My ride for this week is a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, a car that has been virtually unchanged since its redesign in 2007. Back then, I summed up my 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer ES review by praising its aggressive looks and solid feel.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the Lancer looks the same as it did five years ago.
For 2012, Mitsubishi added a new trim level to the sedan lineup: the $23,098 SE-AWC now offers all-wheel drive at a lower price than the $31,798 Ralliart. Clearly, the brand is aiming once again at its arch-rival, the $22,995 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i with Touring Package.
However, we’re basically comparing a new-for-2012 car with one that’s five years old.
Now, if I were at the end of a lease of a 2008 Lancer, would I return to Mitsubishi and trade in for a 2012 model? After all, the car hasn’t changed over that period of time, but I might have. I especially wouldn’t feel like I was buying a new car if it looked and drove the same as my old one. If Mitsubishi thinks the Lancer doesn’t need updating, why would I get rid of my old one?
People typically lease a vehicle for four years or finance it for five. Normally the new car or truck for which they’d trade in would need to offer something new, such as a facelift, an interior redesign, a powertrain update or more equipment. In the case of the 2012 Lancer sedan, the only new feature is all-wheel drive, although this SE-AWC model is the only version to get the bigger 2.4L engine.
What about you? If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, would you mind buying the exact same car again, or one with only a few minor updates?
I would definitely want my new car or truck look new and feel new. I still like the Lancer’s nasty stare, but let’s hope a redesign isn’t too far down the road.
Fortunately or unfortunately, the Lancer looks the same as it did five years ago.
For 2012, Mitsubishi added a new trim level to the sedan lineup: the $23,098 SE-AWC now offers all-wheel drive at a lower price than the $31,798 Ralliart. Clearly, the brand is aiming once again at its arch-rival, the $22,995 2012 Subaru Impreza 2.0i with Touring Package.
However, we’re basically comparing a new-for-2012 car with one that’s five years old.
Now, if I were at the end of a lease of a 2008 Lancer, would I return to Mitsubishi and trade in for a 2012 model? After all, the car hasn’t changed over that period of time, but I might have. I especially wouldn’t feel like I was buying a new car if it looked and drove the same as my old one. If Mitsubishi thinks the Lancer doesn’t need updating, why would I get rid of my old one?
People typically lease a vehicle for four years or finance it for five. Normally the new car or truck for which they’d trade in would need to offer something new, such as a facelift, an interior redesign, a powertrain update or more equipment. In the case of the 2012 Lancer sedan, the only new feature is all-wheel drive, although this SE-AWC model is the only version to get the bigger 2.4L engine.
What about you? If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, would you mind buying the exact same car again, or one with only a few minor updates?
I would definitely want my new car or truck look new and feel new. I still like the Lancer’s nasty stare, but let’s hope a redesign isn’t too far down the road.
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| 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE-AWC (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |