So I put a downpayment on a 2008 XLS 4WD (silver) and am now waiting (and have been waiting for two weeks) to hear any word of what is taking place. My salesman told me the car was in state and needed to be moved, which I have to pay for since I didn't want anyone to drive the car. Now I sit here and wait, day after day, and hope that I didn't make the wrong decision with this purchase. The new Murano just came out and I keep thinking I should just write off my downpayment and go to some other car company. I have saved my money for ten years to purchase this car and I need it to last 10+ years (my Acura coupe is 17 years old!!)
So, I guess I get to wait and wonder if I made the right decision. I truly wanted this car purchase to go as smoothly as possible - I guess that is a loaded statement, but you guys get the idea. I just want "my" car - you know - and I want to enjoy driving it - at least until we run out of gasoline *grin*
Any of you have similar stories? I'd love to hear 'em.
I think you made the right decision with Outlander. If you want to drive this car for 10+ years, then this is the car. The Outlander has 5/10 warranty and according to Consumer Reports the 2008 Outlander has the best predicted reliability in its classCR link. There is no Murano on that list and Murano's warranty is much shorter.
Finally got a chance to play in the snow with my '07 Outlander. I thought with the not-so-aggressive tires on my LS it would still slip and slide in 4wd but it handled great! The traction control lets the tires spin a little before it kicks in, which is good. I'm not sure how the stability control works, though. I tried a few donuts in a parking lot, to see if it would kick in, but it didn't. Or does it work on more aggressive lean angles?
2012 Mustang Premium, 2013 Lincoln MKX Elite, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander.
New Outlander ES and Special Edition (From LA Motor Show)
For 2008MY, the Outlander ES will feature a new 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Starting at a base price of $19,990 the new ES offers winning features and a roomy size at a great value. In early 2008, Mitsubishi expands the Outlander lineup with a second 2.4-liter model, the Outlander Special Edition. The Outlander SE combines the economy of the new 4-cylinder engine and CVT with amenities from the premium XLS model, plus exclusive new interior and exterior features. Driving performance in the Outlander SE is enhanced by Sportronic® shifting with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters or console shift, as in the Outlander XLS model. Like the XLS model, the Outlander SE is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The FAST Key entry system, standard on LS and XLS models, is also standard on the Special Edition.
The Outlander Special Edition excels in onboard entertainment. A 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate® Premium Audio system features digital signal processing and nine speakers, including a rear subwoofer. This high-end audio package, which is optional on the Outlander XLS, includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with six month pre-paid subscription.
Does the 2007/2008 have illuminated controls on the steering wheel? I've seen a few user photos around here that show them all glowing red, but I wasn't sure. Just curious. Thanks for the reply, in advance
I've now been waiting two months to find a 2008 XLS AWD (in Texas) with the three packages. I gave one dealership a $500 deductible and then went to another dealer when the first was unable to find what I wanted. Now, the second salesman is telling me that there are NO AWD vehicles (other than a few in black) that will be available for the next four (4) months. I cannot friggin believe this! And we all wonder why Mitsubishi has such a hard time selling cars. What I wanted to ask everyone is if anyone knows of a phone number OR email address that would allow me to contact MMNA directly and tell them what i've been going through. I just want/need a car, for Pete's sake. You'd think this experience would scare me away (that 2008 Santa Fe is looking nicer and nicer...), but the Outlander has ALL the options I want and is the only car I can actually fit into (6'4"). If anyone has ANY advice, I'd be grateful.
I never used them but there are services that let you specify what you want and the dealers come back with bids (i.e. Autobytel, etc). I know there are AWD vehicles around here (NY) and gotta believe maybe there are other dealers in TX or neighboring states that will have what you want .The local dealer has to honor the warranty. (It's their loss they couldn't provide you with a sale and think they'd be trying to swap stock with a dealer that does have want you want say in OK or whatever) I realize we're not talking Chevy here, and I also realize that in these parts AWD the volumes are greater, but still the principle is the same (they should be able to locate one for you somewhat locally or close out of state to swap on the computer).
