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 :confused:

[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 :confused: 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.

[zydus]

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

sorry 23 and i drive a 98 mazda protege with 239,000km on it.

[ES_Revenge]

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

Ha! Okay then I'm "guessing that" all the people supporting the Corolla are over 80 ;) :P

[ES_Revenge]

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).
Would the Corolla actually be cheaper on insurance? It's more expensive isn't it? Or am I mistaken? Neither is particularly "fast" (unless we're talking about the EVO here), both are small cars, both would be new, etc.

[pontiac_driver]

Another issue is the lack of Corolla S for test drive.

the salesperson should've told you the s drives the same as the ce model. in terms of looks, the s model looks very close to the xrs

toyota, honda have incredible resell values, and likely will continue in the future. not sure about mitsubishi in the future.

[VivienM]

Would the Corolla actually be cheaper on insurance? It's more expensive isn't it? Or am I mistaken? Neither is particularly "fast" (unless we're talking about the EVO here), both are small cars, both would be new, etc.

Insurance rates are based more on collision/theft rates and repair costs than on the actual selling price of the vehicle...

If the avg. Corolla driver is older (as this thread seems to suggest), then it's quite likely the Corolla's insurance would be less...

[VivienM]

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 :confused: and given that it has a bigger engine and more horsepower it'd probably still take more gas anyway?

There's a REASON the government does a standardized fuel consumption test. Look at the results from that.

Generally speaking, ANYTHING a dealer (or other salesperson) sales about the competition's products should be disregarded. Salespeople may have a bit more difficulty lying about their own products (or maybe not), but lying about the competition's is common practice.

[new_vr]

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 :confused: and given that it has a bigger engine and more horsepower it'd probably still take more gas anyway?

The dealer is full of crap (big surprise here!). According to fueleconomy.gov the auto corolla gets 29 mpg combined mileage vs 24 mpg combined for the mitsubishi. That's for 2008 models, since they don't have 2009 listed.

[untaka]

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


oooh sorry :D I guess I'm an ass for assuming :P

[i-o_o-i]

have you considered getting a Honda Civic? imo I would still pick the Lancer because of the styling and its more fun to drive but a Civic is still better than a Corolla if you want something more reliable and fuel efficient than a Lancer...

[coconut_head]

The new Lancer still have the infamous paint chip problem; run a search on google and you'll be able to find some information on it in other forums.

Personally, I wouldn't suggest either one of them, but that's just me...

[gordholio]

I don't like how they changed the looks of the Corolla this year. To me it looked nicer last year.

[jappaswat]

dont believe a word dealership tells ya; they are the least trustworthy ppl.

[DaMizZa]

I'll tell you this much, I bought a 2008 Lancer, and I'm pretty bitter over it. The paint on Mitsubishi's are among the worst I could ever imagine a car company could think they could get away with. I wash my car every time I get gas (about every 2 weeks) and I bought in August. It's already starting to rust. If this is what I have to look forward to, I may as well get ready to keep it forever until it dies, as I'm not going to get much of anything when I sell it anyways. On the plus side, it is very fun to drive, and as far as mileage goes, I'd say I've averaged about 28-31 mpg since I've bought it.

The Corolla is more the safe bet, where you get something that you know can't really go wrong with. The down side to a safe bet, is that you loose the excitement involved with it. Personally, if I could go back in time and do it over again, I would've gone with the Corolla over the Lancer. But then again, I have a wife and a kid, and even though I'm 23, I think the Corolla overall is a much better car than the Lancer.

I will say that the Lancer is exponentially sexier though.

[Sepiraph]

Actually I briefly consider the 09 XRS versus the 09 GTS (I know it is not the exact comparison but it's somewhat similar).

The pros for the Lancer was that it has more hp & torque, based on review the suspension is much sportier. Look-wise I think it's more aggressive (subjective of course). Also I wanted paddle-shifter which I dont think XRS has.

Cons: 08 has paint issue, mileage may not be the greatest.

Frankly I am not worried about gas $ and I wax and put a clear-bra on my car to deal with the paint issue. Thus Lancer has the Evo heritage which Corolla obviously doesn't have.

[hagbard]

Ha! Okay then I'm "guessing that" all the people supporting the Corolla are over 80 ;) :P

Nope. 50. :D I just think its good basic, reliable transportation.

[rogerrabbit168]

i can't comment on the Lancer, but my dad has an Outlander, we had it for over a year now and so far, we have no problem with it at all, none of the paint problem like others have mention, besides going back to the dealer for oil change, we haven't gotten anything else that needed service. We were iffy when we bought it, as Mitsubishi was still kind of new to Canada.

so i would choose the lancer over the corrolla, i like the styling, and the corrolla is kind of boring to drive, i haven't driven the 09 yet but have driven many other corrollas

[Purple-Shadow]

http://forums.evolutionm.net/showthread.php?t=337807
Something for the OP to think about... As much I love the Lancer especially the EVO, Their reliability isn't par with Toyota!

