2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

cooljw

At $22k you got a slammin' deal and I hope you were able to lock in the savings by paying cash w/no financing or trade in. Sounds like the dealer gave away the farm on this one.

And yes it's very odd about the black HVAC dials. Did you also notice that the interior door handles are supposed to be chrome but they are not?

damselfly2

i feel really good about it. by the way - where did you see pictures of the SE. the mitsu site doesn't even have the tri so i didn't know what should and shouldn't be. websites would be helpful.... thanks!

rcpax

08 Outlander SE: http://paxtech.blogspot.com/2007/11/new-outlander-special-edition-us.html

damselfly2

thanks for the pics! shame on mitsubishi for not having the trim on the US website. crazy!

and now i'm not sure if mine had the interior door trim... i can't remember! LOL

chiefstinkytoe

http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/autoshows/la-laas-12nov12-mitsuoutl- anderse,0,7702575.story

My dealer just got in brochures on the SE, no stock though, pretty small dealership.

rcpax

Actually the pics in your article link is a 2007 Outlander, not an 08 Outlander SE. Not your fault though. Too bad such a news company can get it so wrong.

cooljw

Also, here is the SE brochure, I scanned it. Sorry for the presentation, it's page by page.

Cover
Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5

chiefstinkytoe

Yeah, it is a shame Mitsu doesnt have it up on their site, yet cars.com and edmunds, and others do. What's up with that?

comem47

I see the brochure mentions NEW high contrast meters. I've got no problem with the gauges in my '07 LS, but the red led radio display is pathetic (Like something from the '70s as it is so dim during the day (and forget if if you put the lights on during the day for better visibility or your rear lights as the LEDS drop way down so the radio info is impossible to read). I love the sound of the Rockford Fosgate system, but the display is really bad.

comem47

I see the brochure mentions NEW high contrast meters. I've got no problem with the gauges in my '07 LS, but the red led radio display is pathetic (Like something from the '70s as it is so dim during the day (and forget if if you put the lights on during the day for better visibility or your rear lights as the LEDS drop way down so the radio info is impossible to read). I love the sound of the Rockford Fosgate system, but the display is really bad. It would be good if they meant they also fixed this, but somehow I think they're talking about just the gauges over the steering wheel.

macuis

Yeah, I believe they are talking about the guages. Even the pictures show a bluish hue.

cooljw

Mitsu and most dealers don't even know the SE exists yet. Shame.

chiefstinkytoe

Yeah, found a few of the SE's in Dallas at Don Herrings, but San Antonio didnt have any stock, 7 are inbound though. It's understandable, I guess, for low stocks in a new trim level, but you'd think Mitsu would promote it on their site. Just a little odd.

Maybe they need some Mitsu enthusiasts to run their business

Oh, and noone in Texas carries AWD versions, as far as I can tell. AWD must not be a seller here.

biscuit_xls

I saw a SE in person today at South Coast Mitsubishi in SoCal. I kind of like the chrome step rail.

damselfly2

is it worth it to get the extended warranty? my dealer can take 50% off the Mitsu cost. i don't really know anything about it but it seems to cover startes, alternators, etc... things that seem to break once you run out of the regular warranty? is it a waste?
Picking the car up tomorrow-yeehaw!
thanks!

chiefstinkytoe

How's your new vehicle?

Looks like I'm getting the SE I want end of the month. Silver/black with Nav.

Regards,
Steve

damselfly2

the car is awesome. picked it yesterday at 3. it's really fabulous.
one sour thing... remember i said they were throwing inthe ipod jack? well they had some bonehead down the street put in- are you ready for this - an FM molulator to run the cord which i could have plugged into the jack already inthe car. not only did they do that though - oh no. the DRILLED a hole on the left side dash and put in an on/off switch for the modulator. the whole point was tohave the radio controls work for the ipod on AUX. they serioulsy f-ed up and they said they will fix it but can they patch the hole in the dsh when they remove the switch?

other than that very annoying bout of total assholism, the car really is nice to drive.

comem47

Extended Warranty.

