Mitsubishi Outlander Review (2003 to 2007)

Quick Summary

The Mitsubishi Outlander probably isn't going to be the first name you pencil in on your list when shopping for a used compact 4x4, but it bears closer scrutiny. As long as you don't mind the steepish insurance and fuel bills that are part and parcel of Outlander ownership, the car has much to commend it. It's very well built, appears to be faring reasonably well in terms of depreciation and is both stylish and pleasantly thin on the ground. Getting hold of a bargain may prove tough but don't dismiss it out of hand.

Overall:

Models Covered: October 2003 to date: 2.4-litre petrol five-door [Equippe, Sport, Sport SE]

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Mitsubishi have a rather unconventional way of going about the business of manufacturing cars. Whereas rivals like Nissan, Mazda and Toyota have a rigid, pragmatic view of exploiting new markets, Mitsubishi seem to operate in a quirkier fashion, introducing some models that leave you scratching your head while others are utterly fantastic. The Outlander 4x4 seems to meld in a mix of both attributes. It's certainly not your average compact 4x4, offering sleek styling and powerful petrol engines, but the market for such vehicles is a small slice of the overall pie. Tracking down a used example may be tricky, but if you want something with the cachet of rarity value, the Outlander makes a very definite statement.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander for sale

History of the Outlander

Mitsubishi aren't bounded by conventional thinking when it comes to all-wheel drive vehicles. They have the Shogun to cater for the traditional green welly brigade and beyond that, their designers have been given considerable leeway down the years to develop interesting alternatives. The Shogun Sport/Challenger offered a flatter, more dynamic take on the Shogun theme, while the Pinin miniaturised the 4x4 into a piece of real estate better suited to the urban jungle. Various exotic Pajero models have filtered into the UK via various channels but it wasn't until the launch of the Outlander in 2003 that Mitsubishi had a genuinely state of the art small 4x4. An all new Outlander arrived in 2007.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander for sale

Mitsubishi Outlander Road Test

At present, only one engine is offered, a 158bhp 2.4-litre petrol unit that features MIVEC (Mitsubishi Innovative Valve and lift timing Electronic Control System) that offers a similar benefit to Honda's well-known V-TEC system – gutsy torque at low revs and all-out power at the top of the rev range. The result is a top speed of 112mph and a sprint to 60mph in 11.2 seconds that would be respectable for a manual engined compact 4x4 but even better when you consider that all Outlanders are equipped with an INVECS-II automatic gearbox.The big flaw in Mitsubishi's marketing plan for this model appears to be the lack of a diesel version, but the Outlander has something of an ace in the hole in the form of Dual Fuel versions which run not only on regular unleaded but also have the capacity to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas. Priced at £1,000 above the price of the normal cars, these offer huge fuel savings – at least until the Chancellor decides to 'review' the duty payable on LPG. For the time being at least, you get diesel style fuel bills with the smoothness and power of a petrol engine. Tracking down one of these models will be difficult – but well worthwhile.The other aspect of the Outlander's on-road character can be traced directly back to Lancer Evo VIII DNA. The Outlander's mechanical permanent four-wheel drive system has been borrowed from the Evo series and features a centre differential with a viscous coupling unit that under normal conditions distributes the available torque equally between the front and rear axles.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander for sale

Buying a Mitsubishi Outlander

Most Outlanders won't have covered too many miles, and there have been no serious faults reported. As with any all-wheel drive vehicle, listen for whining gearboxes and differentials; look for leaky power steering, engines, gearboxes and driveshaft joints, off road abuse, tailgate and underbody corrosion and theft or accident damage. The Outlander's rustproofing is excellent but any damage caused by enthusiastic off roading or (as is more likely) a tussle with a concrete pillar in a multi storey car park is a big negotiation opportunity. The 2.4-litre engine seems ultra reliable.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander for sale

Mitsubishi Outlander Typical Pricing

The rarity value of the Outlander means that prices have held firm. The easiest way of landing a low mileage example is to apply to an authorised dealer, but you'll need to put your hand in your pocket. Even the entry level Equippe version commands prices in the region of £10,500 for an 04 plate model, while the more luxurious Sport version starts at £13,000 on the same plate. The range topping Sport SE model can be yours from £13,250. The Equippe is rated at insurance group 14 while the two Sport versions fall into group 15.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander for sale

Mitsubishi Outlander Parts

(Based on a 2004 Equippe) A replacement exhaust (front to the catalyst) will set you back roughly £285, while a new clutch will be around £215. A replacement alternator should be around £175 and a starter motor about the same. A new wing mirror is in the region of £165, while a headlamp is an eye watering £240.
Used Mitsubishi Outlander for sale