Any Mitsu Outlander owners out there?

[aquadorhj]

Hey,

got a question for you.
a co-worker wants to buy outlander.   She and I went to look at 2008 ES used model on a local dealership and she loves it so much.

So, my question is, how do YOU owners or people with extended exposure to Mitsu outlanders feel about them?

Do you like the car?  any issues? 

BTW, the dealer is not willing to negotiate price, .  it's 08, bottom trim model with 30K on it, but they are FIRM on 23.9k

so i'm looking for alternate deal for her.  any deals?

haha... that's way more than "1" question, eh.   i apologize, and i appreciate all your inputs!

[Railton]

I don't own one but I have a '09 ES AWD as a rental while the RX-8 gets repainted.
See page 3.
http://www.canadiandriver.com/forum/index.php/topic,63675.40.html
I've been driving it for a week and half now. I really think the 4 cyl model is gutless and that CVT transmision married to it also not one of my favorite things. I've been driving the SUV in FWD and then gas mileage is slightly better than the RX-8 (granted I drive it up to 140 at times... ) but that's not saying much. The V6 would be the way to go with it but the gas milesage would likely be worse then the RX-8 so I would steeer clear of it. For comparisons my Wife's Escape with the V6 gets better mileage than the RX-8.
It has a little tailgate that drop down after the rear hatch is opened that although seems neat I'm not sure how useful.
Seems to be affected by crosswinds more than the Escape.
Railton

[Brigitte]

Forum member Just Bob does own one...

[mrthompson]

The previous generation, though...no?

[carcrazy]

Forum member Just Bob does own one...

Indeed Bob has the previous generation Outlander which is a totally different car.

I own a 2007 Outlander LS 4WD. It has a different power train though - V6, 6AT, which I think it makes a whole lot of a difference.

I still like the car after over 2 1/2 years of trouble free ownership and I would buy it again today (still there is no better alternative on the market for my wants & needs). From what I get from the Outlander owners community, there are no major issues with this car.

The only issue any owner of 07-08 models should be aware of is that there is a significant  potential for paint chipping on the rear doors bulge and the bottom of the rear and front doors due to the road derbies thrown into those areas by the front wheels. The mudguards will help to contain the exposed areas, but do not eliminate the problem. However, I've seen many clean 2007 Outlanders so I guess is depends on the type of road you drive on and perhaps your luck. I would recommend to have the whole rear door bulge covered with 3M clear film (about $60 cost). If you buy used, thoroughly check that area to assess if it's damaged or not and how severe the damage is.

I would also suggest to go for the V6/6AT combo since the fuel savings are minor IMO over the I4/CVT (1.x L/100km), but you gain significant power and a smooth and responsive tranny. Overall, a much better ride. I've seen 7.9 L/100 Km on the highway on one occasion, but mid 8s is easily within reach on longer highway drives if you drive smoothly and you don't have adverse environment conditions. I'm currently monitoring the fuel economy over one year period and I think I will end up just above 11L/100km. I'll have the final reading next week (Oct 9).

On 2007 LS models, they have for/aft sliding rear seats which have been discontinued on the base models after 07 MY. However, Mitsu improved the door panels for 08 MY on all trims.

Other highlights: excellent cargo and passenger space - top of the class, small turning radius - best in the class IIRC, good power (V6), good handling, good 4WD for all-weather conditions (with proper tires of course), good equipment level even in mid-trim, good value for the buck, very reliable. On the subjective note, the best looking compact SUV on the market today (especially the XLS).

On the negative side, I think the build quality is average, but I would note that there are no major issue; just many small details which I would not comment on here, unless you really what to know my little nit picking complaints.

Also, some say they could not find a comfortable driving position, but I don't have that problem. However, one shortcoming of the car is that it doesn't have telescopic steering wheel. Perhaps this would've helped more people to sit conformable in the car, but not much you could do about it.

My 2 cents only ... If you have specific questions, feel free to ask.

[Railton]

Forum member Just Bob does own one...

Other highlights: excellent cargo and passenger space - top of the class, small turning radius - best in the class IIRC, good power (V6), good handling, good 4WD for all-weather conditions (with proper tires of course), good equipment level even in mid-trim, good value for the buck, very reliable. On the subjective note, the best looking compact SUV on the market today (especially the XLS).

Also, some say they could not find a comfortable driving position, but I don't have that problem. However, one shortcoming of the car is that it doesn't have telescopic steering wheel. Perhaps this would've helped more people to sit conformable in the car, but not much you could do about it.

Agree with that comment on the small turning radius - very good and SUV and a bonus if you trailer anything and reverse a bit with the trailer.
Also agree with the telescoping wheel - would be a nice touch.
Overall, if I had more power with the V6 and a snappier transmission you could really carve the twisties with this rig. I would like to try a CX-7 after this to compare the handling.
Railton

[carcrazy]

According to various comparos done by the car magazines, the CX-7 is one of the best if not the best handling compact SUV, but the Outlander is near the top as well (first and second in most of the comparos IIRC).
I'm not including the luxury CUVs here.

[Just Bob]

I test drove quite a few new and older models, I loved the V6 model, excellent engine!

I bought a 2006 model with the four pot, and whilst it doesn't instill a passion for driving it does the job admirably.  I got a good deal on mine with only 13K on the clock at KW Mitsubishi, happy with their level of customer service so far.  The only thing that put me off the CX-7 is the pretty large wheels, snow tires would be expensive.

Personally I think $24K for a used bottom of the range model is too steep.

The warranties are very good, and with snow tires our car copes very well in Winter, it's very easy to drive and predictable in snow.  Build quality is excellent, is it still built in Japan?

If I was going to upgrade to a similar sized car I would definitely consider the latest Outlander model.

 

[carcrazy]

Yes, the Outlander is built in Japan.

I too think the asking price is too high.

[Justanother Islander]

A couple of months ago, I picked up a 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS NAVI (V6 selectable 4WD 6-speed with paddle shifters, leather interior, pop-up 3rd row "in-a-pinch" [literally] seat; built-in GPS Navigation System & Rockford Fosgate sound, 16" rear sub-woofer, rear entertainment pkg. (DVD, remote & wireless headphones) and a set of almost new  P225/55/R18 Good Year Eagle LS 2 tires that cost about $1,200.±.  I don't know if there are any other options this unit could have had.  It had 49 k on it, and I got it on a private sale for slightly more than $20k.
I have enjoyed it ... the way it handles, sounds, looks, and visibility and space.  Fuel economy is bit disappointing, but it may be because of driving style, and the fact that short runs don't give it a chance to really warm up.  Some things could be better designed, but overall happy with it. 
Despite the fact the nearest dealership is in another province, 173 km – about 2 hours away -- this is now our second Mitsu -- also have a 2005 Galant ES we got second hand ... quite happy with it for over 3 years.

[davidy]

Just checked some of the used cars sites (autotrader and buy and sell). There is a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS auto awd loaded (w/ leather; w/o navi?) for just under $25K in Calgary (Gallery of Fine Cars). Mileage is 43K. If I was local, I would probably be all over it.

At the Red Deer Mitsu dealer, there is a 2008 Outlander LS awd for just under $24K. 18K mileage. Trans not specified.

Dave