Ask an expert

We are looking at buying a new car and intend to keep it long term.

After comparing the specs levels between various makes (i.e. Mazda3/6, Toyota Camry, Honda Civic/Euro Accord, Hyundai) the new Lancer VRX seems to be pretty good value for money and comes with a 10year/160000km warranty.

The car will be used mainly for travelling to work but will also be used as a family vehicle (2adults + 2 school age kids) at the weekend and we will be travelling around 20,000km/year.

Economy, reliability, comfort is mainly what we are looking for but we do like a car to be fun and good looking.

What are your thoughts?

Ross

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 16 December 2009

You have come up with a very impressive list of vehicles, all very reliable and good quality.

Unfortunately Mitsubishi have slipped off many buyers shopping list of late and the brand has suffered more than most in the tough economic times we have just gone / going through. It is seen by many at the lower end of the Japanese main stream vehicle list with brands such as Toyota, Honda, Mazda and Nissan having the edge in terms of quality and reliability.

Much of that opinion is based on older and in some cases some current new models and it's a wee bit unfair to put the entire model range in the same basket.

The Colt for example is well past its used by date and is very basic in its spec level in comparison to other small new cars on the market.

The Lancer however is one of the best in the Mitsubishi range and competes well with other vehicles in its class (Mazda3, Civic, Hyundai i30) especially on price.

The extended warranty package on offer currently is part of the Mitsubishi fight back to win back lost past sales and to help restore customer confidence in the product.

Your other choices all have their good / negative points; Mazda has the Zoom-Zoom appeal and offer 3 years / 100K free servicing from new, Honda has tended to price themselves above their competitors and offer no discounting at all while Toyota are renowned for heavily discounting their product to make a sale but are often seen by some as a little bland.

The Mazda6, Honda Accord Euro and Toyota Camry are all a step up in size in relation to the Lancer so the comparison is a little harder to make. They will all have an edge in performance and comfort however.

If you intend keeping the car for a long period it doesn't always pay to buy simply on price. Letting the emotional side of your personality come out a little may mean you pay a little more but you may have fewer regrets.