[Rx-87]

If reliability isn't an issue for you

Go for a lancer. But resell value will definitely not be as high as a Corolla

[TenzoR]

Between two boring car, I rather just get the one that's more reliable and better resale value.

[trueno92]

the new basemodel or even aero-package model equipped lancer drives so loose, handles so poorly and brakes so badly that the crew at autoblog.com are convinced its a caprice with a different body.

falling for the marketing hype? listen to the autoblog podcast. these guys have test driven many cars and the drivers themselves are almost all are under 30 or around 30 yrs old so they are looking for the same things many young drivers look for, and never had they been so let down than to navigate a road behind the wheel of a lancer.

the image of this car, is a completely inverse relationship to driving it.

[vivroy]

hi,I am a current owner of 2009 Lancer GTS(2.4liter) and I love it.Car handles nicely.It looks good and I am getting 10 to 11 kilomer per liter(in city stop and go driving) and it hasnt been break-in so I will get more milage after break in period.And the model you are thinking of buying is 2.0 liter so obviously you will get better milage than what I am getting.

Lancer is heavier so on highway it will not shake at high speed.It has more security feature so it is low on insurance.(6 to 7 airbags with knee airbag).Interior is also nicer.I dont know if SE get leather package or not but GTS certainly has very good looking interior.

When you go to test drive corolla try to open up the bonnet/hood of the car and compare it to Mitsubishi you will get what I saying, Mitsubishi has better and heavier steel body.Compare to corolla it is freaking tank(just kidding corolla owner plz don't get angry.)

I know some here are complaning about paint chipping but you can stop that with 3M clear bra.The price for clear bra has gone down significantly and you can get it don in under 300 bucks.Unless you drive on Gravel road I dont think you gonna get rock chips.Just get mud guards and you will be good.

Final decision is all yours.More you will research online and more you will get confused.Test drive both cars check the prices.Check who will give you most discount and where you get most bang for the buck.I dont think you will be disapoint with either of the car since you are buying it new.

And the one who are bashing lancer are just jealous and dont know what they are talking about.



The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer SE CVT has the following advantages over the 2009 Toyota Corolla S 4AT:

VALUE
$ 25 lower destination charge
INTERIOR
Alloy look-trimmed shift knob
Heated driver seat
Heated passenger seat
Rear armrest
SAFETY & SECURITY
Anti-theft system
INSTRUMENTS & CONTROLS
Trip computer
TECHNICAL & MECHANICAL
20 more horsepower (152 vs. 132)
18 more lb ft of torque (146 vs. 128)
9 L larger fuel tank capacity
Variable-speed transmission
SUSPENSION
Independent rear suspension
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 35 mm longer
Overall length: 30 mm longer
Front head room: 20 mm more [Toyota ]
STEERING & BRAKES
Four-wheel disc brakes (vs. two)
Curb to curb turning circle: 1,300 mm smaller
WARRANTIES
24 months longer basic warranty
40,000 kms longer basic warranty
60 months longer powertrain warranty
60,000 kms longer powertrain warranty
24 months longer roadside assistance
Unlimited kms longer roadside assistance


Vivroy

[coconut_head]

hi,I am a current owner of 2009 Lancer GTS(2.4liter) and I love it.Car handles nicely.It looks good and I am getting 10 to 11 kilomer per liter(in city stop and go driving) and it hasnt been break-in so I will get more milage after break in period.And the model you are thinking of buying is 2.0 liter so obviously you will get better milage than what I am getting.

Lancer is heavier so on highway it will not shake at high speed.It has more security feature so it is low on insurance.(6 to 7 airbags with knee airbag).Interior is also nicer.I dont know if SE get leather package or not but GTS certainly has very good looking interior.

When you go to test drive corolla try to open up the bonnet/hood of the car and compare it to Mitsubishi you will get what I saying, Mitsubishi has better and heavier steel body.Compare to corolla it is freaking tank(just kidding corolla owner plz don't get angry.)

I know some here are complaning about paint chipping but you can stop that with 3M clear bra.The price for clear bra has gone down significantly and you can get it don in under 300 bucks.

Final decision is all yours.More you will research online and more you will get confused.Test drive both cars check the prices.Check who will give you most discount and where you get most bang for the buck.I dont think you will be disapoint with any of the car since you are buying it new.

And the one who are bashing lancer are just jealous and dont know what they are talking about.



