Back from the dealership...
 

So I went out today to check out new cars. Ended up test driving a Lancer Ralliart. I must say I was very impressed. Initially I went out to test drive an Evo X MR, but they won't let you test drive it without getting you approved to buy the car. Not a problem, I just didn't want to take the time. The Ralliart is pretty damn quick and the TC-SST is freakin' awesome. Holds gears right where it should and does nice throttle blips on downshifts. Simpy put...best automatic ever. After driving it, unless the MR is fast enough to make me shit myself, I don't think I could justify paying the extra $12K they wanted (the only one they had left was fully loaded with a $42K sticker before rebates). Even a based of around $37K seems a bit steep for it. Also went to check out a WRX STi at the same lot, but same deal with the MR...had to get approval first. Plus the STi only comes with a stick. The state won't let me drive a stick, so that's out. So I may be in the market for a new Ralliart. Anyone know of any trouble spots/issues/relaibility with those?

i havnt herd anything, good or bad, but sounds like a fun car.

I know their pretty cool looking cars. I'm sure the newer ones are much better then the first year revamped Lancers. I had one of the old "new" Lancers (non Evo) a rental and wasn't impressed. I'm sure they've made a lot of improvements though. Glad to hear you liked it. Keep us posted!

Yeah...anything below the Ralliart drove like a dog...wouldn't even condiser it. But the Ralliart has most of the power of the Evo X less the suspension bits, but like I said it'd be hard to justify the huge extra amount for a few extra goodies. I still can't get over how amazing the TC-SST is in that car. Far and away the best automatic I've ever driven. One serious issue I had with the Evo (I sat in it but didn't drive it) was the seats. I know they're Recaros and I'm sure they're super supportive, but the side bolsters are so big they make the car hard to get out of. It's like trying to get out of a waterbed. You put your legs out, but then you have to tense up a bunch of muscles and balance your weight or it just isn't happening. So now I get to call around to find out who can modify the car so the state will let me drive it. Sounds like fun, huh?

so what did you end up gettig?

Nothing yet. Guess the folks at the dealership didn't think I was too serious. I asked the guy about whether or not Mistu offers reimbursement for handicap mods and he said he'd check and get back to me...that was well over a month ago. Haven't heard anything back...from him or their online guy. Seems pretty fucking lame.