ClubCJ - The CJ Lancer Club

So as I'm now in the market for my 1st Lancer, there's a few options Ive been looking into that some guidance would help make my decision.

My budget for a Lancer is max $20,000 for the initial purchase.
*seeing the range between 13,000 - 25,000 for standard to VRX am i better off in paying the extra for the 2.4ltr?

Modifications i am planning are the usual:
Exhaust
Rims
intake
interior
exterior

With cash flow quite reasonable i want to go quality over quantity
( looking at 5-10k depending on suggestions )
I've also read here in regards to performance a good tune seems to be a great help.

So with all that am i better off purchasing a low km lancer paying more? Or something between 40k - 80k km putting an extra few $$$ back into the cars performance kitty. As warranty wise i know I'd be void certain things so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers , Ryan

I drive the 2.0L ES and find it has plenty of guts, but I've never driven a 2.4L.

Go down and test drive them and see if you can tell a difference.

The VRX looks pretty cool already, depends if you want to make it look individual or not, the cheaper you buy it the more you have to make it look more individual. Just be wary if a car has close to 100,000kms on it then it might be due to a timing belt soon, which is an expensive trip to the mechanics.

I'm happy with my ES because it's cheaper on fuel and does the trick for me. I would like to get a TDi car next time around just for a bit more take off power and diesel because they are meant to be a bit more efficient.

Nick07 wrote: Just be wary if a car has close to 100,000kms on it then it might be due to a timing belt soon, which is an expensive trip to the mechanics.

Our cars do not have a timing belts. They have timing chains.

thanks guys

Hey Ryan, welcome to club CJ!

Seeing as you're already looking at mods, e.g. new rims I'd go for the cheapest (ES) that way you'll have more leftover money for mods.

You can definitely get a brand new ES, maybe even an SX for 20k.

You could also probably get a used VRX for 20k (although it would be an older model with quite a bit of Ks on it).

I don't think there is much noticeable difference between the 2L and the 2.4L.

If you really like the VRX, try and find a used one, if you are planning to change and add a lot of things, get a brand new ES. Most of the things from the VRX you can add on anyway e.g. fog lights, body kit, spoiler.

Most things you find in a VRX, you can add to a SX or ES.

The key is whether you want a 2.4L engine.

There is also one thing you cannot retrofit easily onto a SX or ES from a VRX.

That is the smart key system.

IMHO you'd be better off with an ES or other entry level CJ and modding it to suit you, If you like the look of the VRX you can always buy a kit to make it look one..
here are some that i got from www.ebay.com for you
MODS:
Exhaust: INJEN $380+ postage, HKS $660+ post, Greddy SE $480+ post
Rims $1650-$2200 depends on what you want
intake: INJEN $270+ post, K&N typhoon (short ram intake) $227+ post, TAKEDA $229+ post
interior: BRIDE seats $1800 a pair posted, "no rails"
exterior: (depends what you want) $250-$1200+ paint

hope this helps mate

Troy what's the expected life of the timing chain?

And as Troy said in the previous thread, go down to PMR and have a chat with them. From what I've heard they are a nice bunch of people and will probably do you a good deal. The SX looks like a good buy atm.

Nick07 wrote:Troy whats the expected life of the timing chain?

I suspect the timing chain to last 2-300,000 km. This can depend on the way you drive and service your car. At 100,000 you need to check the timing chain and valve clearance.

I am a believer if you find a part of your cylinder head worn to the point that it needs replacing then a complete cylinder head overhaul is the best idea.

ok cool; the entry ES are everywhere; so finding one isnt a prob. thanks again everyone for the info, great forum.

Good luck and hope you find the car that you want.

Working at the dealership i drive both of the cars and basically the whole mitsubishi range. I can see a huge difference between 2l and 2.4l. In manual cars especially 2.4l does pick up quite more. Go down to your local mitsu explain that's what you want to do and see the difference yourself.