I had a dealer tell me that it was possible to get an XLS without the third row seat. Has anyone else heard of this? It sounded like car dealer talk to me.
Thats sounds like car dealer talk to me as well. Ask the dealer how it can be done. Is it done at the dealership after market? You know Mitsubishi offers the third row as standard equipment on the 2008 XLS.
This is a review by Edmunds in the 2008 Outlander:
To complement last year's standard V6 engine, a new four-cylinder engine debuts for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. It's offered on the base ES trim level only and comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Other changes include the discontinuation of the sliding second-row rear seat feature on ES and LS trims (it's still on the XLS).
Could someone elaborate further in the understanding of “Other changes include the discontinuation of the sliding second-row rear seat feature on ES and LS trims”? Will this mean that the second-row rear seats will fold flat into the vehicle floor or something else?
The February Car and Driver has a comparison test of compact SUV's. They tested an ES with the 2.4 and the CVT. It finished behind the RAV4, CRV, and Nissan Rogue, and ahead of the Suzuki Vitara, Saturn VUE, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tuscon, and Jeep Liberty. They complained about the Interior quality, and engine noise and drivetrain. I would think the V6-Six speed auto would have done better.
A picture they show of the cargo area has one of the rear seats flipped and it looks like it flips forward the same as an '07 LS or XLS. The ES they show also has Sun and Sound, aluminum 18" wheels, and silver roof rails, door handles, and lower body accents.
2012 Mustang Premium, 2013 Lincoln MKX Elite, 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander.
The sliding second-row seat feature allowed the second row seats to slide forwards and backwards as the front seats would. The seats fold the same however like the XLS (which can slide forwards and backwards), they are simply incapable of moving.
The Outlander 2007 2.4L (February, 2007) I think is not the same as the 2008 Outlander 2.4L which I think may have undergone some improvements (less engine noise and better interior quality). For the XLS the catalogue informs - one touch fold & tumble with recline. The new 2008 Outlander 2.4L will do only –one touch fold, will it not? Although the 2-row seats will fold flat it will not be at level with the rest of the cargo. If this is the situation it will be awful.
Many manufacturers (e.g. Toyota, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, and Subaru) give customers the option to buy/order a number of Repair/Shop manuals that I found very useful to use to diagnose problems in the car and make DIY maintenance. Would someone here have some experience in acquiring some of these manuals and give some information how to order them, e.g. Outlander Shop Manuals?
The only phone number found on Mitsu's website is a general info number: 1-888-MITSU2007.
If you can't find your desired vehicle in TX then maybe it's time for a road trip. Use the "Find a Dealer" link on mitsubishicars.com and do some research out of state. I'm sure any snowbelt state will have some in stock (here in metro NY there are plenty), but of course you'll have to absorb transportation costs for you or the vehicle.
Best bet for you would probably be CO, assuming you don't live in Brownsville.
I finally located a 2008 Outlander XLS AWD with the Sun&Sound, Luxury and Navigation packages - I gave the awesome saleswoman (Sarah Nugent at Laird Noller Automotive in Lawrence, Kansas) a downpayment and I'm going to pick up the car in a week or so. I was able to get a fairly rare car in Diamond White Pearl with the Black interior. She said there were only 5 in the country. We did all the dealing through the internet, email and a few phone calls. She's great and sold me the car cheaper than anyone else - right around $27,500 (Mitsu is giving a $1500 incentive on the Outlander for January, if anyone is on the fence about purchasing one)
I only have to drive 7 hours back from Kansas (roughly 550 miles) - so I get to break my car in varying speeds on the freeway. I hope this is okay.
I can't tell everyone how difficult it was to locate an AWD car in Texas - going to Kansas was a compromise, but, in the end, i'll be happy that I get the car EXACTLY the way I want it. Perhaps I'll even get to drive in a little bit of snow.
