Lancer SX vs Impreza R - base model battle!

[vh-holden]

Not sure how this is going to go, but there seems to be a lot more experience with a variety of cars here.

I'm looking at moving out of the vs commodore into something smaller, newer and more sensible.

I've tested the VW Golf TSI, the Polo TSI, Cruze SRi-V, Honda Civic Sports, Lancer VRX and Honda Insight. Unfortunately, I didn't find out from the bank that I could only have $20000 and not $34000. Beginners mistake I suppose!

I've since taken the lancer sx and impreza r for a test drive. The polo is also in the price range, but I'm not confident about spare parts when things start going wrong, especially in Darwin.

At the moment, the local mitsubishi dealer is offering $2000 minimum trade in, which is more than i'd get for the vs if I tried to sell it privately. That takes the driveaway price to $19500.

The impreza on the other hand is $25485 driveaway, with no trade. Rather than dropping prices, their current marketing campaign includes leather, bluetooth and alloys. That price also includes an extra 2 years warranty to take it out to 5, the same as the Lancer.

The lancer has alloys and bluetooth as well.

On paper, the only real difference I can see is that the Impreza is all wheel drive, and uses a bit over a litre more per 100km than the lancer. That is the combined fuel consumption.

I'm struggling to find any meaningful reviews of either car. I'm guessing they are both just run of the mill, reliable japanese cars, so nothing spectacular to write about, either negatively or positively.

Has anyone had any experience with either car, or can offer any insight into them? Is it worth finding the extra money to get the impreza? I'm also hoping that the subaru dealer might be able to move a bit more on the price if I go back to them with a definite amount from the bank.

thanks in advance.

[VZ_V8]

My mate has a Lancer VR and even though it is a higher model than you are talking about it is a piece of shit imo. Even he hates it but he sold his SS and his parents gave it to him reallly cheap so it was convenient as an everyday run-a-bout. The build quality on them is pretty poor, very average seats etc. I haven't had any specific experience with the Impreza R, I work at a panel and paint shop and we have had a couple in but thats about the limit of my experience with that model. I would take the subaru any day over the lancer, the only thing with the subaru's is they are pretty gutless even for a small car.

Just my 2c.

[austertj262]

Hey, I owned an ES CJ lancer brought it brand new in 08 and hated it. The paint was crap, the road noise was unbearable, it developed rattles very quickly and the seats were uncomfortable over any distance. I was very disappointed with my purchase i must say. I'd steer clear.

[planetdavo]

My partner has a current model Impreza like you are looking at. Has had it for 2 years now.
Basically, quite refined compared to most small Japanese cars (tinny sounding doors when you close them excepted), certainly no powerhouse, absolutely nothing has gone wrong with it, and yes, that all wheel drive driveline means more fuel usage.
I have hired a current model Lancer. They feel cheaper, are noisier, and use less fuel.
But, Lancer IS cheaper, so it depends on what your priorities are. The Mitsu has had a long factory warranty for a while now, standard. I would expect both brands to have similarly high levels of reliability. I doubt you would say either is really a "fun" car, if that is important or not.

[boggers007]

Hey mate, I sold my VE SS to buy a house and in doing so i downgraded to a 2010 CJ Lancer SX. Bought it brand new, great on fuel averaging about 6.5ltrs per 100k's (manual) compared to the SS. Only comment ill agree to from the above is that the paint is very thin as seems to get little scratches easy but otherwise i quite enjoy the car.

[VYBerlinaV8]

You get what you pay for. Impreza has better build quality, and will likely get better resale down the track. Of course, it costs more and uses more fuel.

What about a base Mazda 3?

[vh-holden]

Thanks for the replies.

I did notice that there was a bit more road noise in the lancer, but wasn't sure if it was me being picky. Perhaps I wasn't being picky afterall!

Initially, I was looking for fun, but that kinda went out the door when I had to bring in price, reliability and parts availability. Those 3 things are more important to me, and the vk is always sitting there in the driveway if I do have the urge to be silly. (even if any new 4 cyl will beat it!) Also, having driven a VH and VS, both with flogged out suspension, I have found all the cars i've tested fun to drive. They stay flat around corners for a start!

As for the mazda 3, I did have a look in at the dealership here, but the sales guy was a bit useless, too busy reciting safety features. The dealership is also part of quite a big company that hasn't got a great reputation as far as after sales service goes.