What more could you want than what comes for freee (10 yrs/100k powertrain and
5 yrs /60k bumper to bumper with roadside assistance)? I gotta believe they'd be charging a lot more for fluff stuff. If I get through 5 yrs/60k bumper to bumper for free I won't complain.

jweaver1

I've been looking at the 08 Outlander, but I am a bit surprised that a backup camera isn't offered, either as part of the luxury or navigation packages, or as a stand alone option. With all the other high-tech items included, it seems like an oversight not to include one. I'll wait to see if the 2009 model has one before I buy anything. In fact I'd rather give up (or make optional) the third row seats in exchange for a back up camera. I've seen on the Japanese web site that a back up camera is available for 54,000 yen, so maybe a local dealer could get one and install it, but I would feel better if it was installed at the factory.

biscuit_xls

If you get the Nav it's easy to install your own camera for under $50. The MMCS has provisions for the backup camera so it acts just like the factory unit would. It switches on when you put it in reverse and even has the helper grid. Great mod, I'm sure a local stereo shop could do it easily if you're not up for it.

http://www.mitsubishiforum.com/m_139348/mpage_4/key_/tm.htm

damselfly2

By the way - congrats on the SE! i should have said that. i was wrapped up in my head with the darn stupid switch! LOL :sick: can we say 'darwin award'? hee hee

i would have gone for the silver had i not just traded a silver car. i was disappointed to not have the option of the charcoal gray (weird) but the black is gorgeous too! i was originally looking at the ES until i realized the fog light kit wouldn't work on the trim (another weird thing) - and there was no sunroof option. so so glad i upgraded to the SE. it's chromey and shiny and really looks sharp! i didn't get nav - hard enough time figring out Sirius! i do want to have the dealer install heated leather seats - but that's because i have pets and the hair just gets everywhere. literally.

anyway... needless to say - I LOVE IT. ........ even love looking at it parked in the driveway. sick! :surprise: hahahahahhahahahaaa

chelentano

You can also get dealer installed OEM camera for $500. Parking sensors are also available.

chiefstinkytoe

Yes, my wife would have liked the graphite gray, but it wasnt an option with the SE. I would've liked the dark blue, but again.....

Got any pics of your new ride?

jweaver1

Thanks for the info on the camera, everyone. The install doesn't look too difficult. Unfortunately, now my wife wants to keep her Camry one more year before we look at something new.

chiefstinkytoe

Got to drive an SE trim 08 outie today, and it was very nice. White, no nav. I've ordered the silver, with nav, supposed to be here soon. Noticed that the suspension is a little tight.

Has anyone considered aftermarket suspension shocks, maybe adjustable ones, to give a smoother ride?

biscuit_xls

It's not uncommon for the cars at the dealership to have ridiculously high tire pressure, I've seen them as high as 44 psi. I think you'll like the suspension when you drive it for a while, mine softened up a little over the first year.

There isn't a lot out there for the Outlander. The Japan market has a bunch of coilovers, but the rear suspension is different than our US models so it would involve changing at least the rear suspension arms and sway bars to make them work.

toomanyfumes

Yeah my tires were about 44 psi when I picked it up. I agree, drive it awhile. The firm suspension is a good thing for handling, or rough roads.

chiefstinkytoe

Got it yesterday, local dealer accepted my bank's buying service offer, even though they werent a participant in the program. Silver with black interior, SE model, looks very nice.

My Outie Pics



Regards,
Steve

biscuit_xls

Great shot with your Sigma and wide angle lens.

piast

Hi Steve,
This picture (and Outie) is hot. Maybe Mitsu would buy it to their catalog. Congratulation.

chiefstinkytoe

Haha, I had fun playing with the colors, contrast, shadows, saturation for that pic. A little extra zing to it.

chiefstinkytoe

batman47

Congratulations about you Outlander SE, CVT.

I wonder if you could provide information about the ‘Out the door price” and also the dealership name (and state). You see I find it very difficult to find a dealer who could offer me a Rally Red, Outlander CVT.

There is some criticism about the CVT transmission, about the engine being very noise when climbing or accelerating and also a few second lag while changing gear to adapt to road conditions. There is a review in Edmunds when reviewing the Nissan Rogue, CVT and this review point out this behaviour. Could someone comments in this?

chiefstinkytoe

Responded in Buying experience thread

Is it noisy accelerating? well, I can hear it, but I wouldnt consider it excessive. Havent noticed lag.

chiefstinkytoe

Pics

phdhusky

Hey damselfy2,

I am looking into the Outlander SE 4WD also up in the northeast and when I talked pricing they told me the best they could do is like 500 under MSRP which was like 24500. I knew they were lying and was wondering if you knew the real numbers and what kind of offers you were getting to get the price to 22,000 flat.

phdhusky

Which do you guys think is the better deal?

2008 Oulander SE or 2008 Outlander ES with Convience Package + Navigation

Both are 4WD and 23,100.

piast

I would go with SE, it is a very nice trim, and if you really need navigation, get portable unit for $300-400.

avalanchez66

I have the 07' XLS with NAV and I have to say that I am not impressed with the NAV system on the vehicle. Everything else is great (leather, 650 watt sound system, sunroof) but I like my portable Magellan better than the Mitsu NAV. I thought it would be great to have a factory NAV but have learned a lesson. So for those of you considering the NAV, don't waste your money. You can get a portable for less than $200 and spend the savings on gas!!! Other than the NAV, this vehicle is awesome!!!
I am still trying to figure out why there aren't more on the road. They offer so much more than the competition.

biscuit_xls

But the MMCS Nav has a large 7" screen mounted perfectly in the middle of the dash, DVD player, 30GB Music Server, easier Sirius control, touch screen simplicity, voice instructions through the speakers, rear camera capability (automated when reverse is engaged), and extended control/adjustment of numerous vehicle functions. It also eliminates the washed out display problem of the standard radio in bright sunlight.

Sure, a $200 Nav unit might have a few advantages, but you have to mount it somewhere and the screen is small. Overall the factory Nav is very well integrated and functions better than most factory Nav, especially compared to voice-activated units. I'd buy it again.

ddent01

Now had my 08 XLS for about a month and getting ready for our 2nd road trip. Averaging about 23MPG city and got 27MPG on the last trip cruising 70 w/AC on all the way.

Something I wanted to pass along to those not wanting to be forced into the bundled packages from Mitsubishi.

After driving a demo for the weekend we picked up an XLS model, with no options and had the leather seats dealer installed. This is an option most dealers will not even mention.
They're Mitsubishi leather and carry the manufacturer warranty, plus it was only $950 vs the $3000 (forced combo option pkg's just to get leather). The dealer went a step up and installed the perforated seat bolsters, leather console & door arm rest.

For us, leather was the only real feature we wanted beyond the XLS basic package. There were other features we liked, but not enough to be forced into the multiple combo's Mitsubishi has.

For those on the fence between this SUV and some of the others .... you really need to drive one. It's one of the best values in the SUV market today, especially for a 3rd row option.

Note: we traded in a Montero Limited for this one when gas hit $4 gal. This rides as nice as the Montero and a lot better gas mileage !

chelentano

Yea, I kind of regret that I got two main packages but I did not get the buil-in Navigation. I have a handheld 4.3" Garmin GPS unit which is nice, comes with European maps, but problematic to mount, has wire coming out of it and, like you've said, I can't take advantage of music server and touch screen controls for Sirius radio and for many system settings.

diybob

There is a small black plastic cover under the running lights on 2007 mit outlander XLS. I would like to know how that piece is removed. I find two pop rivets under the bottom, is that all there is to removing it ??? The top looks like it snaps into place !!!!! I would appreciate any help provided.

ask8

The consumer report seems rate the outlander pretty good. But ComsumerGuide automitive gave very difference rating.
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2008-mitsubishi-outlander-
1.htm

Opinions?

damselfly2

This is going to sound silly but I thought someone may already know the answer before I attempt it.

Can I fit a cali King Mattress in the back of the SUV with the seats folded etc.?

Thanks!

tidester

I don't know whether it will fit inside but you might consider strapping it to the roof if you don't need to drive very far.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

toomanyfumes

Problem is the Outlander is a narrow vehicle so I think widthwise it wouldn't fit. Especially a king.

damselfly2

Hi folks. So it appears I'm a maniacal driver and am in need of new tires already (I blame the NE winters! ha)

Question: All season cheapie tires or grand touring?
my tire man recommends yokohama avid TRZ (tirerack.com has these rated #3 for all season)
but i'm inclined to go with the Michelin Primacy (tirerack.com has these rated #1 for grand touring but they're costly)

Any suggestions? I have a hellish commute and need something that will handle well and comfortably.
Thanks!

fushigi

That you have a bad commute would lead me to recommend the better tires. They'll last better and more than likely perform better if you need to do the occasional panic stop or sudden maneuver like a high speed lane change.

The only reason to ever put cheap tires on, IMO, is if you plan on selling the car within a year or, say, 10K miles. Otherwise, do what you can to have the best ride possible.

batman47

I have just bought a set of 4-tires Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S at $136 each from Tire Rack. I swaped the stock tires of my 2010 Outlander (Goodyear) for this ones. My dealer credited me for the old ones (new) $400 for the set of 4tires.

When selecting tires the groove design is very important. The design of the Yokohama is good for any terrain and all weather.