The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer SE CVT has the following advantages over the 2009 Toyota Corolla S 4AT:

VALUE
$ 25 lower destination charge
INTERIOR
Alloy look-trimmed shift knob
Heated driver seat
Heated passenger seat
Rear armrest
SAFETY & SECURITY
Anti-theft system
INSTRUMENTS & CONTROLS
Trip computer
TECHNICAL & MECHANICAL
20 more horsepower (152 vs. 132)
18 more lb ft of torque (146 vs. 128)
9 L larger fuel tank capacity
Variable-speed transmission
SUSPENSION
Independent rear suspension
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 35 mm longer
Overall length: 30 mm longer
Front head room: 20 mm more [Toyota ]
STEERING & BRAKES
Four-wheel disc brakes (vs. two)
Curb to curb turning circle: 1,300 mm smaller
WARRANTIES
24 months longer basic warranty
40,000 kms longer basic warranty
60 months longer powertrain warranty
60,000 kms longer powertrain warranty
24 months longer roadside assistance
Unlimited kms longer roadside assistance


Vivroy

Lancer is missing Traction Control and Vechicle Stability Control, which are both standard on the Corolla.

[vivroy]

Lancer is missing Traction Control and Vechicle Stability Control, which are both standard on the Corolla.

You are correct even my GTS doesnt have traction and stability control.

Just for fun now corolla owner plz get its advantages over Lancer it will be good comparison for OP.And it will help him in making final decision.

Vivroy.

[FriedRice]

First and foremost, I'm aware this thread is a little old. However, I'm having the exact same decision right now (in fact, already agreed to the Lancer w/ the Dealer ... not the best idea) -- and it's increasingly confusing.

The statement of "the more the research, the higher the confusion" is most certainly accurate. My Mother, whom the car is intended for, is having the trouble deciding between the two. It's between:

Toyota Corolla CE 2009 w/ Enhanced Package + moonroof + rustproofing

or

Mitsubishi Lancer SE 2009 + moonroof + rust module

She drives from point A-to-B most often, and is on the conservative side. After testdriving both, she's still confused (a very indecisive person, and always get cognitive dissonance after a purchase).

After reading through the thread, it seems to be a tie simply between those who own a Lancer, and those who own a Corolla. I'd love to know a little more information/views if possible.

Thanks a lot. :cheesygri

[express.items]

I got a Lancer in June 2008 lol

Anyway, I liked it better than the Corolla. Looks better, seems to drive better, smoother acceleration given the larger engine and CVT. They were also sold out of Corollas...

[ditachan]

First and foremost, I'm aware this thread is a little old. However, I'm having the exact same decision right now (in fact, already agreed to the Lancer w/ the Dealer ... not the best idea) -- and it's increasingly confusing.

The statement of "the more the research, the higher the confusion" is most certainly accurate. My Mother, whom the car is intended for, is having the trouble deciding between the two. It's between:

Toyota Corolla CE 2009 w/ Enhanced Package + moonroof + rustproofing

or

Mitsubishi Lancer SE 2009 + moonroof + rust module

She drives from point A-to-B most often, and is on the conservative side. After testdriving both, she's still confused (a very indecisive person, and always get cognitive dissonance after a purchase).

After reading through the thread, it seems to be a tie simply between those who own a Lancer, and those who own a Corolla. I'd love to know a little more information/views if possible.

Thanks a lot. :cheesygri

Speaking from driving different cars all day thecorollas very, very boring (if you want to enjoy your ride) but if your mom doesn't care and she just wants to commute from point a to b then get the corolla.

If you want better looks both exterior and interior wise go for the lancer.
Note - The lancer has "sand-blasted" paint chipping issues on the rear side of the side skirts and lower rear passenger doors, you'll need mud flaps for the front wheels or 3M.

[zivan56]

Both are pretty boring. I would say the Lancer if it didn't have a CVT...its like driving a lawnmower...so Corolla between the two.

[kcorscadden]

I just bought a 2009 Corolla LE w/ Moonroof and it all comes down to what you want in a car. I have a 2005 Corolla CE, and I love it and I am 28 yrs old. The 2005 lease is up in early May and I didn't think it was worth buying out for what I was getting, so my parents are going to buy it as their 2nd car.

If you want a car that looks great, drives great, more money to operate, probably more in insurance, will probably need maintenance regularly, then go with the Lancer

If you want a car that looks good, drives great, less money to operate, less in insurance, needs next to no maintenance, then you go for the Corolla.

It's all about preference... What is more important to you?

[OMM!]

