Japanese cars are considered a model of quality, reliability and durability. The Mitsubishi Lancer IX was no exception, which, having virtually no competitors in its niche, quickly gained popularity among domestic car enthusiasts and still holds the leading position in terms of sales. This is greatly facilitated by the car’s unpretentiousness, ease of operation, successful, albeit slightly aggressive design, and a wide range of available modifications and options. However, many are put off by the questionable ergonomics of the interior and the high cost of spare parts and materials. Let’s try to understand in more detail the strengths and weaknesses of the model and determine how successful and promising it is.
Excursion into history
The predecessor of the modern Lancer was the Cedia model, which saw the world back in 2000. It practically did not go beyond the Asian market, but became fundamental in the future model range, embodying technical solutions that in 2003 made it possible to introduce the Lancer IX car in the USA and Europe. The first buyers were inspired by the simplicity and relative cheapness of the model, and only after that its other positive qualities were revealed.
In Russia and the CIS countries, Lancer at first could not withstand competition with its “big brother” - Mitsubishi Carisma. The rival was superior to the new model in interior comfort, had a more aristocratic design and was in the same price category. However, a year later, in 2004, production of Carisma was stopped, and Lancer gained well-deserved popularity both as a city car and among fans of aggressive driving, which was facilitated by the appearance of the Evolution sports modification.
Let's take a look under the hood
Mitsubishi engineers decided not to experiment with Lancer power units. Buyers have access to exclusively four-cylinder in-line engines, the volume of which varies between 1.3-2.4 liters. The most widely used modifications are those with a 1.6-liter internal combustion engine - their ratio of power and fuel consumption is optimally balanced (up to 125 hp at 8.0 liters in the combined cycle). A nice bonus of the ninth generation was the introduction of the GDI system. Most cars of this model use AI-95 gasoline as fuel, but there are also versions for AI-98.
The weak points of engines are the radiator and ignition system. And if in the latter case it is advisable to install original spare parts, in the event of a radiator failure it is better to purchase a high-quality replica. In internal combustion engines with a volume of over 1.5 liters, problems with the CPG are possible, especially with careless driving. They manifest themselves in the “hiding” of the piston rings, which may be due to insufficiently strong structural material of the block or overheating caused by poor oil circulation. The problem is usually corrected by boring the cylinders.
There will be no problems with the convenience of controlling the transmission while driving a Lancer - everyone will be able to choose a gearbox to suit their taste. Versions are available with five- and six-speed manual transmissions, a four-speed automatic transmission and even a CVT. All gearboxes are highly reliable and have a long service life, however, manual transmissions of 1.3 and 1.6-liter engines may have problems with the input shaft bearings. It is advisable to replace them after 100-150 thousand kilometers.
From the gearbox, torque can be transmitted directly to the front drive axle or, for some Cedia modifications, through a transfer case to all wheels. When operating both front- and all-wheel drive Lancers, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the CV joints - they tend to wear out. The main advice is not to skimp on lubricants, and then the operation of the transmission will be stable and trouble-free.
Looking for body problems
More than 90% of Mitsubishi Lancer IX cars were supplied as a sedan, but station wagons are also sometimes found. The workmanship of both types of bodies meets Japanese standards - the metal is high-quality, durable, but at the same time sufficiently ductile to provide load-absorbing deformations in the event of a collision. But in terms of collisions, dents, scratches and other body defects, used Lancers will leave many other sports and pseudo-sports cars far behind - this model is hit very often.
Pay attention to the condition of the paint and varnish coatings - the factory ones are thin, but they are durable and uniform. Damage on such paintwork materials practically does not grow. An increase in thickness, uneven color or excessive shine of certain areas of the body will indicate the presence of more or less serious hidden defects.
Let's look for traces of corrosion. Usually the rear arches are the first to suffer - the inner seam almost inevitably becomes covered with rust after 5-7 years of using the car. From there, corrosion spreads to the junction of the arch and the wing, and in advanced cases it moves to the outer part of the wings at the rear doors. The presence of such obvious signs of neglect of body care will almost certainly indicate the need for welding work on the internal surfaces.
