imported_precision4

Well it seems its going to be time fora new car and I think Im going to go with the Lancer GTS. Yes I know its not a civic but I think Its time to try something new (and I cant afford the Evo). I love the new design so I think this is what Im going to do.

Has anyone driven one yet or heard any reviews, good or bad?

Also, I never purchased a new car before (although I think Im going to lease). Anyone have any suggestions as to how to negotiate?

I know people are going to flame with what I should buy but besides the 4door civic (if we had the 4door SI then this would be a no brainer) there really isnt anything that interests me. An no i dont want the CSX because it is over priced compared to the 4door Si US prices.

so, anyone have any advice to share?

imported_NolimtzEl

buy it from the states!!!
save iver $6000 after exchange.

imported_precision4

buy what? how difficult is it to buy a car from the states?

civicnation

not very difficult, but id research everything first

97SiR

First let me start by saying that I was in your position a few weeks ago when I was looking to buy a new car, and the Lancer was on my list. I ended up not buying it because of the high interest rate, the fact that historically they are not as reliable as Honda/Toyota, and also because the dealer would not give me any discounts or rebates on the car. I have not driven the car, because the three above-mentioned shortcomings pushed me away from it to the point where I didn't care how the car handled. I wanted something that I would be happy buying.

Regarding buying a new car, I have bought two for myself, one for my wife and one with my brother, and I have to say that there is no written rule on how to negotiate. It depends a lot on what car you buy, how well/poorly that car sells, and who the salesperson is. In my case, the latter has been the reason why my last two cars were Hondas. The salesperson at the Honda dealer where I got my two Civics from is the type of person who doesn't like to go back and fourth with you and the manager. He tells you how much the dealer makes on the car and tells you his bottom line price. If you want it you take it, if not he tells you to go anywhere else to get the car.

Coming back to the Lancer, I believe that because the car is new on the market, and because it sells pretty well, the dealer will not negotiate too much. They might give you some free accessories and maybe 400-500 off the MSRP. That's why the best cars to buy are the ones that are at the end of the model year or the ones which are not selling well. Those cars you can negotiate a lot on.

Good luck on your purchase man!

imported_precision4

Thanks for the advice. So maybe waiting for a bit will be the better option.

Has anyone purchased or plan on purchasing the 4door Si from the states?

civicnation

id seriously consider a purchase from the states. you can save big money as some of the cars have drastically lower msrps. If you have the cash to buy the car outright, it is a perfect time for you since the dollar is almost on par with the US dollar. I personally will never buy a canadian car if the dollar continues the way it is.

I understand some makers do not sell to people outside the country, but very few dealers will refuse a cash deal.

yuenjai

I test drove the Lancer GTS and I admit I do luv the car. The only bad thing was the loud engine sound (test drove automatic). And the so call new transmission system cant even feel the torque or gear change. It could be a good thing if you get car sick easily. When I testdrove, I drove to 100km/h on test drive and I dont even realize it. The Lancer GTS is indeed a heavier car and I think it consume more gas than a civic.

As regard to pricing, I would first find out if you can the ballpark figure of the vehicle (base price, wholesale price) from car review sites. Then I would go into a dealership and play the price game. I usually low ball my price figure and the sales will high ball it. Eventually, we will meet in the middle of the price range for the deal. Also, no need to rush into buying. U can walk away and try another dealership to see if u can get something better.

imported_kruption

If you're ever looking at buying from the states, the link below would help out the process. It's very long thread but worth it if you did plan on buying & saving $ from the states.

WOW ---- New cars from US up to 20% cheaper (cost to import under $200)

97SiR

I was planning on purchasing from the States, but the process seemed too long and too complicated for purchasing a Civic. If you want to purchase an expensive car, or a car that here costs a lot more than in the States, then it's worth the trouble, but for the Civic the process is not worthed.

I also didn't like the fact that Honda Canada doesn't honor the warranty on new cars purchased in the States. In addition, I didn't like the fact that unless you have cash to purchase the car from the States you need to finance the car through a bank, and the interest rates at banks are higher than what Honda Canada offers.

imported_precision4

I dont think I would want the CVT (fake shifts) system, although 6 gears is nice. I beleive the Lancer is only 150kg more then civic 4 door and it has 12 morehp. Its is a 2.0L though so ya gas consumption would probably be more.

Thanks for the links about importing. Seems like I may wait until the august/september deals or whenever the 2009 models come out to pick a 2008.

This is just an aside but does anyone else think that it is completely retarded that the Corolla XRS (altough I dont think they offer this anymore) has the same damn engine as the base model. I would be real excited to pay like 5g's more for a body kit and some fog lamps. Yes I know the Lancer GTS is a similar thing but at least they have the Evo and Ralliart.

DumbasSi

I though the XRS had the 170 hp engine from the Celica. Maybe you are think of the Corolla S. The 08 Corollas look like a baby Lexus IS.

I've seen a few of the new Mitsu's and they are a good looking car.