There is a Lancer ES @ a local Mitsubishi car lot. Quck run down on features....
Power locks/windows/brakes, automatic trans, fold-down seats, tilt steering column (not sure if standard?)
plus the usual AM/FM radio and CD player. OK it is a 2002 and has 70K miles on it.
They want like $7300 (thats w/ $1K cash or trade-in) for it and wondering if its good or ?
It'd be my first car. Not exactly the mechanical type so no clue as to if I can expect the engine
to keep going strong at 100K+ miles or what. Any comments on that? Thanks

 

kelly blue book will be a big help for you.
In my zip code, the suggested retail value is $8860 in EXCELLENT condition, which it likely will not be. If you buy from a person instead of a dealer, the car will sell for between $6000 and $7300. The car is a base model and there are a lot of them out there. Beware, if you are not certain you will like the car, the trade-in value is only $4000-$5000 so sell private party. The dealer has plenty of negotiating room on a car like this, so don't go easy on them.( $4000- $5000 is the most that they paid for it plus reconditioning and smog)

 

So if I walked in with say $2500 cash + my own financing (via my credit union)
I could probably press them hard into dropping price to round $5500-$6000? Or...?
But is 70K migh milage for this engine or will it be like a Honda Civic, still kickin' at 200K+?

 

I cannot really speak for the 2.0, but overall 70k isn't too high overall, for a 2002 it is though. I would certainly try your offer, again, resale will suck on the car, so test drive until you're sure.

 

Haven't made a offer yet to the car lot. Hell I can't even test drive it til the 27th when I get my license
But it looks like a great car....just not 100% sure bout the high milage though.

 

I had an '05 ES (under 20K) and it had lifter issues. Haggled with the dealer over fixing and told him that I would see him in court. He in turn took it off my hands and I hooked up on a RalliArt. I did drive the OZ as well, but was more impressed with the 2.4 motor and extra handling features on the RA. The ES and OZ (stock) have no stick in corners and sway dramatically compared to my RA.

 

True, but you likely will not find one for $8000. If you have the extra money, by all means get the RA, different ride all together. 0-60 in 7ish seconds, not too terrible. But you are looking in the earlier years, so just keep your eyes open since you have a little time, that actually gives you more leverage- they will try harder to sell you a car if you're not committed to buying it the same day you are shopping. Just be sure and do your homework before hitting the dealerships.