Other possible, but much less significant sources of corrosion are sills, door limiter trims, the doors themselves (especially in the lower part), hood edges, windshield joints, and trunk. There may also be traces of rust in the interior, for example, on the trunk and gas tank release levers.
Was there an accident?
Some basic signs that determine the eliminated consequences of accidents do not work with the Lancer. Thus, it would be a mistake to say that the car was involved in an accident if the hood was removed - sometimes this operation is performed in order to raise the rear part of the hood for the summer period. On modifications with powerful engines, this is the easiest way to improve the natural cooling of the engine compartment by incoming air flow. Both the front and rear optics of the Lancer are made of soft plastic of extremely low quality. After only 100 thousand kilometers, it wears out, turns yellow, does not transmit light well and worsens the appearance of the car. So new headlights do not mean that the old ones were broken.
But such an inconspicuous detail as the ears of the front bumper will help to understand whether there was a frontal impact. The plastic of the bumper is durable and can withstand even when the tips of the side members are damaged, but the ears break off in almost any accident, so traces of their restoration should make you think about the condition of the body. In addition, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the front tie rod - if it was broken, then the owner did not care much about the car.
If possible, inspect the bottom. Traces from stones and elongated suspension cups will indicate the aggressive driving nature of the previous owner. There is a very high probability that upon a more detailed inspection of such a car, there will be replaced body elements or chassis parts that were damaged as a result of recklessness.
Let's take a look around the salon
Let us immediately warn you that tall or overweight people will find it quite uncomfortable in the Lancer’s cabin - the low roof and lack of steering wheel adjustments make themselves felt. But this is typical for all instances of the model. What should you pay attention to when inspecting a particular car?
The first thing that catches your eye in the interior of used Lancers of economy trim levels is the low quality of the seats. We are talking not only about frayed fabric and a dented seal, but also about the frame, which can be completely broken by 200 thousand km. These seats need to be replaced immediately. Used seats from Intense vehicles, which can be purchased at a wrecking yard or ordered online, are perfect.
In terms of finishing materials, on the contrary, the basic equipment wins. Its plastic elements, although they quickly accumulate dust, are easily cleaned with special chemical compounds, but worn leather and darkened silver inserts on the steering wheel and dashboard are more difficult to deal with. As a rule, only replacement helps, which will certainly be expensive. By the way, the leather of the front panel is often re-skinned to disguise traces of an accident - be careful.
Automatic climate control works perfectly. If it is not there, pay attention to the operation of the stove - the temperature damper cable often jams and breaks. A common occurrence on used Lancers is a non-working air conditioner. It can fail for various reasons, but most often the tubes are rubbed by the engine crankcase protection. Broken power window cables are also not uncommon. And after a long drive on bad roads (200 thousand km or more), the interior begins to “sing” - plastic parts rub against each other and emit an unpleasant squeak. Fastening work will help eliminate this problem.
Electrics and control mechanisms
Both analog electrics and electronics of the Mitsubishi Lancer IX are characterized by extremely high reliability and durability. The “weak link” can be called the contact group of the ignition switch, but problems with it are the exception rather than the rule. Otherwise, it is enough to adhere to the basic rules of servicing electrical equipment, for example, every 100-150 thousand kilometers, change the brushes and bearings of the generator, monitor the condition of the plates and the battery charge level. Take care of the starter - if it is overloaded, there is a high risk of breaking the teeth of the contact pair of gears.