My parents have had two subaru outbacks, and while they are quite boring, they have been quite good. Theyve had a few little things go wrong, but nothing that has stopped it being driveable and always fixed no problems under warranty.


I did load up the vs, lancer, impreza and mazda 3 in redbook to do a comparison. According to that, the commodore uses the same amount of fuel as the impreza!

[The-V8-Power]

Just something a bit left field in a way.
Have you thought about the Cruze CD with the 1.4T?
I am not sure how they go but something you might enjoy if you enjoyed the SRi-V since it is the same running gear just looks different.
Plus there is the chance you get the 5 years warranty with the promotion they have at the moment with the 3+2 years.

[vh-holden]

There was something about the cruze that didn't seem quite right when I drove it. The face that the plastic trim around the steering column was all skewiff might have been the problem! They are also a bit too new so reliability hasn't been proven either way.

[seldo]

You get what you pay for. Impreza has better build quality, and will likely get better resale down the track. Of course, it costs more and uses more fuel.

What about a base Mazda 3?
Some people place a huge importance on fuel consumption and yet the difference is really relatively insignificant.
If car A does 6.5/100 and car B does 7.5/100, the difference over a 20,000km year is about $300 (at $1.50/l), so over 4yrs/80,000km it's about $1200. Not a fortune in the overall scheme of things.

[AllWheelSlide]

For the money you are talking have you looked at another dealership for a mazda 3?
On another note, cheap is cheap; sorry but you get what you pay for, and to sell at a low price something is cut somewhere.
Also look at the servicing cost. The stinger can be the one that involves a timing belt change.

[rone61]

The missus is looking for a car, we found the road noise in the lancer was very bad, she also felt that the power in the impreza was lacking (both were autos) and there doesn't seem to be much stock in Bris. I found the Kia Cerato pretty good value and the warranty good, 5 years and unlimited km's. She's still looking.

[csv rulz]

Mazda 3 or cruze cd 1.4iti would have to be the pick if I was looking. Also noticed ex demo Suzuki kizashi's going for around $22k, something a bit different bit worth a thought

[Bodacious]

is the cruze diesel on the cards? i have driven the lancer, subaru and cruze. subaru was most fun, but the diesel cruze is fantastic on fuel and its interior shreds the competition!

[redvxr8clubby]

My daughter has a Lancer VR, about 2 years old, hasn't had any problems, I also have a 06 Lancer ES wagon, no real problems, a few squeaks in the suspension, but it has done over 125,000Km. The Lancer seats are pretty poor in my '06 wagon, but the same looking seat in the VR seems a bit softer and more comfortable, but that said the ES or SX/ Active etc are the povo pack models. I think for a VR $26,000 is more likely. Have you thought abought a Focus. They seem to have the mid spec LX model for good price (in the outgoing model), the new model Focus seems to have upped the pricing. Personally I'd probably prefer a Mazda 3. Given the budget, a Kia is probably good value for money if $20,000 is the max.

[csv rulz]

Yea those cerato hatches look half descent plus 5 yr unlimited km warranty, or the all new elantra. May be worth a test drive

[Dave85]

Are you restricting yourself to a brand new vehicle? Is the loan you've been looking at a new car loan?
I'd be seriously considering a second hand model, perhaps something that's only a couple years old or so if you want something at least close to new. It's a cliche I know, but new cars lose that much value once they're driven out of the dealership. If you buy something that's established on the road you're less likely to have any of those new-car niggles.

As well, depending on your priorities, you can get a car that's just as cheap to run, perhaps even cheaper on insurance, and more choice on what you buy! :)
To give you an indication, I bought by current ute that was 2 years old at the time, hardly had any k's on it, fully optioned and had a couple of aftermarket goodies on it, and I probably saved at least 10 grand than if I'd bought it all new - and it drove like new.

So my suggestion is, don't limit yourself to a new car, have a look around for a great condition second hand car (yes they do exist) and there's a better chance you'll be able to buy something you enjoy driving! :cool:

[vh-holden]

Thanks again for the advice so far.

We are really limited with options up here as far as dealers go. It is pretty much a handful of yards that cover all the brands between them. That's making it a bit difficult to negotiate on price, but from what I've found on carsales, the prices are close enough. What i'd spend on a flight, a few tanks of fuel and the instant 3-4000km on the clock, would add up to the price here anyway.

