Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 EX GLX MT OR Toyota Vios 1.3 G AT

[_Cathy_]

I've already decided on getting a Vios UNTIL I came across the new Lancer and I was surprised that it had so many features for its price!

I know that these cars belong to different categories but I really need some feedback on which is the wiser purchase? My Budget is 750k net but I decided to stretch it to P800k for the Lancer. I plan to keep the car for a minimum of 5 years.

2013 Mitsubishi Lancer 1.6 EX GLX MT
Unit Price: 825,000
Discount - 55,000
Comprehensive Insurance with AOG
3 yr. LTO Registration FREE
NET: P770k

2013 Toyota Vios 1.3 G AT
Unit Price: 747,000
Discount - 40,000
Comprehensive Insurance with AOG
3 yr. LTO Registration FREE
NET: P707k

My Mom also liked the Lancer even though it was above the budget (which is rare since she always prefers the cheaper option). It seems to have a larger interior space than my Altis (Trunk space is not good though) I also like the 8-Inch LCD Monitor with Touch Screen Interface and Front Dual Stage SRS Airbags for Driver and Passenger. It also looks sporty and fun to drive. I really like the look of the Lancer. My very good friend is against my purchase because he says that Mitsubishi has reliability issues. Also, the EX came out on 2008 and yet there are few units on the road compared to the Altis and Civic. He says that this may be a problem in 5 or 10 years because shops may not keep its parts on stock and it will be difficult to buy surplus. So it will be expensive and hard for me to maintain the Lancer in 5 years or so. I also heard that Mitsubishi is not so good with after sales service. I can't buy the AT for the Lancer because it's above the budget and I've been told that it's malakas sa gas.

The Vios on the other hand is smaller but it has the Toyota badge of reliability. It's cheap, practical and easy to maintain. I'd assume that it's indestructible much like my big body corolla (which made me a Toyota fan). I've also built a good relationship with the people at the casa and I know that my car is taken cared of. I really hate the center gauge (?) it makes me dizzy. BUT I might learn to love the Vios if it gets me to save a lot on fuel cost. I've never owned an automatic car but I chose this for the Vios since I figured it'll still be cheap and easy to maintain even if it's an AT. I didn't choose the 1.5 G AT since I'm getting a Vios for its practicality and I don't need its additional power or features anymore.

I really trust my friend's judgement but there's really a side of me that wants the Lancer so bad! If I get the Lancer I'll have fun driving it but I won't have peace of mind. If I get the Vios, it's not fun but I'll have peace of mind. I googled on the EX Lancer but couldn't get much feedback on its usual problems so I'd like to know if it's a good purchase for someone like me whose priority is reliability and ease of maintainance.

Another option for me would be to wait for the full model change of the Vios? It's supposed to come out real soon, isn't it?