sway me. (thinking about buying non ford)

[Pinch]

Vanman was on the money about usual trip lengths. If you do big k's, even though they are getting better, a small car will still annoy you after a while.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Fords, but I doubt I would get a new one for a while. My old BA XR6 was a great car, and purpose built for what I used it for - long distance work, but the Ford sales and servicing 'experience' did succeed in selling me other brands of cars. If you turn cars over in anything less than 5 years depreciation will also be a huge factor and probably your biggest expense. This is where the Falcon will be at its biggest disadvantage.

As for the 'girl' car, 'boy' car BS, I don't buy that crap. Buy what you want, like and love driving. Its for you, not anyone else. Who cares about what image you project - not me, look at my signature. I love driving them all. If some 'real man' in a 78 series cruiser ute or a bock stock VN with 18in chromies on the front and 15in steelies on the back thinks I am less of a man for driving the Mini cab, then good on them. Chances are I am having more fun. I don't care what they are driving, and if they enjoy it, great cause that is what driving for me is about. And a car is instrumental in that process. Some of the best fun I have had was at a track day sharing a mate's stock...... XC Barina SRi.

You should have nothing to prove but your love of driving. If your circumstances suggest a Lancer would be the best for you, and you like it. Get it and enjoy it. As others have said though, check the relevant forums though to check that the driving enjoyment wont be diluted by issues with it.

If I was doing the same driving I was in 2004 when I got the BA, I would probably get the FG though - through a buying service and get it serviced at a good independent mechanic.