Just what is meant by 'boring', pray tell???? Can someone clarify that term for me when it relates to an ECONOMY car? Are you all road racers, speeding and cornering as if you were on the track? No wonder there's a law now about street racing! Come on, people, these cars are basic transportation. Besides, I owned a Mitsu before, nothing but problems-transmission, brakes, engine. And I know previous owners of Mitsus who swear never to buy another. They are the Chryslers of the Japanese auto industry.BTW we all sold our junks and ended up with Toyotas, and Hondas, with no regrets.:!:

[ES_Revenge]

Just what is meant by 'boring', pray tell???? Can someone clarify that term for me when it relates to an ECONOMY car?
Boring means boring I'm pretty sure :confused: Yes you can have some excitement in an economy car. It's a relative term here. Sure any economy car is going to be boring in comparison with say an M3, but within the economy car segment, surely there are more exciting cars than others. The Corolla is a yawnmobile--that's well known.

No wonder there's a law now about street racing!
:rolleyes: The "law about street racing" has little to actually do with street racing and nearly nothing to do with road safety. Furthermore this is totally out in left field. What does street racing and talking about how one car might be more exciting than another, have to do with each other? Nothing.

[zydus]

If you want a car that looks great, drives great, more money to operate, probably more in insurance, will probably need maintenance regularly, then go with the Lancer

If you want a car that looks good, drives great, less money to operate, less in insurance, needs next to no maintenance, then you go for the Corolla.

It's all about preference... What is more important to you?

Which car does not need regular maintenance? The best way to ensure longevity of a car is to maintain it and drive it regularly. You say ( i have para-phrased ) lancer needs to be maintained regularly, whereas a corolla needs next to no maintenance. Please clarify this statement, because I couldn't disagree more.

[Prince15]

hi,I am a current owner of 2009 Lancer GTS(2.4liter) and I love it.Car handles nicely.It looks good and I am getting 10 to 11 kilomer per liter(in city stop and go driving) and it hasnt been break-in so I will get more milage after break in period.And the model you are thinking of buying is 2.0 liter so obviously you will get better milage than what I am getting.

Lancer is heavier so on highway it will not shake at high speed.It has more security feature so it is low on insurance.(6 to 7 airbags with knee airbag).Interior is also nicer.I dont know if SE get leather package or not but GTS certainly has very good looking interior.

When you go to test drive corolla try to open up the bonnet/hood of the car and compare it to Mitsubishi you will get what I saying, Mitsubishi has better and heavier steel body.Compare to corolla it is freaking tank(just kidding corolla owner plz don't get angry.)

I know some here are complaning about paint chipping but you can stop that with 3M clear bra.The price for clear bra has gone down significantly and you can get it don in under 300 bucks.Unless you drive on Gravel road I dont think you gonna get rock chips.Just get mud guards and you will be good.

Final decision is all yours.More you will research online and more you will get confused.Test drive both cars check the prices.Check who will give you most discount and where you get most bang for the buck.I dont think you will be disapoint with either of the car since you are buying it new.

And the one who are bashing lancer are just jealous and dont know what they are talking about.



The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer SE CVT has the following advantages over the 2009 Toyota Corolla S 4AT:

VALUE
$ 25 lower destination charge
INTERIOR
Alloy look-trimmed shift knob
Heated driver seat
Heated passenger seat
Rear armrest
SAFETY & SECURITY
Anti-theft system
INSTRUMENTS & CONTROLS
Trip computer
TECHNICAL & MECHANICAL
20 more horsepower (152 vs. 132)
18 more lb ft of torque (146 vs. 128)
9 L larger fuel tank capacity
Variable-speed transmission
SUSPENSION
Independent rear suspension
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 35 mm longer
Overall length: 30 mm longer
Front head room: 20 mm more [Toyota ]
STEERING & BRAKES
Four-wheel disc brakes (vs. two)
Curb to curb turning circle: 1,300 mm smaller
WARRANTIES
24 months longer basic warranty
40,000 kms longer basic warranty
60 months longer powertrain warranty
60,000 kms longer powertrain warranty
24 months longer roadside assistance
Unlimited kms longer roadside assistance


Vivroy

I just bought a 2009 Corolla LE w/ Moonroof and it all comes down to what you want in a car. I have a 2005 Corolla CE, and I love it and I am 28 yrs old. The 2005 lease is up in early May and I didn't think it was worth buying out for what I was getting, so my parents are going to buy it as their 2nd car.

If you want a car that looks great, drives great, more money to operate, probably more in insurance, will probably need maintenance regularly, then go with the Lancer

If you want a car that looks good, drives great, less money to operate, less in insurance, needs next to no maintenance, then you go for the Corolla.

It's all about preference... What is more important to you?

The Mitsubishi lancer has a 5 year bumper to bumper for a reason. These cars are rocks. 95% of people who talk trash about mitsu have never owned one. In Canada they are still a fairly new company - but around the world the reputation is solid. I grew up in one, and now own a 2008 GTS.

I'm not going to sit here and talk trash about the Corolla - you can't.

It's the most boring car ever made, but everyone should be in one.