I'll add my 5 cents:
1) Maslozhor after about 100K km. It is treated by painstakingly selecting the oil that burns less than others. Or engine repairs up to major ones;
2) Throttle assembly. Over time, the damper gnaws a hole in the cylinder of the unit, which for the time being does not interfere. The very first wash of the throttle assembly or simply the critical dimensions of the hole is to increase the idle speed to 1500-2000 rpm. Treated by replacing the throttle assembly or using the Titus method;
3) Frail heater temperature control cable. In some cases, when switching from cold to hot air, the cable stupidly bends or flies out of the mount. It can be treated by disassembling two panels of the dashboard and replacing the cable. If it just flew off the fastening, then fastening it. A variant of collective farm reinforcement of the cable at the point of its bend is possible;
4) Many Lancers 9 drive with cracks on the windshield. This occurs due to the winter heating of the interior with a heater turned on to maximum and blowing on the glass. Treated by replacement. But you can score;
5) The power steering hose is snotty. It is treated by replacing the hose or handicraft re-crimping another piece of high-pressure hose using the end caps of the original hose;Well, a couple of comments that are not related to problems, but to shortcomings:
1) Weak headlights. It can be treated by replacing the lamps with something like Koito WhiteBeam III;
2) Uninformative fuel level sensor: up to half the tank it is consumed smoothly, after the needle leaves, after half the tank it sharply sags to a quarter;
3) There is no adjustment for the steering column to extend. It is not always possible to adjust so that the legs are not cramped and at the same time the wrists rest on the steering wheel, as recommended. Therefore, you have to keep the steering wheel in its lower sector;
4) There is no armrest for the right arm. The left one can be placed on the door ledge, the right one either hangs in the air, or dangles in the lower right sector of the steering wheel;
5) The foot area is poorly heated. That's how it works. There is no treatment;
6) Slightly outdated design, especially the front headlight units. Lancer 9 has not been restyled for a long time, maintaining its appearance for exactly 10 years.Pros:
1) Quite strong iron. Toyota Kaldina hit my left rear fender and smashed the right half of its face, but I just got a dent. There is a photo of the dent on the forum, if anyone is interested, take a look;
2) Torquey, elastic engine. If you are lazy and constantly pull the lever from 2 to 3 and back, you can jam it and drive in 3rd, the engine will pull out normally. Same with 3-4 gears;
3) Spacious interior. Nothing bothers anyone from behind, everything is at hand in front;
4) 98 hp - low transport tax and insurance. This is a big plus;
5) Low fuel consumption - 7-8 liters per 100 km in the city. Nice;
6) Stylish-looking classic sedan: no design ugliness. It may seem boring to some, but classics are classics, these are not bug-eyed Nissans;
7) Very stable suspension operation. The rear wheels “help” to enter the turn. When turning at speeds of 40-50, the car does not go off course even on fresh snow;
8) The trunk fits an assembled baby stroller, a box with car junk and 4 more full bags from Lenta. Personally verified;
9) Starts great in cold weather. At -30, the starter spun for about 3 seconds, then the engine started and after 10 minutes it was possible to drive. Of course, no one canceled the “stool” effect, but the engine felt normal;
10) Responsive steering: holes and potholes are perfectly handled with one hand hanging in the lower sector of the steering wheel. Driving the Lancer is a pleasure.
And the vast majority of cars are equipped with a manual transmission, although the automatic transmission here is excellent, and its service life is probably even longer than that of a manual transmission. The transmission of front-wheel drive cars is generally very reliable. Only CV joints are at risk: their covers tend to wear out, you need to be careful.
All-wheel drive vehicles have a more complex design; the bevel gearbox and transfer case have quite a few weak points, especially since they are usually equipped with powerful engines from Evolution. Broken splines, twisted CV joints and cardan shafts are quite common phenomena if the owner is too lazy to install a tuning unit after the engine has been “swaped”. But for those who build an Evo from their “nine”, these problems are of no concern. Although note: these components can be easily installed with the Airtrek (aka Outlander in the left-hand drive version) - there were many of them with all-wheel drive, and the parts from it are not too expensive.
On cars with manual transmission, difficulties are usually not expected. And this is where Lancer IX delivers its insidious blow below the belt. The 1.3 and 1.6 liter engines are equipped with manual transmissions of the F5M41-1-V7B3 and 5M41-1-R7B5 series, respectively. They reach 100-150 thousand kilometers without any particular difficulties, but then bearing noise begins to appear. As a rule, they are associated with the release bearing, but after replacing it, usually nothing changes. In most cases, replacing the input shaft bearings helps, but sometimes owners go as far as replacing the front part of the manual transmission housing, and after 150-200 thousand mileage, the clutches and synchronizers may wear out.
