1st Nov 2011, 10:10
Hi, good choice on your Lancer, and congrats.
You can get online a transparent rubbery spray that protects the bumper area for your car, it quite good. I have seen it applied to a neighbors Lotus recently, and it's great, and at only around $15-20, it's hundreds cheaper than the plastic film things or car bras.
I have been a long time owner of Mitsu's; in 19 years I had only 2, a Mirage SE 15 years (flawless 258,478km odo, no engine work ever) and a 2005 Lancer Ralliart (excellent), until I traded it and got a new 2011 Lancer SE last week (ES with options in US).
These cars are awesome, and as with most, if you don't abuse them, they will last a long time.
Cheers =)
7th Jun 2011, 11:28
I have some bad news for you in the paint department; we have 2 Lancers, a 08 and a 09, both in solid paint, and the paint quality on both is not very good, although none of them have any rust, even if the paint is chipped and scratched. It only seem to be the top layer that chips. The primer underneath is OK; so no rust so far. But there are 5 year old cars that look much better than my 09 Lancer. I've tried to take car of both cars, but still there are dozen of chips and a fair amount of scratches. The paint simply scratches very easily.
Besides that, I simply love our cars. Reliable, very good MPG and good handling. The MPG is better than any car I've driven of this size.