Faults:

Nothing. It's new. (touch wood)

General Comments:

For 2 weeks, visited almost all dealers to search for medium 4x4 (4 cylinder) to be used as my family car for the next 5 years. It was a long decision for me because I want to get the right car that I will not regret buying. I worked hard and saved for the money to pay cash.

I don't understand why people are still buying the Ford Escape. Exterior is dated, interior is bland, drive is so-so and no cruise control. The CRV and RAV 4 (MY 2005) has excellent fit and finish, drive is good, but I feel they're over-priced. Tucson City is fresh, nice interior at par with Japanese standards, but the 2.0 li engine lacks punch. I've not owned a Korean car and maybe not yet in the next 5 years. The Tribute is too tall and bulky for my taste and Xtrail is out of my budget and I did not bother.

Then came the Outlander. I didn't mind the exterior looks. In fact I liked it, it's a real bloke's car unlike the CRV, RAV4, Tucson which are popular with mums. It's not too tall, not intimidating, it's a friendly family wagon to other motorists. Interior is just like any Japanese car, simple and easy to use dash layout, seats are similar to Toyota and Mazda in feel and quality.

Then came the test-drive. I can say that the InvecII auto is the best in its category. Smooth shifting and well mated to the engine. The 2.4li Mivec 120 KW (160 hp) is just spot on. Handling is excellent, sure-footed, soaks up road bumps and the ride is just comfy. No squeaks and rattles, quiet at high speeds. I wanted a real 4x4 with 4 cylinder, and this is the best I can get for my money. I even got the Activ pack free - cross roof bars, CD stacker, nudge bar and A$500 free fuel. But the steel wheels with plastic cover is pathetic, I had to fork out A$1K for a proper set of original Mitsubishi alloys.

At the moment I'm getting 12.5 li per 100 km (19mpg) but I hope this improves as the engine loosens up.

My family is very happy with our purchase. No regrets. This is our first Mitsubishi and knowing that the Outlander is fully imported from Japan, I'm quite confident that this will offer years of trouble-free motoring.

Faults:

No faults or problems experienced to date.

General Comments:

For a year after taking redundancy I drove around in my 1980 XJ6, which had been a hobby project for several years.

When I started to get regular contract work, the kms started to pile up.

The XJ6 is thirsty, requires regular expensive servicing, so I leased a car.

I was looking for economy, comfort and reliability.

Looked at a Magna, which because of MMMAL problems is not selling well here in Melbourne (plus the car is in desperate need of a major update to complete in the fashion stakes). Whilst in the local dealers, looked at an Outlander.

I had driven a 2002 Honda CRV, but was put off by its hard ride and general agriculture nature, plus even at 50,000 kms it was almost Aud$30K! Briefly looked at an X-Trail and Rav-4, but both too expensive.

Test drove the Outlander and was impressed. Was even more impressed with the $33.8K on the road price. This with sunroof, tinted windows, a/c, power windows, four air bags, alloy wheels, cruise control, electrical mirrors, fog lights etc.

Now into my six month of ownership and just turned the clock over to 21,000 kms. Returns 10.5 l/100 kms (about 28mpg UK). Uses no oil. Is comfortable and easily to use.

Nicely weighted steering, good handling and sufficient power to be competitive in the rat race we call the rush hour.

My family has owned 1 x Lancer, 1 x Magna, 2 x Verada (high level Magna) and now the Outlander. We barrack for Mitsubishi!

Previously daily drive was a company provided Toyota Viente (?) high level 3.0L Camry. Nice car, dead steering and over an hour in the driver's seat gave me aches in my back and knees.

The Outlander never causes such problems.