How Long Do Mitsubishi Lancers Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Published February 19, 2024
in Reliability

Mitsubishi Lancerby Jengtingchen — CC BY-SA 4.0

The Mitsubishi Lancer is an affordable, dependable sedan option that first appeared on the market around the 1970s and made its final appearance in 2017. If you’re looking to purchase a Lancer for your life, it’s vital to familiarize yourself with all the details. For instance, you might wonder - how long do Mitsubishi Lancers last?

Those hunting for more information about the lifespan of the Mitsubishi Lancer are in the right place. This all-wheel drive selection might have an excellent reputation, but how well does it survive the years? Keep reading to learn more about the lifespan of a typical Mitsubishi Lancer, common issues with the vehicle, and other helpful information.

How Many Miles Does the Mitsubishi Lancer Last?

First, let’s start with the most important question - how long do Mitsubishi Lancers last? According to vehiclehistory.com, a typical Mitsubishi Lancer will last 150,000-200,000 miles with excellent care. Some factors related to age are out of your control, but much of the car’s life depends on the work you put into it.

According to carloanscanada.com, here are some items that will impact the total lifetime mileage of the Mitsubishi Lancer:

Rust and decay, such as corrosion
Maintenance and repairs over time
Use of the brakes
Weather conditions while driving
Transmission state

These are just a few items that will influence the life of your Lancer.

Of course, items like natural wear and tear are out of your control when it comes to the Lancer’s lifespan. However, items like maintenance and the way you drive the car will help raise or lower the anticipated years of the car. Keep an eye out for anything that might hinder the vehicle, such as damage to the suspension, and take care of it to prevent more.

What Is High Mileage for the Mitsubishi Lancer?

Standard mileage in the Mitsubishi Lancer is around 150,000-200,000. Owners should then expect high mileage for the vehicle to be about 150,000 miles. This number is at the lower end of the range for the Lancer, and this is at a point in the car’s life when it’s most likely to start breaking down and running into unfortunate faults.

For money’s sake, most drivers choose to go with versions of the Lancer that have less mileage on the odometer. However, drivers who are looking for a deal or don’t need the machine for very long will love the price point of high-mileage Lancers.

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What Is a Good Mileage for a Mitsubishi Lancer?

The high mileage for the Lancer is around 150,000. Therefore, good mileage for the vehicle is close to 130,000. If the car can make it to this point without running into serious issues, you’ve done an excellent job with the maintenance of the Lancer.

Those who use their Mitsubishi Lancer as a commuter car will hit the end of their lifespan far sooner than those who are more casual with their use. Either way, you’re predicted to get around a decade of driving or a little less.

The secret aspect of a good lifespan is maintenance. Care for your vehicle and it will care for you.

Should I Buy a Used Mitsubishi Lancer with More Than 100k?

Maybe you’re interested in the Lancer, and you want to go with a used version to ensure you save as much money as possible. If that’s the case, it might be frustrating to find that the cheapest versions have more than 100,000 miles on the odometer. Should you go with these vehicles or stay away from them?

Unfortunately, since the Lancer’s life is usually about 150,000-200,000, it isn’t worth it to get one with more than 100,000 miles. However, if it was taken care of meticulously in a previous life, it might be worth it. Take it for a test drive before buying to avoid wasting money.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE MITSUBISHI LANCER

Although Mitsubishi pulled the plug on the Lancer in the U.S. after the 2017 model year, this vehicle is readily available on the used car market. So, learning about the most reliable Mitsubishi Lancer years is important for those looking for a second-hand vehicle.

At What Mileage Do Most Mitsubishis Break Down?

Looking at the typical mileage of a car from Mitsubishi will reveal several things in the quest to understand the Lancer’s longevity. It will show if it’s worth it to buy from Mitsubishi and will reveal how the Lancer stacks up against the machine.

According to cherryhillmitsubishi.com, a typical Mitsubishi will last 200,000-250,000 miles. This number is solid, and the Lancer falls short.

THE MITSUBISHI LANCER YEARS TO AVOID

The Lancer is generally regarded as a fairly cost-effective and dependable vehicle, but every model has down years. Here are the Mitsubishi Lancer years to avoid.

Common Mitsubishi Lancer Issues

When considering the question - how long do Mitsubishi Lancers last - it’s a good idea to examine the frequent issues that appear in the life of the Lancer. This information will help you understand what to keep an eye out for in the vehicle and items that could lower the lifespan of the car if left unchecked. Four stand out as the most significant.

According to breakeryard.com, here are some common issues in the Mitsubishi Lancer:

Slow fan speed
Steering is pulling
Brake failure
Engine stalling

These will impact the lifespan of the Mitsubishi Lancer.

These issues could arise in any year of the Lancer, so it’s good to be aware of them no matter what. However, they are most common in the years of the Lancer and tend to be unreliable and have high numbers on the odometer, along with poor maintenance from a previous owner. Always act when you see something and try to avoid poorly maintained vehicles.

Final Thoughts

How long do Mitsubishi Lancers last? Typically, you can expect a Lancer to survive around 150,000-200,000 miles. This number is okay, but it’s below the standard when compared to other Mitsubishi cars. It is also a great idea to get a Lancer with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer for the sake of value.

We hope this information was helpful! The more you know about the lifespan of the Mitsubishi Lancer, the easier it will be to determine if it’s the best choice for your life. Our tips and information should make the decision a little easier, though ultimately only you can determine which vehicle will fit your investment goals.

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