I'm aiming for new so that I have the peace of mind of a decent warranty period. I'm going to look at salary sacrificing it as well (not that that restricts me to new though). I did have a quick look on carsales for 2010 imprezas and most of them are around the $19000 mark, lancers are from $14900, and have at least 10000km on them. That is for interstate cars as well. No idea what there is in darwin cos not many of the dealers put there stock online :(

[Rick76]

Speaking from experience, don't buy the base model of any small car if it is going to be your own daily driver! You will get bored very quickly. Unless your main criteria of ownership is bragging to your family/friends/colleagues about your 4l/100km economy.... or your wife/gf drives it most of the time.

If you want warranty look for one of the sportier/larger engine model Hyundai/Mitsubishi (5 year wty) that is around 2 years old for the same money. IMO something like a 2009 VRX with low km would be a much nicer car than a new base model. Then in 3 years sell it shortly before the warranty runs out and do the same again (if you are not bored with that type of car by then).

If you want a brand new car that is not a total bore performance wise there is nothing really available under $30K and you need to spend closer to $35K+ for the better ones. For that money the vast choices in late model secondhand performance/luxury cars makes it quite difficult to consider the new options.

[vh-holden]

Looks like I better visit the Hyundai dealership then!

Then again, driving a boring car might be enough motivation to get the weekender going.

[smokey777]

i have the 90tsi golf with tune great on fuel & with 110/270 (tuned) its nippy. have done 9500ks since july & hasnt missed a beat.

[GPT]

I've driven both and the vehicle that beats both easily is the new Hyundai Elantra. Go and check one out you'll be very surprised.

[carneb]

I just went through something similar looking for a car for the mrs. We test drove the Ford Fiesta & Focus, Honda City, Mazda 3, Holden Cruze, and the new Elantra. The Cruze was dissapointing to drive & doesn't have a drivers footrest! The Fiesta was a suprise it's a very good little car. The Mazda 3 was the nicest to drive but being a slightly older model is short of a few features and also a bit on the small side. We decided on the Elantra Elite - very nice car to look at inside and out, lots of features, nice to drive, lots of room and 5 year warranty. It doesn't seem like a Hyundai they've certainly come a long way since their early days.

[Drewie]

Go the Mazda 3, ours has done 60,000km and not had one fault, zero warranty claims, 2 sets of wiper rubbers is our biggest outlay besides normal servicing, we have a Golf and a Subaru in the family and in my opinion the Mazda is the nicer car to drive. The Golf is better built but was $10k dearer when new.

[mickeyVX350]

Off topic, but, after reading a few of these threads I think I love my Mrs a lot more! She has a VTII HSV Calais, and an AP5 in the shed - but she has been taken by the VE Calais in Sizzle! When asked "V8 or V6" It's always "V8"...

Good girl!

On topic, I have to take my hat off to Hyundai, I would buy an i30 in a hearbeat if I needed a small car, and the IX35 is a pretty sweet looking thing too

[vh-holden]

Update - went back to the bank to try and squeeze $25000, but no joy, so that makes the decision about the impreza a bit easier :(

I went and tested an LV Focus LX 2 litre manual this morning. 19989.99 driveaway, and fairly well specc'd. It was nice to drive and I was throwing it into a few corners as well. It's the last of the previous model so heavily discounted as was mentioned earlier.

Then i went an took a Hyundai i30 diesel for a drive. The torque in them is awesome, but a few problems I had were very basic equipment, no cruise control and it felt very platicky and wasn't an overly nice place to be sitting. The other bigger problem is that it is $23000. I'd prefer to go for the SLX with the better trim and cruise control, but that is $26k so out of my range. The elantra looked good, but was also out of my range.

So, the focus is winning at the moment.

I still haven't gone for a drive in a mazda 3 though. There is just something about them that I don't like. I can't work out what it is though.

[SV805]

Did the same as you for second car. Cheap to buy, Cheap to run and good warranty.

Ended up with 2011 SX Lancer Tint and Car mats $20,072 (Went over by budget by $72). 5 year warranty plus 5 year road side asssit and fixed price servicing. Also services are 12mths or 15K

Try out new Kia also looks ok and good warranty.

[mickeyVX350]

I know a guy here with a pretty nice, near brand new lancer.. Perhaps 2 years that could be had on the teens. Nice car.

[vh-holden]

The focus ended up winning. 10 years in a Holden, now giving the opposition a go!

It is the run out LV mkII LX at $19989, down from mid 20s. It's got the bells as whistles of the other cars I drove, but cheaper cos of the runout.

A teacher at work has an older one, and despite a few problems, he loves it. He's into cars, but limited by money, so i figure if he likes it, then it's alright. Apparently his wife tortures the tyres!

The Subaru sales manager had to come over and do the contract cos the ford guy was away. He sold my parents their outback, but just couldn't get the price down on the impreza.

All going to plan i should be in aircon by the weekend! Which isn't soon enough. We had the first storm of the wet season on the weekend and the vs already smells!

[HSVREDSLED]

Did the same as you for second car. Cheap to buy, Cheap to run and good warranty.

Ended up with 2011 SX Lancer Tint and Car mats $20,072 (Went over by budget by $72). 5 year warranty plus 5 year road side asssit and fixed price servicing. Also services are 12mths or 15K

Try out new Kia also looks ok and good warranty.

Same here. Bought the missus a Lancer for the above reasons. Seats are a bit thin but road noise hasnt been a problem. I like driving the car.

The Focus was a waaay better car to drive, but the salesman was an absolute knob and pushy to the extent that he wouldnt lift a finger unless I left a deposit. Also the services were heaps more than the lancer.

At the end of the day...its the wifes car and not our tourer/daily driver.

[QldKev]

Bit late now, but did you look at the Corolla? For a little run around I don't think you can beat them. Reliable and decent resale value. I am bias as I have 2 corollas parked in my driveway at home. One I've had for over 10 years and is now handed down to one of my sons, and a newer one for the wife. Funny thing is on trips to Brisbane we find we leave the commodore at home and take her corolla.

QldKev

[VX2VESS]

Mazda 3 is the car in smalls ATM and new sales proof it. very hard to get good ones 2nd hand as well. Nice little package even in base form which are $21,xxx drive away.

Toyota sales are down due to them becoming arrogant and reduced quality in recent years. they are now turning that around and new models are coming in the range. They were good, Mazda taken over as they got slack but they will come back.

Not sure on the small Ford, i might consider the turbo version for a small car. But today i would go Mazda 3, they drive well for what they are.

[michaels1v8]

The focus ended up winning. 10 years in a Holden, now giving the opposition a go!

It is the run out LV mkII LX at $19989, down from mid 20s. It's got the bells as whistles of the other cars I drove, but cheaper cos of the runout.

A teacher at work has an older one, and despite a few problems, he loves it. He's into cars, but limited by money, so i figure if he likes it, then it's alright. Apparently his wife tortures the tyres!

The Subaru sales manager had to come over and do the contract cos the ford guy was away. He sold my parents their outback, but just couldn't get the price down on the impreza.

All going to plan i should be in aircon by the weekend! Which isn't soon enough. We had the first storm of the wet season on the weekend and the vs already smells!

good choice. Sounds like you got yourself a nice car that won't give you too much trouble for quite a few years. Would definately be a step up from the vs thats for sure. Enjoy :)

[vh-holden]

I contemplated the Corolla briefly, my sister has a 96 model, and while they have developed since then, I thought it would be a bit too boring and mundane.

Does anybody know how much the focus and 3 share? They are based on the same platform, and I read that ford has a license to produce the mazda engine too.

Thursday is pick up day. Getting excited. It's the most adult purchase I've made, after my laptop and camera!

[redvxr8clubby]

The focus ended up winning. 10 years in a Holden, now giving the opposition a go!

It is the run out LV mkII LX at $19989, down from mid 20s. It's got the bells as whistles of the other cars I drove, but cheaper cos of the runout.



Well done, I think for the mid range model they are good value for money, hard to get much better value for the $20K budget.

[vh-holden]

Picked it up thursday, with 170km on the clock. It was the one I'd test driven so that was understandable.

Just over 950km on it now. It is quite a fun little car and definitely a step up from the VS. Still not going too hard on it cos of the whole running it in bizzo.

I did take it for a drive to litchfield park yesterday. i couldn't wait to see how it went on the winding road. turns out it goes alright. pretty flat through bends, but some tyre squirm. did 332km. fuel consumption was 8.3l/100km and that can be improved.

But, there is a rattle in the middle aircon vents, sounds like something is rolling around in there. The aircon compressor is noisy. Switching it on at 2800 in neutral causes the revs to drop to 2200. A mate is an aircon mechanic and had a look at it. He reckons it is just noisy, but might be overgassed. It's booked in on wednesday to get the rattle checked so i'll ask about it then.