ClubCJ - The CJ Lancer Club

Hey, names Tom as i think you can guess.

I have a bit of a strange story.

Looking to upgrade from my current 1999 TH magna, i have been hitting the dealerships looking for something a bit newer.

The problem is, i have a fairly large torso, so my head rubs against a lot of cars roofs, and i mean a lot.

Cars i had tested were:

VE commodore
BA Falcon
Current Gen Camry + Aurion
Nissan X-trail
Subaru Impreza
Honda Accord
Ford Focus

I s&*t you not, every single car either rubbed on my head, or i was so tall in the car i had visibility problems.

There were a couple cars i drove that i fit in, but they werent great. They werent what i was after. I scored lucky with a Mazda 3, Hyundai Grandeur, Nissan Patrol etc. All nice cars, but all plain jane boring.

Thus, whilst in the corner of a ford dealership i spotted something hiding between 2 giant fairlanes. A MY09 ES sportsback CVT with a few extra options. Yuck, says the fiance. Hmm, thats odly shaped, says the old man. Hmm, i can actually see some sportiness in it, i think to myself. Kind of like an impreza wagon.

Over we waddle, and the first thing i check is if the seat is all the way down. Once im inside im gobsmacked. Its like this car was made to fit ME! I have no vision impairment, the dash is at the perfect height (and looks nice to boot), window sills are perfect for resting an arm on, i can bop up and down in the chair without touching the roof, but why would i leave when it feels like it was perfectly moulded in clay to fit my exact arse!

I have to test drive this, i say to the dealer, so he photocopies my licence and im on my way. First impressions was, for a small 2ltr, power was certainly there. Stick the auto into sports shift, and my mind is the abuzz at the prospect of having auto for the lazy days, and tiptronic for when im feeling adventurous. At this point, nothing could have prepared me for when i hit the first round about. Effortless! Direct! No body roll! Coming from driving a commodore, and then a magna, i was astounded, and fell immediately in love. I got to get me one of these i tell myself.

Once i get back to the dealer, it takes everything i have not to agree to hand over the cash so i can scourer the market for a good deal, but i think at this rate it wont be long until im forced into my new ride!

Cheers for listening.

Tom

Welcome Tom

Hey Tom. Thanks for the good read. No, definately you put some effort in your intro and well worth it and appreciated.

I guess at the end of the day, it's important to feel "right" about something your driving, however it's really YOUR choice at the end of the day, as you have to drive it as well.

The lancers have quite a bit of potential for modifications and make it look quite a sexy little car. You've found the right forum, definately have a look around at our cars in the ClubCJ garage or even the member's rides sub-forum http://clubcj.net/viewforum.php?f=5 to get an idea...

Feel free to ask any questions, no matter how stupid sounding, because now is the time to ask BEFORE you commit to buy.

Best of luck with the choice, hope to see you with a lancer soon.

Hi Tom, Welcome to Club CJ, I too Have similar probs with fitting into cars, i am only 6'2'' and now have an ever expanding outward waistline lol, lots of issues with previous cars, my '76 Charger i had when i was 20 i sat with my head hitting the roof lining all the time was annoying, but having the 5.9l V8 and the most comfortable seats to date made up for it overall. I agree the window sills on the CJ are at the right height for me too, to rest the arm on whilst driving, something i have always done because for me it helps me fit in. Lucky these days we have seats that are adjustable in every which way which is a big help, although having to adjust the height and rake between the Mrs and me, is always a necessity. so the next car i buy will have preset adjustments in memory for the two of us.
Anyways any q's you have about the CJ, fire way as there is bound to be someone on here that has had the experiance to help you out

Cheers
Eric

Hey guys,

Thanks for the warm welcome!

The more i read about CJ's, the more i want one, and the more a sportback appeals to me.

All things considered, hoping to be in one by the end of the week!

Thanks

Hi Tom welcome to the club.

Where about in Adelaide are you from?

There are many mods that will improve the power, handling and brakes on a standard lancer.

Go to a new dealer and test the range of lancers before deciding on which one to get. There are different features in each model and every year there are a few more goodies for your money. The current SX is a very popular model.

There is a new MY12 coming out in a couple of weeks to which may interest you or give you a better deal on a MY11 model.

If you have any questions please just ask.

Hi Tom,

Welcome to the Club!

You must be really tall, I'm 6'4' and after reading your intro post checked my headroom this morning and i think i have around 4 to 5 inches minimum clearance to the roof.

If your going to get a car from a dealer, this could be a great time to squeeze them. wait for the end of the month + a new MY is comming out, i reckon you could get a real bargain on a MY11, dont be afraid to challenge a dealer to make you happy, when the wife and i bought our CX7 we squeezed the hell out of one dealer, walked into the next and squeezed another 1g off the price plus more extras.

Welcome To ClubCJ Tom ....Loved your Story

Welcome to the Club

Flappy paddles on an ES?

Welcome Tom - We're both short (like 164.5 and 165cm's) and have had our CJ Ralliart for almost a year and we are still madly in love with stepping outside and being greeted with our gorgeous' shark'.

Thanks guys,

I have been looking here and there at other lancers, but i still cannot get over my original test car, the CVT ES Sportback in lightening blue with rear spoiler and fog lights. The only lightening blue sport back available in my price range.

Might have to lay down some money tomorrow i think...

How exciting! Good luck

Hey Tom, welcome to club CJ!
Glad you liked the lancer upon the first test drive! It is an awesome car.

Don't rush your purchase though! Look around!

Did you end up buying this one Tom ?