumped out 69kW at 550rpm and 126Nm of torque, but GLXi and MR buyers had the extra punch of a 1.8-litre SOHC engine which boasted 86kW at 5500 rpm and peak torque of 161Nm.

A 1999 update saw the 1.8-litre engine replace the 1.5-litre unit in the GLi sedan and coupe. Both had the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed auto and drove through the front wheels.

IN THE SHOP

The Lancer has a reputation for reliability. Mechanics who work on them say they give little trouble. But they say it is important to change the cam timing belt at 90,000km, as per Mitsubishi's recommendation.  Generally, the Lancer is a strong little car that stands up well in crash testing, making it a safe choice for young drivers.

The current focus on petrol prices is apparently causing a shift in buying habits. If the latest new car sales figures are to be believed, there is a significant trend towards smaller, fuel-efficient cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer.  If there's a down side, it is that they're noisy, which can trick you into thinking something is wrong. Again, experienced mechanics say it's not unusual for owners to think they've done a wheel bearing when it's only road noise. It's simply that car companies tend not to spend much on sound proofing small cars and in most that means there's a lot of extra noise.

CRUNCH TIME

The Lancer was rated about average in the latest annual survey of real life crashes. Crash protection improved with the addition of a driver's airbag in the GLi and GLXi in 2001, with the sporty MR coupe getting dual airbags at the same time.

OWNER'S VIEW

Louise Ryan bought her Lancer GLi coupe new, back in 2004.  She liked its looks, thought the performance was good, and preferred the idea of buying a new car rather than the risk of purchasing a used car.

In the 11,000 km she has now done in it, she's had no problems and is happy enough with it to consider buying another one. Louise's only complaint is that there is little room in the rear, so it's a bit of a squeeze when she needs to carry passengers.

MITSUBISHI LANCER 1996-2004

  • Sporty coupe favoured by young buyers
  • Four cylinder fuel economy
  • Zippy performance
  • Suffers a high level of road noise
  • Reliable engines and gearboxes

Rating

14/20 Reliable small car with miserly fuel

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What is the best medium sized car on the market?

Your need for a 1998 or later model for $10,000 makes things difficult. I would recommend you try a Nissan Pulsar N15 which was introduced in 1995 -- it's well built, reliable and has good resale value.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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Complete guide to Mitsubishi Lancer 1998
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