Segment:
Compact Sedan/Hatchback
Target Audience:
Collision Repair Shops, Professional Technicians, Advanced DIYers
Competitors 2008:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza
Value Proposition:
Comprehensive guidance for restoring structural integrity and appearance after collision damage.
Manufacturer Standard:
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications and procedures.
Primary Coverage:
Body Repair and Structural Integrity
Secondary Coverage:
Collision Repair, Panel Replacement, Frame Straightening
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (typically 500+ pages for a comprehensive body repair manual)
Type:
Body Repair Manual / Collision Repair Manual
Exterior Body:
Front and Rear Bumpers, Fenders, Hood, Doors, Trunk Lid, Roof Panel, Quarter Panels
Structural:
Frame Rails, Body Structure, Reinforcements, Floor Pan, Bulkheads
Glass:
Windshield, Side Glass, Rear Glass Replacement and Sealing
Paint And Finishes:
Surface Preparation, Paint Application Techniques (though less detailed than dedicated paint manuals), Corrosion Protection
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed procedures for removing and installing body panels and components.
Straightening And Repair:
Frame straightening, panel alignment, dent repair techniques, welding procedures (spot welding, MIG welding).
Measurement And Alignment:
Body alignment specifications, measuring points for structural integrity, frame specifications.
Fasteners And Adhesives:
Specifications for bolts, nuts, rivets, clips, and adhesives used in body construction.
Depth:
Advanced Body Repair and Structural Analysis
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Step-by-step diagrams, exploded views, and detailed illustrations for clarity.
Engine Options 2008:
2.0L 4G63 SOHC MPI (for base models), 2.4L 4G69 SOHC MPI (for ES/LS models), 2.0L 4B11 DOHC MIVEC Turbocharged (for Ralliart/GTS models - though Ralliart often refers to the AWD system, engine variations exist)
Engine Code Example:
4G63, 4G69, 4B11
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 152 hp (2.0L) to 237 hp (Turbocharged 2.0L)
Torque Range:
Approx. 146 lb-ft (2.0L) to 255 lb-ft (Turbocharged 2.0L)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (depending on trim level)
Drive Type:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on some performance variants (e.g., Ralliart)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for the driver and front passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (for the driver and rear passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard on most trims
Traction Control:
Available on some trims
Electronic Stability Control:
Available on some trims (often part of optional packages)
Airbags Front:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Available Side Curtain Airbags (covering front and rear passengers)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 - 7,500 miles or 6 months (depending on oil type and driving conditions - refer to owner's manual for specific recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 API SN/SM/SL (check owner's manual or manual for exact specification based on engine variant).
Coolant Type:
Mitsubishi DiaQueen Super Long Life Coolant (SLLC) or equivalent (typically a red or pink OAT-based coolant).
Transmission Fluid Type:
CVT Fluid: DiaQueen CVTF J1; Automatic Transmission Fluid: DiaQueen ATF-PA; Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90.
Common Wear Items:
CVT belt wear (on CVT models), exhaust system corrosion, minor electrical gremlins, suspension component wear (bushings, ball joints).
Engine Specific Notes:
The 4G63 and 4G69 engines are generally robust. The 4B11T (turbocharged) requires meticulous maintenance.
Mitsubishi Legacy:
Mitsubishi Motors has a long history in automotive manufacturing, known for rally heritage (Lancer Evolution) and robust engineering.
Lancer Generations Context:
The 2008 Lancer (the ninth generation, often referred to as the CZ/CY platform) marked a significant redesign, moving to a more aggressive styling and improved platform compared to its predecessor.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Japan (Mizushima Plant) and also produced in other global facilities depending on market.
Safety Awards Context:
Achieved high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, demonstrating good structural integrity and occupant protection.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and specific powertrain, generally falling in the average to above-average range for its class during its production run.
