2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

How much for all of this Japanese engineered pocket sedan? My tester with the Sun and Sound package, and a 6-disc in-dash changer still comes in a little under $25,000. Add to that the warranty coverage, including 10 years or 160,000 km on the powertrain and you suddenly realize that there is no second guessing the Lancer Ralliart so long as you don't mind the nostalgic interior and exterior look to it. Imagine how long it would take you to rack up 160,000 km. You would be finished your degree, into a career and probably married before the powertrain coverage ran up. If you've got kids, they will be finished college and into their careers well before your powertrain coverage runs up.

Think of the performance goodies included, too. Imagine the cost of a mild body kit, clear tails, a spoiler, a set of nice rims, strut tower brace, a hopped-up stereo with sub, amp and box, as well as metal pedals and the Ralliart looks to be that much more of a deal.

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart (Photo: Justin Pritchard, Auto123.com)

Mitsubishi will also give you $500 off the purchase price if you qualify as a graduate or soon-to-be graduate as well.

Maybe you need a car to take with you to school, out of town. Maybe you need a second vehicle to compliment your gas-guzzler SUV as a fun grocery getter and weekend cruiser. Regardless, if you've got $25,000 burning a hole in your pocket, and want a cool little car that isn't boring, has a pile of great features and offers the peace of mind by an industry leading powertrain warranty, there is no other choice.