The differential needs to be monitored, and the oil should be changed more often - for example, every 40-50 thousand kilometers, which is generally not typical for a manual transmission. I am glad that this operation is inexpensive.
Manual transmissions from “European” two-liter cars of the F5M42-2-R7B6 and F5M42-2-R7B4 series often begin to make noise after 50-70 thousand mileage. The chances that the housing is damaged are also higher than in the case of manual transmissions with “small” engines. There are few contract units, but there is a way out: instead of the completely “dead” F5M42-2-R7B6 and F5M42-2-R7B4, you can safely install boxes from 2.4 and 1.8 liter engines. With some modifications, stronger manual transmissions of the W5M31-1 or even KM220 series or the slightly more expensive and new W5M42 will fit here.
Replacing the box can be avoided if you do not delay replacing the bearings, after which the box will last another 40-50 thousand miles. Unfortunately, precise assembly and inspection of all seating surfaces are important here. It is possible to achieve factory quality (and therefore a resource).
Please note that when buying a car, you can easily get a copy with a box that is already noisy, into which additives have been poured to reduce noise. In this case, you will have to repair or change the manual transmission. Any suspicions about noise should be immediately interpreted in favor of major repairs.
With automatic machines everything is much simpler. With 1.6 liter engines, Russian cars had a reliable automatic transmission of the F4A4A-1-N2Z series, and with a two-liter engine they installed F4A4B-1-J5Z. Essentially, these are the same unit. If you want to find documentation for this box, then it is best to search by another name - F4A42, it is common to the entire series and allows you to find all compatible versions of the automatic transmission. They were installed not only on Mitsubishi cars, but also on Korean Hyundai cars. And also on Proton, BYD and Zhonghua, if you suddenly want to look for spare parts in China or Malaysia.
It is difficult to break this automatic transmission; usually resource problems begin with rare oil changes, for example, once every 90 thousand, and when running for 250 thousand kilometers. The list of priority replacements usually includes the shift solenoids and the main pressure solenoid. With frequent and active driving on the highway, wear is also possible on the Overdrive planetary gear, where the needle bearing fails. As a result of this trouble, wear products can damage many components.
Failures of speed sensors are mainly associated with age and contamination of the box with wear products. The most serious problems are usually related to contamination of the valve body, loss of pressure or oil leaks.
The automatic transmission is considered one of the most successful in its class. It is so successful that the A4CF1/2 box on Solaris differs from it in nuances, being a further development of the design, and it is still installed with 1.4 liter engines.
If you change the oil in the automatic transmission every 40-50 thousand, do not abuse racing and replace the gas turbine linings on time, then the gearbox will not require serious repairs. After 200-250 thousand kilometers, most likely, you will only need to replace several solenoids and a filter. That is, you can do without additional investments, although at this age it is recommended to update the rubber seals.
If you take an American or Japanese car with a 1.5 l, 1.6 l or 1.8 l engine, then you will not have a classic “automatic”, but a CVT produced by Mitsubishi / Hyundai F1C1 series. The design is largely similar to the bestselling Jatco RE0F06A and JF 011E and is in fact one of its ancestors. Unfortunately, this does not speak of outstanding merits, but of an abundance of children's problems. In particular, this box works very poorly at low temperatures and even when cold. The oil in this variator should be changed every year, and yet the wear of the belt and cones by the mileage of 120-150 thousand is often already critical.
Motors
Mitsubishi engines are considered one of the most thoughtful and successful. Especially the old episodes. And the two-liter 4G 63 is deservedly considered one of the best engines for tuning, and at the same time very reliable and successful in the naturally aspirated version.
But the bulk of the engines still belong to a different series. In many ways similar in design, but different - to the 4G1 or Orion family. 1.3 liter engines – 4G 13 series, 1.6 liter engines – 4G 18. A rarer one and a half liter modification belongs to the 4G 15 series.
These engines are distinguished by the presence of modifications with one and two camshafts, three and four valves per cylinder, as well as optional GDI injection and MIVEC phase shifters.
