Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable enough to buy used?

Yes, the Mitsubishi Lancer is generally reliable enough to buy used, particularly if you are on a tight budget. It is considered a fairly reliable car, earning a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability rating from RepairPal. With regular maintenance and sensible driving habits, a Lancer can typically last between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.

While it makes a solid budget-conscious purchase, it is important to note that it ranks slightly lower than some heavy-hitting competitors (29th out of 36 compact cars). Because its lifespan heavily depends on how well it was cared for by previous owners, you should always request maintenance records and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic.