I currently own a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer GTS with sun roof, navi, sound system, pretty much all the bells and whistles. I currently have 30,000 miles on the car. A dealership in my town recently received a 2009 Ralliart with 44,000 miles on it. It did not have the SSS package, however it seemed like a pretty clean car.

The reason I am looking at purchasing this vehicle is because my car is multiple colors. Somewhere down the line before I owned my car, a dealership decided to repaint many different parts of the vehicle but slacked when it came to color matching. It's only noticeable if you study the car for some time.

My questions to you would be...

1. Will I feel a difference between the two vehicles?

2. What would be a "fair" trade in price for my car? (if the dealership doesn't know the color difference)

3. What is a "fair" asking price for the Ralliart they have?

4. What is the max I should spend on this trade, or should I even take the trade?

Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome!

I came from an 08 GTS, no package. I had 40k miles on it. Now I was in a diff boat than you because mine was a lease. But if I had to do it again, I wouldn't change my choice; I'd get the Ralliart. To answer a couple of your questions....

1. Yes you will feel a difference, not only in speed but in control. I haven't had my RA long enough to experience it in hard rain / snow, but I'm pretty sure the All Wheel Drive helps..

2. The dealership gave me 13k (Technically I only got about 4.5k because I owed 8.5k) for my GTS. You should get somewhere around there. I would think you should get more because yours is a year newer, less miles, and sun & sound.

3. I'm not too sure about a fair price for the RA..

4. I personally would go new. The RA transmission isn't something to mess around with. Unless you know the history of the cars service and how well it was maintained during those 44k miles, I wouldn't go for it.. I'm a noob so take my opinion lightly lol

Keep in mind that your insurance may go up with the RA, gas will cost a little more with it being Premium, mpg's will be lower lol, and the service I'm pretty sure costs more. I got a new RA for just over 24k total, tax and title included.

Others on here may know more than me, again, I'm a noob haha. Hope this helped a little bit though, just thought I'd share

 

this is how it starts.....

after you get the RA....

you will see an evo and test drive it or ride in one....

skip the RA save for a year and get and EVO FTW

 

I did the RA for 3 years then traded in for the Evo.

 

I hope your talking about an evo 8 or 9. Don't get the evo x too many people trading that in.

 

1. Will I feel a difference between the two vehicles?
Of course, one has turbo and one do not with the same engine. The dealer may try to said the FWD would work the same as a AWD as it has some stable control. Don't ever trust it. A AWD is always better and it has that stable control at the same time to make it perfect.
However, your insurance will be more expensive, and your gas is going to be double even you drive it gently.

2. What would be a "fair" trade in price for my car? (if the dealership doesn't know the color difference)
I am not familiar with this, but none of the dealership would trade in your car with a fair price.

3. What is a "fair" asking price for the Ralliart they have?
How much are they selling. It is hard to tell you without any photo and history of the car.

4. What is the max I should spend on this trade, or should I even take the trade?
Better not, many 2009 Ralliart owner said their car has problem. 2011 and 2012 is better.

 

Oh defiantly!!! EVO IX MR or bust!

 

I had a transmission problem but was replaced by warranty ever since I had no issues I don't track or drag my car either. I had done the evo x turbo swap and soon to be EF2 turbo. I will never trade my 2009 ralliart in its a fun ride just the maintenance might be high if your not financially stable. I will be in the market for an Evo 8 or 9 in a couple of years and can't wait for that.

 

Here's an update...

I went up to the dealership today to test drive the car... I love it! We then sat down and talked numbers. Basically the final deal we have laid out is $16,000 for mine, and $19,500 for the Ralliart. ($3500 difference) The car is in great condition with a clean, one owner, carfax report. I would love an Evo, but I really can't afford one right now. Any last thoughts before I sign the papers?

 

make sure it comes with a warranty of some sort OR add your own aftermarket warranty. Not that big of a deal if you were getting new, but since its used, you haven't the slightest clue what the previous owner could have done. Any single claim on the policy in the future will completely pay it off.

 

He had the extended mitsubishi 100,000 mile powertrain warranty on it, so I should be good to go.

To think, I payed $16,310 for my GTS over two years ago, Mitsubishis sure hold their value!

 

These two statements are deal breakers, for me. That is WAY too much for the RA, and if you want an Evolution, the RA is not a substitute.

 

What?? How do you figure, that's a good reasonable price. Hell even KBB says it's good, showing$21k for a 2009 Base RA Sedan w/44k miles (no options) in his zip code. Remember this isn't private party, it's dealership. The fact they are giving him $16k for his car says alot for that dealership. Great trade in value and a very fair purchase price; maybe see if you can get them throw in some bell and/or whistle that you really like.
Ask for maintenance records, if not dealer maintained request a full 30k miles service as a stipulation (that's ALL drivetrain fluids replaced). Check some of the major bolts under the hood for wear/tear (i.e. was something installed but removed). From personal experience, if the car was modded I would rather have it exactly as modded rather than stripped of parts. Usually these type of cars are tuned for the applicable mods, and removing them is actually bad at that point.
If it was stock, dealer maintained, I would make sure the 30k service is done; then sign and drive home
Good luck!

 

I agree that the deal looks pretty good. I hate dealing with dealers but 16k for your car is a really good deal, and 19.5k is not bad for the new RA.

 

All Australians... start your crying now.

Rich