The Lancer IX was equipped with the latest modifications 4G 18, so it was only available in the version with four valves per cylinder and one camshaft. 4G 15 “pleases” with great variety: there is GDI on Japanese cars, and four valves per cylinder (three valves are also found, but rarely). There are even modifications with two camshafts.
The 4G 13 engine is strictly a 12-valve engine with one camshaft.
All engines are distinguished by a cast-iron cylinder block, a timing belt and a fairly convenient design.
Timing belt 1.6
price for original
1,433 rubles
With all the advantages of these engines, one cannot fail to note the low service life of the piston group of 1.6 liter engines, their sensitivity to operating temperature and the poor design of the engine throttle valve. In addition, 1.6 l and 1.5 l engines have very weak ignition modules with individual coils.
The poor design of the main radiator makes it prone to loss of seal and contamination. I note that non-original inexpensive radiators often work even better than the original ones.
The material of the cylinder block is also far from “premium”, and if the rings are stuck, then, most likely, the wear of the piston group is already significant, and boring cannot be done without.
The rings of the 1.6 L and 1.5 L engines are stuck due to poor oil drainage on the pistons. The holes become coked, the circulation of coolant becomes insufficient, which leads to overheating. Actually, all diseases here most often arise due to an increase in engine volume: the performance of the cooling system is designed mainly for 1.2 liter and 1.3 liter engines, and a block of a larger volume is barely enough.
And as soon as the radiators become a little dirty, an appetite for oil appears. Now let’s add to this the unsuccessful design of the pistons, and here it is – oil consumption and piston wear after hundreds of thousands of kilometers and at least slight overheating. Pistons are inexpensive, but the very fact that overhaul is required after 100-120 thousand kilometers of typical operation can scare off many.
To the credit of these engines, I note that their oil appetite increases gradually, not as rapidly as the oil guzzlers of VW and BMW. And yet, two liters per 10 thousand kilometers is already a serious symptom, and if cheaper oil is used, appetite begins to grow quickly.
In principle, using regular decarbonization, oils with low viscosity and good washing properties, oil appetite can be stabilized for quite a long time. There are examples of engines with mileage over 300 thousand and an original piston group. True, there are also many nuances of operating conditions to achieve such a result. With frequent trips through city traffic jams, such “survivability” is almost impossible to achieve. The only thing that can be recommended is the use of a “cold” thermostat and regular cleaning of the radiator. Well, oils with a viscosity of SAE 30, of course.
The throttle valve has a limited resource: after 150 thousand kilometers, accumulated play interferes with its normal operation, and a concomitant factor is usually contamination and leakage of the EGR valve. There is good news for Russian owners of Lancers: you can order a restored damper “from Titus”, repairs have been started. And, of course, no one forbids installing new original or contract parts.
EGR needs to be periodically cleaned or turned off out of harm's way: it largely contributes to accelerated wear of the piston group and ring sticking on 1.6 liter engines.
The catalyst on these engines also does not tolerate operation well in Russia. After the same 100-150 thousand kilometers, the back pressure increases, and sometimes crumbs fly into the intake. This is largely due to possible ignition problems during this run: the spark plug tips are filled with oil due to the poor design of the cylinder head cover gaskets and poor crankcase ventilation. Vapors from crankcase gases, in turn, lead to corrosion of spark plug tips. It's good that they are collapsible and can be repaired.
Finally, they note the low service life of the engine mounts, because of which, after 150 thousand kilometers, vibrations and jerks become frequent occurrences.
Radiator
price for original
26,269 rubles
If you look carefully, up to 100-120 thousand everything is usually very good, but then large expenses are expected with varying degrees of probability. Separately, the work is not too expensive, even replacing the timing belt, and spare parts, including original ones, do not cost a fortune. But for many, it all ends with the installation of a contract engine, fortunately there are enough of them. And all because you can install a much more successful engine.
The two-liter 4G 63 in the naturally aspirated version is similar in layout to small-volume engines, but belongs to a different family, the larger 4G6 or Sirius. It also includes the rarely encountered 1.8 liter 4G 67 series and 2.4 liter 4G 69 series engines.
