Is the Mitsubishi Lancer EX worth buying in 2022?

The Mitsubishi Lancer is arguably one of the most iconic nameplates to wear the three-diamond emblem. The Lancer moniker has shone in various racing events but made a significant mark in rally racing. Hence, later models of the Mitsubishi Lancer bear semblance to its rich rallying history with most of them sporting gaping grilles, big fog lights, the ever-present large rear wing, and in some cases, a functional hood scoop.

If you’re one who appreciates this Gundam-esque style, then you might have already considered owning a Mitsubishi Lancer EX.

This version of the Mitsubishi Lancer is known for its long hood that ends with a very aggressive front grille. It’s flanked by thin and sharp headlamps and built-in DRLs. The rear sports a decent spoiler and taillights that echo the design of the headlights at the fore. The locally available Mitsubishi Lancer EX was offered with either 16- or 18-inch alloy wheels.

Like most vehicles its age, the Mitsubishi Lancer EX came with an acceptable tito-approved interior, with its latest version sporting a multimedia entertainment system having a built-in GPS, USB, and Bluetooth capability.

Under that long hood we’ve talked about earlier, can either be Mitsubishi’s 4A92 or 4B11 engine. The former, a 1.6-liter mill, is mated to a smooth-shifting five-speed manual slushbox while the latter, a 2.0-liter powerplant, is married to a CVT tranny with a six-speed Sportronic shift mode plus magnesium alloy paddle shifters.

For your reference, in 2016, when MMPC gave the Lancer EX a fitting update a year before its discontinuation, the GLS MT variant was offered for a special introductory price of P848,000 while the range-topping GT-A CVT was given an introductory sticker price of P1,235,000.

Fast-forward to 2022, the Mitsubishi Lancer EX can now only be found in the second-hand car market with prices ranging from P350,000 (2009 MY) to P590,000 (2016 MY).

Given these figures, the question is, is the Mitsubishi Lancer EX still worth buying in 2022? If you look at brand-new cars, the typical price range for sedans is around P700,000 to P800,000. And with that price, you’re only getting a 1.2 or a 1.3-liter engine at best. In terms of style, these cars will also lean more towards the daily driver or the utilitarian look, which makes them appear like adolescents in the presence of the much chiseled Lancer EX.

We’re not saying that new cars are inferior to the Mitsubishi Lancer EX, but for the price, it gives you power and performance you won’t find in most of today’s closely priced models.

Many would argue that investing in an old car is pointless, but those who know how to take care of them — and those who have always dreamed of one day owning one of them — would say otherwise.

On that note, we say that yes, the Mitsubishi Lancer EX can still stand its ground against today's cars in terms of looks and power making it a good option for those looking for a second-hand car. 

Check out our collection of vetted pre-loved Mitsubishi Lancer EX models here. Find more used Mitsubishi cars here. Enjoy a wide variety of pre-owned cars only in the country’s number-one second-hand car platform, Carmudi Philippines.

Photos from Mitsubishi

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