What model is best for my range??

[RiseAgainst26]

Hi guys, I know I'm extremely new and a lot of people have asked similar but bear with me.

I am currently looking for a lancer (I'm sure that much is obvious)
and have been doing my research in the background so I am aware of most of the differences in features between the different models but I have a limit to my budget as we all would. I can go as high as $13,000 (possibly 14 at a push) and am looking for the best I can get whilst retaining value. Second hand of course.

That being said my question is would I be better off getting an ES with the lowest km's possible or is it worth the money to save a bit more for the VR or VRX? I do plan on most of the usual modifications such as exhaust, headers, cold air etc and of course some personal interior and exterior touches . I am mainly curious to see if members feel they have gotten value for money for their model or if some things didn't seem worth it.

Any help or opinions would be much appreciated
Cheers guys,
RiseAgainst26

[squala]

For your budget, a 2009 ES would be the newest available. Other than the lack of alloys (which can easily be changed), it is quite fully loaded. And if I'm not mistaken, this model year already has 7 airbags unlike the 3 of 2007 and 2008 examples. This should go for about 12K or so but you could lower that with good haggling skills.

You can also shop for an RX which is a notch higher. This already has alloys, spoiler, and definitely 7 airbags. It shouldn't be a lot more than the ES. The VR's key feature is the six-disc mp3 CD changer, so unless you need that, you can settle with the two more basic models and still have change for other goodies.

[Fitter]

I went for an ES so I could then mod it to my liking

Why pay more for it if your going to remove/change parts

[RiseAgainst26]

Thanks for the advice squala. I actually didn't know that the ES past 08 had the extra airbags, that was one of the major considerations I was making. The VR's features aren't really a major loss at all because I always use my ipod. The RX would be a definite plus if I can get it considering I was going to do the spoiler from clubcj's OEM parts.

I also totally agree Fitter, one of the first thing I was looking for in a car (apart from low k's and something beyond 05) was something I could make my own with tasteful mods.

[noo$h]

ive got a december 09 ES and i think it only has 3 airbags :/

[squala]

Thanks for the advice squala. I actually didnt know that the ES past 08 had the extra airbags, that was one of the major considerations I was making. The VRs features arent really a major loss at all because I always use my ipod. The RX would be a definite plus if I can get it considering I was going to do the spoiler from clubcjs OEM parts. I also totally agree Fitter, one of the first thing I was looking for in a car (apart from low ks and something beyond 05) was something I could make my own with tasteful mods.

You might just have to check with the seller for those 7 airbags to be sure. Good luck on your purchase.

[ofey]

From my POV, you can put nearly EVERY single mod you see on a VRX/RA spec car OR even upgrade to better parts.

One thing which is prohibitively difficult is:
The Smart Key system.

So long as you will NEVER long for that.

Just buy an ES.
As I said. Everything else can be added on.

[LZY_EYE]

+1 to what Ofey says.

The other question I would ask is if you want climate control. Not cost effective to add to an ES. I learned to live without Climate, and my new car doesn't have it either. The smart key would be a deal breaker for me now though.....

[RiseAgainst26]

My mum's Mazda 6 has climate control and as much
as it seems useful I can't say I'd need it. Smart key would be
cool but again no where near necessity.

From the sounds of it my best option is to get a newer ES, hopefully
with the 7airbags ( can anyone else confirm that?), and lowest Km's.

[mchvrx]

Hi mate it is a tricky decision buying a car! I wouldnt worry about a car with climate control for the money youre paying, get the lowest km, best serviced car you can find, in a colour you really want, and work with that

[mchvrx]

also look at the cost of each model to insure, and then add mods to the quote and see the difference

[ofey]

also look at the cost of each model to insure, and then add mods to the quote and see the difference

Ahh yes I have to agree here. Insurance also is something to consider.

Did I tell you it would cost more to insure my Olympic Ed for me than a Evo X MR ?
It's all based on demographics of the drivers.
Not necessarily the cost of the car.

[RiseAgainst26]

Ahh yes I have to agree here. Insurance also is something to consider. Did I tell you it would cost more to insure my Olympic Ed for me than a Evo X MR ? Its all based on demographics of the drivers. Not necessarily the cost of the car.

Wow, that's crazy. I understand how insurance works but that still
seems so wrong to me.

Yeah I know insurance will be a pretty expenditure to consider.
Originally I was looking at WRX's and the premium for my age bracket is
$1500. That was still on P2's though so being on full licence will decrease
that slightly. Hooray for being a young male driver, you get all the perks

[Nick07]

Just tell them your name is Rhonda

[squala]

I myself find the insurance quite surprising. There was no increase in price having switched from the Platinum to Ralliart. It looks like I've been paying too much for the previous car.

Irving, just switch insurance and tell them it's a VR.