Unlike “small” motors, there are balancer shafts, and they are driven by a separate belt. They are also one of the weak points of this line of engines. On 2.0 L and 1.8 L engines, it is recommended to disable the balancer drive and remove the belt. Otherwise, if it breaks, it falls under the timing belt and... everything is clear here. In such a situation, the valves bend on all Mitsubishi engines.
Balancer shafts on older engines are prone to jamming. Otherwise, everything is noticeably better than that of smaller engines: the piston engine is more reliable, there are no problems with overheating. But there are thousands of options for tuning the cooling system, because engines with a power of over a thousand horsepower are assembled on the basis of 4G 63/4G 69/4G 64. True, sometimes with the replacement of the unit itself: the standard one is not enough even with a return of half this figure.
The main resource problems of these engines include early wear of hydraulic compensators, rapid loss of oil pump pressure when operating on dirty oil, and associated problems in the form of rapid wear of highly loaded crankshaft liners, balancer shafts and camshaft cams. Provided that the “correct” oil is regularly changed, the oil receiver mesh is cleaned, good filters and a properly functioning crankcase ventilation system, the engine can travel 300-400 thousand kilometers before intervention in the piston. The cylinder head will go through at least 200 before the first repairs. In addition, the Lancer has the simplest version of the engine, without phase shifters and other frills like GDI direct injection.
In the photo: Mitsubishi Lancer Wagon "2003–2005 Engines of 1.8 and 2.4 liters have approximately the same characteristics and service life, but adjusted for slightly changed power. The CVT transmission has an extremely beneficial effect on the service life of the 1.8-liter engine. It's a pity that the combination of GDI and MIVEC does not have the best effect on operating costs and reliability.
The supercharged engine option has a similar resource only if the car is driven by a very calm person. Usually the 4G 63T is used harshly, and there is no point in talking about an outstanding resource. But even in such conditions it is extremely reliable, even in a forced form.
The difficulties with the throttle, ignition coils, crankcase ventilation system and engine mounts are the same as with the 1.6 4G 18 engine.
Summary
On cars officially sold in Russia, a two-liter engine is the best option. It is noticeably more powerful than the 1.6-liter and does not have a specific problem with the resource of the piston group. It’s bad that there are very few such units, so the 1.6-liter remains the main one. We can only hope that he was served well. And if it’s not good, then at least it was repaired well.
In the photo: Mitsubishi Lancer "2005–2010 The 1.3 liter engine is quite suitable for driving around the city, but on the highway driving with it is a real pain, especially if the traffic is heavy. At the same time, its service life is quite acceptable; usually up to 250 thousand kilometers it works well, hinting at the need for repairs with a growing oil appetite.
In general, the Mitsubishi Lancer IX is a very reliable car, although without some shortcomings. For example, the service life of manual transmissions and 1.6 liter engines leaves much to be desired. But this is the equipment for most cars.
Repairs will not be too expensive, if only due to the mass production of the machine and the widespread unification of units.
Another unpleasant factor is the very specific ergonomics of the car, which does not favor people of average or taller height, much less fat ones. This is a car, with your permission, for small and thin drivers and passengers.
In the photo: Mitsubishi Lancer "2003–2005 The image of a rally car is a double-edged sword: it just warms the soul for some, but more often it has a detrimental effect on the style of operation.
Therefore, to summarize: if you are short and you are ready to undergo an engine or gearbox overhaul once, you need good handling and a “sporty” image in an inexpensive car, and you don’t mind a gray interior, then the Lancer IX can be considered a good option. It hardly rots, it doesn’t bother you with difficult-to-solve problems, spare parts became cheap many years ago, there are not just a lot of contract units, but a lot. And there is a huge scope for tuning, you can build the car of your dreams...
I don’t fall under these conditions, but there are plenty of people willing.
Are you ready to get your Lancer 9?
Mitsubishi Lancer IX has gained fame as a reliable and unpretentious car. There are no ideal things, and the “Japanese” has its own weaknesses. Which every future owner should know about and which you need to pay attention to when buying a used car of this model.
Weaknesses of the 9th generation Mitsubishi Lancer and their manifestations
- increased oil consumption;
- throttle assembly;
- brake discs and calipers;
- steering rack;
- exhaust gas catalytic converter;
- weak paintwork.