In the end, I went back and forth between a Mazda CX-7, an Acura RDX and the Outlander. She offered me a Mazda Grand Touring CX-7 for the same price as the Outlander, but the difference in price is in the gas and the crappy Mazda warranty. The Acura is way nicer on the inside, but the simplicity of the Outlander interior is kind of nice - not too much to complicate driving.
Anyway...just wanted to write and tell everyone that you CAN get a car the way you want - you just have to persevere and refuse those dealers/salespeople who are obviously crooked. Happy New Year!! :shades:
The total on the car in Kansas was right around 28K - I'll have to pay tax and licensing fees once I get the car back to Texas. I decided to go ahead and do this for two reasons:
1. I get to pick up the new car and drive it home - one dealer in Texas was trying to convince me that a car with 750 miles was a demo and STILL new - huh?!? It was the only AWD version in my area, as well.
2. In total I ended up being right around 30K - which is about $800 less that what I was going to pay in Texas - for the USED car. I can fly on a standby pass, so I'm going to fly to Kansas - in a week, or so - and drive my new baby home.
Congrats on your car - I'm hoping to put 150K miles on this puppy...
I only wish I could have purchased the car for 27,500 OTD - that would have been an UNREAL car buying experience.
The Mitsu sales manager from Laird Noller just called me and told me that they can't sell me the car for the price quoted because there was NO rebate on 2008 models - I wanted to write everyone and let them know.
Now I have to decide what to do about purchasing the automobile.
Comments
So I put a downpayment on a 2008 XLS 4WD (silver) and am now waiting (and have been waiting for two weeks) to hear any word of what is taking place. My salesman told me the car was in state and needed to be moved, which I have to pay for since I didn't want anyone to drive the car. Now I sit here and wait, day after day, and hope that I didn't make the wrong decision with this purchase. The new Murano just came out and I keep thinking I should just write off my downpayment and go to some other car company. I have saved my money for ten years to purchase this car and I need it to last 10+ years (my Acura coupe is 17 years old!!)
So, I guess I get to wait and wonder if I made the right decision. I truly wanted this car purchase to go as smoothly as possible - I guess that is a loaded statement, but you guys get the idea. I just want "my" car - you know - and I want to enjoy driving it - at least until we run out of gasoline *grin*
Any of you have similar stories? I'd love to hear 'em.
For 2008MY, the Outlander ES will feature a new 2.4L 4-cylinder engine. Starting at a base price of $19,990 the new ES offers winning features and a roomy size at a great value. In early 2008, Mitsubishi expands the Outlander lineup with a second 2.4-liter model, the Outlander Special Edition. The Outlander SE combines the economy of the new 4-cylinder engine and CVT with amenities from the premium XLS model, plus exclusive new interior and exterior features. Driving performance in the Outlander SE is enhanced by Sportronic® shifting with magnesium steering wheel paddle shifters or console shift, as in the Outlander XLS model. Like the XLS model, the Outlander SE is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The FAST Key entry system, standard on LS and XLS models, is also standard on the Special Edition.
The Outlander Special Edition excels in onboard entertainment. A 650-watt (max.) Rockford Fosgate® Premium Audio system features digital signal processing and nine speakers, including a rear subwoofer. This high-end audio package, which is optional on the Outlander XLS, includes SIRIUS® Satellite Radio with six month pre-paid subscription.
Does the 2007/2008 have illuminated controls on the steering wheel? I've seen a few user photos around here that show them all glowing red, but I wasn't sure. Just curious. Thanks for the reply, in advance
I've now been waiting two months to find a 2008 XLS AWD (in Texas) with the three packages. I gave one dealership a $500 deductible and then went to another dealer when the first was unable to find what I wanted. Now, the second salesman is telling me that there are NO AWD vehicles (other than a few in black) that will be available for the next four (4) months. I cannot friggin believe this! And we all wonder why Mitsubishi has such a hard time selling cars. What I wanted to ask everyone is if anyone knows of a phone number OR email address that would allow me to contact MMNA directly and tell them what i've been going through. I just want/need a car, for Pete's sake. You'd think this experience would scare me away (that 2008 Santa Fe is looking nicer and nicer...), but the Outlander has ALL the options I want and is the only car I can actually fit into (6'4"). If anyone has ANY advice, I'd be grateful.
