2009 Toyota Corolla Base vs 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES

” I’m in desperate need of a new and more reliable vehicle and have sort of down-selected to the 2009 Toyota Corolla Base and the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES models. I noticed you have the 2008 Toyota Corolla on your web site as one of the cars you’ve test driven. But do you know anything about the Lancers? I know that the MPG is substantially better for the Corolla (~27 city/35 hwy) versus the Lancer (~22/29). But the Lancer comes with a lot more standard equipment and I can get it at a price below dealer invoice through my company’s discount program. (The Toyota salespeople generally don’t want to negotiate on price and even seem a little arrogant.) Also, in my opinion, the Lancer is a better looking car. Do you have any additional knowledge about either of these cars? I’m looking for general information on reliability and maintenance costs. I’ve tried Consumer Reports and similar sites, but I just thought you might have some inside information. Thanks for your time.”

Stick to the Toyota. Mitsubishis aren’t half the cars that Toyotas are. They have numerous electrical and transmission problems (if you’re buying and automatic like most people do, the standard trannies are OK but the Autos are not.) They don’t stand the test of time like a Corolla (my personal work car is a 1981 Corolla and the AC still blows cold with the original compressor still on it.) Yea, they cost less and you think they look cuter, but let the buyer beware. There’s a reason the toyotas cost more, cause they last longer and break down much less frequently than any other car out there that is mass produced.