Buyers of used cars should definitely pay attention to the following:
Increased oil consumption in cars with mileage of more than 100 thousand km.
This feature is “treated” by correct selection of engine oil, and if it does not help, by replacing oil seals, oil scraper rings, which tend to stick and wear out, and engine repair, even complete overhaul;
Throttle valve assembly.
It “gnaws out” a hole in the mechanism cylinder; at first this does not interfere, but it provokes increased wear of the mechanism. Also, washing the throttle assembly or an enlarged hole leads to an increase in idle speed - up to 1500 - 2000 rpm. A common factory defect. It can be solved by replacing the unit or repairing it using the Titus method;
Brake discs and calipers.
The problem occurs when braking at high speeds. The steering wheel rattles, the brake discs get hot, they start to drag and warp. There were cases when the knot split in half. The discs need to be changed, preferably with a high-quality non-original analogue, and the calipers are rebuilt and worn parts (cuffs, o-rings) are changed;
Steering rack.
When driving in a straight line, knocking noises appear on small bumps, as if someone were knocking on the steering column with a hammer. By 150 thousand mileage, this problem appears on every second car. The main reason is corrosion of the mechanism rod where it is sealed with oil seals. Leads to rupture of seals and oil leaks. This problem can be solved by purchasing a new rack (expensive), buying a used rack (analogy with a lottery: you can get a problem-free one and save money, or it may leak again in a month), repairs with replacement of the rod and a complete overhaul and replacement of all seals. The end result will be a practically new rail at a price 2-3 times cheaper. By the way, the vessels can also be attributed to weak steering rods;
Catalytic converter for exhaust gases.
There are two of them on Lancer. Due to the low quality of gasoline, the first one, which is located on the exhaust manifold and operates in more aggressive conditions, fails when it reaches 100 thousand. When the “Check Engine” light comes on and the reason is in the catalyst, there are not many options, namely: replacing the converter (very expensive and ineffective, since gasoline will destroy it again after 70 - 100 thousand), remove and fill it with weak (1 :9) a solution of orthophosphoric acid and water. The method is not always effective and will help if the cells are still in order. The third method consists of removing the catalyst and installing a blende for flashing the engine. The lambda probes that control the operation of the converter are moved to the second one to “deceive” the engine control program;
Weak paintwork on the body.
A body inspection is required before purchasing. Chips will lead to rust in the future. Caring for it with restorative polishes will help preserve the coating and extend its service life.
In addition to the above-mentioned weak points of a car of this model, it is necessary to carefully inspect the entire car before purchasing. Unless, of course, there is no way to take it to a car service center. It’s worth taking a ride on it and listening to possible knocks, squeaks, whistles, etc. In addition to the weak points of this car, there are a number of shortcomings that must be taken into account before purchasing a car.
Typical disadvantages of Mitsubishi Lancer from 2007-2010. release
- very poor sound insulation;
- lack of illumination for the glove compartment (apparently the designers considered it unnecessary, at least they would have included a flashlight in the kit);
- the “near/far” switch is inconvenient;
- weak head optics;
- rigid suspension;
- expensive original spare parts and, by the way, in terms of their durability, I could wish for better;
- small trunk volume;
- rattling of cheap plastic in the cabin;
- uncomfortable armrest;
- weak air conditioning and stove.
Let's summarize.
Despite the track record of shortcomings and weaknesses, the car is reliable, dynamic, especially with a two-liter engine, handles well and looks good. When purchasing, the main thing is to pay close attention to the inspection, and it is best to carry out diagnostics before purchasing, and also not to purchase cars that have been used in taxis or in training novice drivers.
P.S: Dear owners of this car model, if, according to your observations during operation, parts, components or assemblies often fail, we will be very grateful if you report these frequent breakdowns in the comments below!
Weaknesses and main disadvantages of a used Mitsubishi Lancer IX was last modified: October 16, 2019 by Administrator
Mitsubishi Lancer IX (2003-2005, restyling 2005-2010).