Happy Holidays!!
To complement last year's standard V6 engine, a new four-cylinder engine debuts for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. It's offered on the base ES trim level only and comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Other changes include the discontinuation of the sliding second-row rear seat feature on ES and LS trims (it's still on the XLS).
Could someone elaborate further in the understanding of “Other changes include the discontinuation of the sliding second-row rear seat feature on ES and LS trims”? Will this mean that the second-row rear seats will fold flat into the vehicle floor or something else?
A picture they show of the cargo area has one of the rear seats flipped and it looks like it flips forward the same as an '07 LS or XLS. The ES they show also has Sun and Sound, aluminum 18" wheels, and silver roof rails, door handles, and lower body accents.
Online Repair Manuals
If you can't find your desired vehicle in TX then maybe it's time for a road trip. Use the "Find a Dealer" link on mitsubishicars.com and do some research out of state. I'm sure any snowbelt state will have some in stock (here in metro NY there are plenty), but of course you'll have to absorb transportation costs for you or the vehicle.
Best bet for you would probably be CO, assuming you don't live in Brownsville.
Happy hunting!
I finally located a 2008 Outlander XLS AWD with the Sun&Sound, Luxury and Navigation packages - I gave the awesome saleswoman (Sarah Nugent at Laird Noller Automotive in Lawrence, Kansas) a downpayment and I'm going to pick up the car in a week or so. I was able to get a fairly rare car in Diamond White Pearl with the Black interior. She said there were only 5 in the country. We did all the dealing through the internet, email and a few phone calls. She's great and sold me the car cheaper than anyone else - right around $27,500 (Mitsu is giving a $1500 incentive on the Outlander for January, if anyone is on the fence about purchasing one)
I only have to drive 7 hours back from Kansas (roughly 550 miles) - so I get to break my car in varying speeds on the freeway. I hope this is okay.
I can't tell everyone how difficult it was to locate an AWD car in Texas - going to Kansas was a compromise, but, in the end, i'll be happy that I get the car EXACTLY the way I want it. Perhaps I'll even get to drive in a little bit of snow.
In the end, I went back and forth between a Mazda CX-7, an Acura RDX and the Outlander. She offered me a Mazda Grand Touring CX-7 for the same price as the Outlander, but the difference in price is in the gas and the crappy Mazda warranty. The Acura is way nicer on the inside, but the simplicity of the Outlander interior is kind of nice - not too much to complicate driving.
Anyway...just wanted to write and tell everyone that you CAN get a car the way you want - you just have to persevere and refuse those dealers/salespeople who are obviously crooked. Happy New Year!!
:shades:
was it 27,500 OUT THE DOOR?
how did you handle the state sales tax and registration being that you are from out of state...?
The total on the car in Kansas was right around 28K - I'll have to pay tax and licensing fees once I get the car back to Texas. I decided to go ahead and do this for two reasons:
1. I get to pick up the new car and drive it home - one dealer in Texas was trying to convince me that a car with 750 miles was a demo and STILL new - huh?!? It was the only AWD version in my area, as well.
2. In total I ended up being right around 30K - which is about $800 less that what I was going to pay in Texas - for the USED car. I can fly on a standby pass, so I'm going to fly to Kansas - in a week, or so - and drive my new baby home.
Congrats on your car - I'm hoping to put 150K miles on this puppy...
I only wish I could have purchased the car for 27,500 OTD - that would have been an UNREAL car buying experience.
Well,
The Mitsu sales manager from Laird Noller just called me and told me that they can't sell me the car for the price quoted because there was NO rebate on 2008 models - I wanted to write everyone and let them know.
Now I have to decide what to do about purchasing the automobile.
Wish me luck!!