Mitsubishi Grandis Review (2004 to date)

Quick Summary

The Grandis isn't the most obvious option but for some buyers that will be half the appeal. With sleek styling, an excellent reliability record and plenty of standard convenience and safety kit, the Grandis is an MPV that has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, there's a bit of maths involved in ownership. The models that are available to buy relatively cheaply – the 2.4-litre petrol models - are quite costly to run so may not be the bargains they at first appear. The diesel versions will save you fuel bills but the entry level cars are priced way higher. If you plan on covering modest mileages, the 2.4-litre model could be a good choice. Higher mileage buyers should save their pennies and bag a diesel. Some will be playing the waiting game for the car to get past the steepest part of its depreciation curve.

Overall:

Models Covered: Grandis MPV 2004 - To Date [2.4 petrol 2.0 diesel (Classic, Equippe, Elegance, Warrior)]

GRAND STANDING

Buying a used full-sized MPV can be fraught with all sorts of troubles. These vehicles often lead a hard life and buyers are often so anxious to find something in pristine condition that they'd often be better advised to buy new. One vehicle that does tend to shrug off the worst excesses of unruly children and big mileages is the Mitsubishi Grandis. Although it's only been on sale since 2004, dealers report few problems and strong demand. You may not find any super cheap bargains but you'll certainly find value for money.
Used Mitsubishi Grandis for sale

History of the Grandis

You're probably used to Mitsubishi building rather square, uninteresting MPV style vehicles with names like the Space Wagon. The Grandis is rather different. Long, sleek and beautifully detailed, the Grandis has been marketed in Japan under the Space Wagon badge but UK imports finally got the nod in May 2004. First seen in Europe at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show and in the UK at the 2004 Birmingham Show, the Grandis created a stir but, unfortunately, Mitsubishi fell into a trap that really should be on page one of 'MPV Marketing 101'. They brought the Grandis into the country without offering a diesel-engined variant. With only a relatively thirsty 2.4-litre petrol engine on the books, most buyers instantly dismissed the Grandis as an interesting but ultimately impractical curio. The 2.0-litre DI-D diesel unit was added in July 2004 but by that time, the initial novelty had faded and Mitsubishi were forced to accept they'd missed the boat. That's something of a shame, as the Grandis has a lot to offer. If you can track one down it's well worth a place on your shortlist. Most buyers will never have even heard of it.
Used Mitsubishi Grandis for sale

Mitsubishi Grandis Road Test

Although Mitsubishi did drop a clanger by initially importing the Grandis with no diesel option, thankfully that faux pas was rectified by the DI-D unit. This Volkswagen-sourced oil-burner is only offered with 6-speed manual transmission but there are two different gearboxes to choose from if you go for the petrol. As well as the conventional manual transmission, there's also Mitsubishi's innovative INVECS-II four-speed automatic. Equipped with a sports mode, this gearbox attempts to learn a driver's style and can rapidly adapt to offer intelligent shifting patterns. The 2.4-litre engine isn't quite as thirsty as expected, managing a combined fuel consumption figure of 30.4mpg. Naturally, the automatic version is a little less fuel-efficient but even here 28.5mpg is still a fair return. The Grandis is no slouch either, accelerating to 60mph in less than ten seconds and on to a top speed of 124mph. The automatic car is a little tardier off the line, registering an 11.5-second sprint to 60 and a top speed of 118mph. When you learn that the diesel can return an impressive 43mpg, you start to understand why it was such a big miss when the Grandis first arrived on these shores. Family buyers like good fuel economy and they may also be pleased to learn that the DI-D is fairly nippy. 0-60mph takes 10.8s and there's a 121mph top speed.
Used Mitsubishi Grandis for sale

Buying a Mitsubishi Grandis

Firstly, you'll need to make sure the Grandis you're looking at really is a Grandis. You may see some very inexpensive looking Grandis models advertised in small ads. When you turn up you'll doubtless be greeted by an old shape Japanese import Space Wagon, so be careful about 2004 model year cars. Make sure you know what you're travelling to look at.You need a full service history on these, as maintenance can be expensive and parts pricey. Check for school run knocks and signs of family abuse in the interior. Otherwise, build quality is good and the engines will go round the clock with care.
Used Mitsubishi Grandis for sale

Mitsubishi Grandis Typical Pricing

The Grandis kicks off at around £10,750 for an 04-plated 2.4-litre Classic. An Equippe model will add around £200 to that figure and seems money well spent given the extra equipment offered. Diesel models are, at the moment, way more expensive with the first of the 55-plate 2.0-litre DI-D Classic variants retailing at around £17,200. Insurance for the Grandis isn't cheap with Classic models rated at Group 13 and the rest lumped into Group 14.
Used Mitsubishi Grandis for sale

Mitsubishi Grandis Parts

(approx based on a 2005 2.4 Classic - ex Vat) A clutch assembly is around £345 and an exhaust system about £440. Front and rear brake pads will be in the vicinity of £45 a set. A radiator is about £200, an alternator about £150 and a starter motor £155.
Used Mitsubishi Grandis for sale