Affordable Retro

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It’s frightening for many of us to think that 1994 is considered retro, but being 30 years ago will do that. And this gorgeous specimen of a NZ new 1994 Mitsubishi Lancer wins 1000 bonus points for the colour and another 1000 bonus points for that rare option in NZ new cars of the 90s – Air conditioning - and it works. It also has low kilometres and low owners and it’s available to buy right now. Read on...

The Mitsubishi Lancer of the 90s was a humble commuter car that went almost entirely unnoticed by car people until the GSR and Evo models appeared. Not many poverty spec Lancers survive on our roads today, and it’s not a loss that has been mourned by many. But every now and then an example pops up that takes us back to the Spice Girls and Beverly Hills 90210, especially when the colour is lilac.

I have never seen a Lancer in this shade of Lilac before, and it’s officially registered as blue. But if it’s a repaint is very thorough and I wonder if it was a special order as it sure looks factory. Either way, the colour sets off this humble Lancer and makes it pop. It’s not even the luxury version with its puny 1.3l engine and hubcaps, but it does have working air conditioning (as I write this it’s a blistering 32 degrees outside so it’s a feature that comes into focus more than usual) and a decent stereo. Add to this the fact it has only covered 81,300kms by 3 owners and appears to be a very nice condition.

So why buy such a basic car from 30 years ago? It’s not safe by modern standards, and that small engine isn’t particularly efficient. It is also hardly brimming with features and creature comforts. What this Lancer does have going for it is simplicity. There’s not mountains of rapidly ageing computing power, no touch screens, no complex transmission, no driving aides, no power. Basically, very little to go wrong. Even the windows are manual. And it just looks different. Maybe not better, but it stands out with the aid of the colour.

And it’s affordable. You can buy this car today for $3990 from Turners Palmerston North. More details here.