2000, production of Cedia (Lancer) began in Japan. 2001, sales of Cedia started on the US market. In 2003, the front optics, radiator grille and hood changed, and the name for all markets became Lancer. A year later, official sales of Mitsubishi Lancer in Russia begin. The model immediately becomes a bestseller. Low price, reliability, good build quality, rich equipment for its price, the “9s” were assembled in Japan.
The following engines were offered for our market: 1.3 (82 hp, up to hundred in 13.7 s, average consumption - 7 liters per 100 km), 1.6 (98 hp, up to hundred in 11.8 seconds, consumption per 100 km - 7.5 liters ) and 2.0 (135 hp, up to 100 km in 9.6 seconds, mixed consumption per hundred - 10 l).
There were only three transmissions: 1 - “mechanics” with 5 steps, an automatic with 4 gears and a continuously variable variator.
Front-wheel drive, but in other markets all-wheel drive versions were offered, like other power plants - 1.5 (91, 100 hp), 1.8 (114, 130 and 165 hp), 2.4 (164 hp).
In the basic configuration, with the 1.3 engine, you could get: 2 front airbags, air conditioning, electric side mirrors, central locking, 4 electric windows, ABS - everything you needed was already in the “base”. In the 2-liter version: climate control, heated seats, front seats with developed lateral support, sports steering wheel, 4 airbags, fog lights, leather steering wheel, 16-radius alloy wheels, trunk spoiler.
If we talk about the secondary market, the Mitsubishi Lancer, at the same price as the Koreans, looks older, it is better assembled, there are more options in the basic equipment, it is more spacious in the cabin (C-Class, after all). In 2007, production of the “9” was stopped, and Lancer X was released. But a couple of years later, Lancer IX again entered the production line under the name Lancer Classic. There were rumors that the new generation had become a "rattle" (historical fact). Perhaps for this reason “9th” returned.
Children's diseases Mitsubishi Lancer IX.
| Sores | Solution |
|
Suspension |
|
| leak, knocking, steering rack play | Repair kit installation |
| The chrome on the headlight reflectors is crumbling | chrome painting and lens installation |
| Rear fog lights fall out due to a small impact | |
| the stove becomes clogged, which causes the stove cable to break - the temperature cannot be changed | constantly clean the stove or strengthen the cable |
|
Engine |
|
| idle speed floats 1.6 | repairing the throttle valve or installing a modified one - Titus (if everything is in order, do not wash the throttle valve, otherwise the revs will float) |
| oil consumption 1.6 ("throttle" a lot - if it smokes blue, it's eating oil) | the occurrence of the oil scraper rings - you can start with decoking, it is better to replace the oil scraper rings, valve stem seals, knock out the catalysts, fill in high-quality oil, change every 8 thousand km |
| power steering hose leak | re-press the hose (if it’s not done properly, vibration may appear), it’s better to install |
| Frequent radiator leaks | if the problem is not observed, for the sake of prevention, install a new radiator cap 0.9 (check the operation of the valve in it, develop it if necessary), if the radiator is leaking, replace it with a non-original one |
| weak generator bearings | |
| Steering wheel wobble when braking | drives brake discs - sharpen or replace, replace pads |
| the calipers are souring, they are holding together, they are rattling | clean, lubricate, replace guides |
|
Electrics |
|
| The steering column cable is frayed and the SRS error light is on | resolder the cable tracks |
| Cooling fans do not work or work but not correctly | install a fan control unit from Outlander (2 times cheaper for Lancer) |
The most reliable engine in the Lancer IX is 2.0 liters, there are no problems with the valve and oil intake, the rest can be checked. If you choose 1.6, you will have to watch the oil. The “two-liter” version is more expensive to purchase, there are fewer offers, but it’s hassle-free. BUT! when replacing the timing belt in 2.0, remember that you need to change the drive belt of the balancing shafts, otherwise there is a risk of bending the valves. There is little information about 1.3, sometimes “sores” similar to 1.6 appear. The remaining internal combustion engines were not officially offered to Russia. No weak points were found in the “boxes”. Overall a reliable car, but like any used car, it requires attention.
