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Mitsubishi Outlander
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Comments
Your price seems reasonable according to what I have been quoted.
General Info:
I just got my free gas card ($15) from Mitsy. Go to the web site and sign up for a test drive and you will get a dealer name in the mail. The dealer will give you a free music cd with the mailin gas card request.
Took an Outlander for a test. I felt a bit cramped in the vehicle (am 6'1" tall) and the vehicle's seat bottom a bit firm. Had lots of low end torque. Moved up to 70 mph in fine fashion--kept up with the flow of freeway traffic. No jet, but moved along fine. I liked the retro-looking clock. Fit and finish seemed nice. I don't care for the front end styling (grille); much prefer the New Zealand version of "Airtrek", especially the turbo version with large round (?driving) lights mounted low in front. Like the clear taillight lenses on upscale models. I'd probably like a bit more power--eg the Escapes have 200 hp, and the Outlander is but 140 hp. I like the look of the Outlander better than most of the other small SUVs, though the grille is rather unattractive to me. Maybe a "brush guard" with some lights on it would disquise things up front some. Suspect I would wait on any purchase to see if they plan any upgrades as to power, or maybe aftermarket grilles.
The Outlander was quieter. Much less wind and road noise. BUT... the roof came too far forward into my line of vision. I tried to lower the seat to compensate, but could not. I want to see all windshield in front of me... not part of the roof. It gives me a claustrophobic feeling.
Otherwise.. the dark and dreery interior (don't like dash) is comfortable and has many more places (some hidden) to store things than the Forester. The armrests on the doors are easy to clean vinyl unlike the ones in the Forester SX which are covered with cloth (why?). On the other hand...the center arm rest in the Outlander is cloth. Also..the cargo area in the Outlander is Vinyl on the sides. The Forester has carpet on the sides (not easy to clean bicycle chain grease off).
Other tidbits... The Outlander's driver's door unlocks just by pulling handle (I like this feature). The Outlander has repeat signal lights on the front fenders...less chance someone else will try to move into the center lane at the same time as you!!! The Forester has neither of these features. BUT... the Forester has ABS standard with the SX having 4 wheel disks. Not the Outlander LS. The Forester has a gated typed shift console which I find irritating to use. I also did not care for the Forester's radio controls. The Outlander has a plain easier to use auto shifter (unlit though). The outlander has rear seats that recline. The Forester does not.
Has anyone here who bought one gotten any mileage numbers yet? State if you have 2wd or awd.
Steve, Host
1. LS standard
2. XLS better seats, fog lights, fancy wheels, 6 speaker radio/cd, (side air bags??), remote door lock, better driver seat, fancy rear spoiler.
3. Deluxe package: (only for XLS) auto dim/compass/temp rv mirror, side air bags, leather seats, Plus must purchase ABS Brakes, Sun Roof. No dealer will discuss this option. (???)
There are various dealer installed things such as a tow hitch/light cable, floor matts, bra, etc.
Dealers don't know a damn thing about the car and get pissed when you won't buy the floor (yuk green) model. Plus they clam up when you ask about factory orders.
They want to do a razzle dazzle hunt around other dealers for a car that might be what you want but, most likley not so they figure to talk you into taking it. I guess they are trying to peddle the factory plain janes that they got stuck with.
Yuk, I would rather get a root canal than buy a damn car!!!!
I wish the Internet car buy would hurry up!!!! Maybe Wally Mart will get into the business!!!
MY QUESTION: what is mitsubishi's history as far as a manufacturer? i.e. compared to the ever reliable toyota, honda, and subaru? this is mitsu's 1st year in canada & no one around here can give me a definite answer or lead me to published articles. thanks for the info!
If I lived in Canada I would look at the Montero. The rear wheel drive is attractive(2w) and in four wheel mode would handle Canadian weather. I am picking up my new Outback next month.
The Mitsu cars are the best I have ever owned.
I'm just curious how much are dealers willing to deal on a new model? How much over invoice would you consider a good buy?
Any other comments on realibility and overall experience with the Outlander will be appreciated.
As far as Japanese companies, I would give Honda and Toyota as being on the top. Then Nissan, Subaru, Mazda being very good to excellent. It seems to me Isuzu, Suzuki and Mitsubishi are at the bottom of the Japanese food chain. Which is to say, they make good cars, not great cars.
Mitsubishi has done a great job in it's growth over the last few years in this Country.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=2c0c058d0ea612b8db- 47b915135043c4&threadid=88
My view of the Santa Fe is, it is a little heavy for it's size, the engineering and finish in my opinion is not up to Mitsubishi. The engine blowing up and the company not knowing how much horse power the engine makes is not a good sign for Hyundai.
When I bought my last SUV, I like the Mitsubishi Montero Sport a lot. After driving the Hyundai Santa Fe, it was just not in the running.
Actually, I like Mitsubishi products. I was just trying to answer Sydmar's question "what is mitsubishi's history as far as a manufacturer? i.e. compared to the ever reliable toyota, honda, and subaru?".
So I looked at a Mazda MPV and fell in love with it. It had a great tow package with a 3.0 engine and 5 speed tranny. Plus you can plush it out without a damn moon roof. Plus it is amazing what you can do with the seats in it. I had to have one. It is on order.
We am going to keep the Mitsy EXPO. The wife wants it for her work car. So I put a rebuilt tranny in it (155k miles). The old one was starting to slip. I gave my 90 Mitsy Mirage (great car) to charity. The tax write off was much higher than what the dealer offered.
Also the vehicle strays to either right and left. It was checked for alignment and they said it was OK? Does anybody have these same kinds of little problems?
