I'm getting ready to move to Minneapolis in a few days, and I was poking around the internets, trying to figure out if I'll need to look at getting a block heater. Our car is a 03 Lancer ES, and it's given us almost no trouble since we got in it '04. It currently has 75k miles, and gets regular oil changes and maintenance.

I've searched around here and google results, and gotten some pretty conflicting info.
I've seen stuff online that says the car has an aluminum engine, and doesn't need a heater.
I've seen stuff that says all Lancers sold in Canada come with block heaters.
I've seen them for sale for $20.
I've called two dealerships in the area. One said they couldn't order or install a block heater. One said it would be $450 with parts and labor.

Can anyone give me some advice? I'm going to be parking this car outside, not in a garage. I'm not even 100% sure I'll have access to a plug (a garage is available, if I feel like paying for it). We won't be driving this car every day, probably 3 times a week or so.

Thanks.

You shouldn't need it just be sure to let the car warm up before you drive it.

When it's -40 out, you'll be glad you had an engine block heater.



My advice.

I would have a non-dealer shop install it. Call up places that install remote starters/alarms/etc and see if they would install an engine block heater.