2009 Toyota Corolla S vs 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer SE

[express.items]

Hey all,

So I'm looking at getting a new (first) car, and am stuck between the 2009 Toyota Corolla S and the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer SE.

IMHO, the Lancer looks nicer. I've hear the Corolla is a "old person" car, although I have to admit it looks nicer than older models.

According to EnerGuide ratings the Corolla is better on fuel, is this true?

I'm assuming the Corolla has cheaper insurance?

I'm looking for any insights/experiences/recommendations.

Please discuss.

[VivienM]

a) Civic/Corolla have a reputation for being SIGNIFICANTLY better fuel economy-wise than other econoboxes (whether that's Mazda 3, Ford Focus, the GMs, or whatever)

b) To compare insurance rates, go to kanetix.ca

[untaka]

She is right, Corolla will = More Reliable, Better mileage etc. The lancer will = Crappy car, crappy mileage, crappy car.

Personally I think Mitso build the worst cars period, however my few is tained because I'm aware of all their problems.

[zydus]

If you enjoy driving you'll get the lancer.

If you want to go from point A to B you'll get the corolla.

Do some research on both models on their respective community forums. It will be more useful and you'll find out other details that will help you make your decision.

[bembol]

If you enjoy driving get the lancer.

If you want to go from point A to B you'll get the corolla.

Do some research on both models on their respective community forums. It will be more useful and you'll find out other details that will help you make your decision.

+1 LOL

IMO I find the Corolla very boring/bland. I hate it driving behind it (most Toyota's).

I finally got my parents to trade their '05 CE in for '08 Nissan Rogue SL (Premium Package).

[express.items]

She is right, Corolla will = More Reliable, Better mileage etc. The lancer will = Crappy car, crappy mileage, crappy car.

Personally I think Mitso build the worst cars period, however my few is tained because I'm aware of all their problems.

I've heard of issues with the older Eclipse and stuff, with random fires, chipping paint? I thought they got their act together

[untaka]

I'm biased, so personally I will say no, but 2009 could be different! Personally I wouldn't risk it to me it seems the company hasn't changed.

[zydus]

+1 LOL

haha well like you put it you are comparing it to a corolla lol

[Ryukishen]

I'm biased, so personally I will say no, but 2009 could be different! Personally I wouldn't risk it to me it seems the company hasn't changed.

Last I checked they got their act together in like 06. Most problems with Mitsu cards occur mainly in 2003/2004 cars. Although the Mitsubishi warranty of 5 years/unlimited as opposed to the Toyota 3 years/unlimited. The cost of getting the car fixed within those 2 missing years of warranty could help balance out the extra cost of gas in a Lancer because the Lancer is a better car overall.

[ES_Revenge]

The danger in buying a Corolla is that you'll be so bored you may fall asleep at the wheel and kill yourself, LOL.

I wouldn't be caught dead in a Corolla! I'd buy the Lancer but just my opinion.

[new_vr]

If you enjoy driving you'll get the lancer.

If you want to go from point A to B you'll get the corolla.

Do some research on both models on their respective community forums. It will be more useful and you'll find out other details that will help you make your decision.

Totally agree.
The corolla has great mileage, and has been fairly reliable, but I also agree with the danger of falling asleep at the wheel

[hagbard]

Guessing that all the people knocking the Corolla are under 18.

[VivienM]

She is right

Time for yet another "I'm not female" post?

[new_vr]

Guessing that all the people knocking the Corolla are under 18.

Nope, over 30. My girlfriend has one, and it's hard for me to imagine much worse of a car, driving wise. It's been issue free though, and so far cheap to operate.

[express.items]

Totally agree.
The corolla has great mileage, and has been fairly reliable, but I also agree with the danger of falling asleep at the wheel

The interior of the Corolla is rather dull, imho, the Lancer looks nicer... inside and out.

Guessing that all the people knocking the Corolla are under 18.

Nope, over 30. My girlfriend has one, and it's hard for me to imagine much worse of a car, driving wise. It's been issue free though, and so far cheap to operate.

Well I'm 20, 21 in a few months. Most of my friends say the Lancer looks nicer, some say to get the Corolla because it's more economical (in terms of gas and insurance).

----

I talked to Mitsu and the dealer said there's no way the Corolla is more fuel efficient. Reason being, it has 4-speed auto so if driving on highway, I'll get high RPMs resulting in burning more fuel; where as the Lancer has a CVT engine so it's more efficient in that sense. Then again he could just be trying to sell and given that it has a bigger engine and more horsepower it'd probably still take more gas anyway?

Another issue is the lack of Corolla S for test drive. I went to Scarborough Toyota and the dealer said they don't have the S (so I test drove a CE). He also mentioned that they're the one of the largest, so they have more inventory, so if they don't have it, chances are other Toyota's won't either. I could order it and put a deposit and it'll be here in 3-4 weeks... but I'd personally rather see/drive it before buying.