Lancer MX '02, Lancer GLS '03 or Ford Lynx '04?

[und3c1d3dxxx]

Help guys, need your advice. I'm planning to get a 2nd car and I'm deciding among the 3 mentioned above. Each of those are second hand already but still in very good condition. The most expensive is the Lancer GLS '03 and seems to be the only thing holding me back but it still is within budget. It's just that I'm thinking the extra buck could be used to accessorized the other two cars, should I decide to get those instead. My main criteria are:
-Reliability
-Riding comfort
-Maintenance cost
-Fuel economy

With the above criteria, which one should I get, Lancer MX 2002 (Pizza), Lancer GLS 2003 (CEDIA), or Ford Lynx Ghia A/T? Pros? Cons?

Appreciate an objective view of the matter. Open to any suggestion as well. TIA.

[mazdamazda]

I'll go for the Lynx. It has a well sorted suspension and an adequate engine. Plus it has the most feature among the three.

Not really sure with an A/T equipped Lynx since I've driven only the M/T variant.

[und3c1d3dxxx]

Thanks mazdamazda.

Can you elaborate more on what I would be missing if I don't get the lynx? What are the perks? From what I gathered from other forums, suspension is more stiff than what's actually needed. Also, some people complain about the fuel consumption, but with 8-10KPL, I think it's just about right (or this figure is too high?)

Just need to get as much info as I could. Thanks.

[mazdamazda]

some features of the lynx ghia:

- rear disc brakes
- ABS + EBD
- front driver & passenger airbag
- parking sensors
- first aid kit
- power folding mirror
- illuminated vanity mirror (driver & passenger)
- map lamp
- rear sunshade
- leather seats (?)
- projector headlamps
- fog lamps

suspension is good IMO. I've drive one up & down Tagaytay and it handles good. absorbency is ok though. though they need to work on noise insulation a bit more.

interior looks a bit dated though.

fuel consumption is just about right.

[niky]

With the MT, consumption is average. With the AT, kind of thirsty. Noise suppression is not as good as other cars, but despite being stiff, the Lynx deals with bumps very well (not as much secondary motion or "dancing" as other cars on undulations... if you've ever driven on the washboard surface of the old SLEX, you'll know what this means)

Actually, I've been riding around in the new Altis 1.6... and the stiffness is actually very similar to the Lynx (just to give you an idea of what the Lynx rides like).

Handling is best in its class. Features are nice.

Dated na ba yung interior? Hindi ba "classic" ang tawag dun? :lol:

[und3c1d3dxxx]

I drove an Altis 1.6 and the suspension is quite okay, so I guess, it's not that stiff after all. That's quite nice to know.

I am interested with AT (noticed all the cars listed are AT), so when you say it's kinda "thirsty", could you give an estimate? Is it below 7 KPL? 8~9 is still acceptable for me, but anything greater than 9 is heaven-sent

[und3c1d3dxxx]

By the way, how is it in the maintenance department? I guess all cars are even when it comes to riding comfort, but how about reliability?

Having owned a few Mitsubishi's in the past, I'm kinda partial to it, but I'm seriously considering the Lynx primarily because it's the newest among the pack.

[Bry]

I'd get the pizza-pie Lancer. Just because it looks better than the alternatives.

[und3c1d3dxxx]

Thanks. I like the interior of MX 02, while I prefer the exterior of the CEDIA. Lynx is far from bad, but looks is only secondary to me.

Any feedback on Lynx AT consumption?

[und3c1d3dxxx]

Any feedback on the Lynx A/T consumption? I'd post/search on FCP but the site is always down ;)

[basti08]

Lynx for me. i like the 04 version of the Lynx alot.

plus it has the most feature, IMO the interior looks well laid out, adequate room, nice handling and great engine sound.

[pdc2]

lynx then next choice mx... both a/t's will more or less have the same km/liter. the mx though may be cheaper to maintain in the long run due to parts availability (shares parts from '96 up lancers).

[niky]

If you're looking at ATs (sorry took so long to reply!), then I'd try looking at an 01 Toyota Altis... very good fuel economy for an AT.

The MX has better transmission and possibly better fuel economy than the Ford, but it's an expensive transmission to fix if anything goes wrong, as there's a separate computer box for the tranny. It's not especially delicate, but it's expensive. My cousin paid 150k before to replace all three computer boxes after a flood (the Lynx only has one... 40k or so). It's an okay car, just don't drive it through a few feet of water...

I don't really recommend any Mazda/Ford automatics. They have a "reputation". Some people never experience a tranny failure (they're not common), but it's always best to be sure, especially if you're buying secondhand.