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Steve, Host
Needs more motor and a lower trunk floor for more cargo room. Windows not low enough (claustrophobia). Apparently bumpers an issue.
Seating i found was very accommodating and comfy. Overall felt like it was more expensive than Vibe / Matrix.
Guess this an extremely small comunity so if there is anyone who likes me wants to do some stuff...i.e. inprove the infinity stereo, Get 20 more HP, install a lazer jammer (they work really well) and have some technical ability...post a message and we can chat.
Maybe even start an New Area..
Kiwi (Canada) XLS/Leather/AWD
My wife and I purchased a '03 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS (rio red pearl exterior, gray interior) 2 months ago. However, I am experiencing a minor but VERY ANNOYING issue with this new car. The rear left/right passenger doors produces a squeaking/rattling sound whenever my wife drives it. She told me that it drives her crazy because she drives this car about 70 miles (one way) on her way to work everyday. I testdrove the car several times and confirmed that the problem is true.
It truly is annoying.
I have brought it in the dealership for service about 4 times now and they have not fixed the problem. They keep saying that the molding/flares does not fit properly but that does not fix the issue.
Now, I am so frustrated. The car performs great and is really worth buying but this problem makes me doubt the Outlander's reliability.
Does someone experiences this kind of problem too?
If you could please help us out, we would be very much appreciative.
Thanks,
Dag
Thanks
I do however have a problem with the company and there lack of customer service. This is definately not Honda. They never get back to you and are always arguing with you about your experience. Not good. It is like buying a computer without tech support. I think Mitsu is a manufacturer only and really need to reinvent their opperation.
Remember these words if wisdom before you part with your hard earned cash.
Gregory Keen
Thanks,
Dag
customer service argured with me and said that i had not specified these gauges. turns out that they were only made for the states and they only had black in canada. so they pointed me to the disclaimer saying "Every possible effort is made to ensure that information, specifications and images contained in our brochures, marketing materials and on our website are as accurate as possible. However, these brochures are produced weeks and in some cases months in advance of the release of production vehicles and frequently the images are of prototype or pre-production vehicles"....well this is a web site we are talking about - it can be updated in a matter of minutes. (the car was released here in november.
so they are just blowing me off. they did not do their job properly as plain as day....
I am taking mitsu canada to court and will win. it is a clear case of misreppresentation...
The service guys are ok but i get the feeling that it is all rather new to them. when there are warranty issues it seems to take forever...at honda they just do it on the spot and tell you about it later.
Steve, Host
This is basically the attitude of a company that does not abide by the parent companys mission statements. It is a go away (and stop bothering me)attitude and I would suggest that it is a bad practice of the US company. These guys are one of the top companies in sales in Japan. It is the American attitude towards its customers that will not allow it to be a major player in the US.
What about the customer comes first? If you are prepared to just rollover in life..so be it. Accept what you are given and we as a society will move backwards. I on the other hand will fight for what is right. They are wrong and they should straighten out their mistake.
Sure would make sense, though. Any fuel economy ratings on the 2.4?
On a side note, I test drove an 03 Outlander XLS FWD today. I was very inpressed with the power. You would not expect a four cylinder strapped with an automatic and 3000 pounds to jump off the line so smoothly and quickly. It felt just as fast as a 170 horse V6 powered Hyundai Tiburon I test drove afterwards, at least to 4k. The engine is smooth as butter and so is the automatic. The engine is very quiet too and even has a sporty sounding exhaust note as you rev it to 4k. The sequential shift gate is a neat gimmick. Interior fit and finish was excellent and the white gauges and Infiniti clone clock were nice touches. The ride was firm and well controlled, but still plenty comfortable. Handling was pretty good for a tall vehicle. Front seats were very comfortable but rear seats were mounted too low for optimum comfort. I thought it was neat how the retractable cargo cover could be stored underneath the floor in the storage tray. The doors also had a nice solid expensive sounding thunk. The only downside I noticed was the somewhat squashed view out through the short windshield. Overall, I think Mitsubishi has designed a very nice SUV that deserves more attention than it gets. With 160 horses, this car will fly.
What do you think of someone who says one thing and does another....A LIAR right? It is the point of the issue - not so much the gauges but the lack of integrity
Long-Term Test: 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
Steve, Host
Anyway, if it were me, I would take the Outlander. It's a more stylish looking SUV, sits higher, and is roomier.
Package 1: One included the Heated Front Seats, Leather Seating Surfaces, Front Side Airbags.
Package 2: Leather Seating Surfaces and Trim, Dual Front Side Air Bags, Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror with Compass and Temperature Display, Heated Front Seats along with the white faced guages.
BUT the 2nd luxury package was not available until after January 2003 because the production for XLS models with PKg.2 started after the Jan. '03!
If the White face that much of a deal for you, i suggest that you spend the $50-$80 and get a after market kit for your outlander.
The New engine will be making atleast 160-162HP with 160+ Torque and much improved fuel economy. This will put the Outlander at the top of it's competitors.
We're hoping that Mitsubishi will use the 3.0 V6 with 200+HP for future Outlander Models or atleast come out with a RalliArt version of the truck.
Check out the Mitsubishi Japanese site if you're unfamiliar with it. To picture it, cross a Vibe with the new Quest and you'd be pretty close...this vehicle splits the difference between the small sportwagons (Vibe, Matrix, Protege5) and the so-called "mini"vans (Sienna, Quest et al). There is a definite need for this vehicle for small families/empty nesters/ who want van-like utility/seating in a smaller, more user-friendly, more efficient and economical package. Priced between the Matrix (20 G's) and the Sienna (30 G's), it could be a hit.