2004 Mitsubishi Outlander xls review from Australia and New Zealand

No faults or problems experienced to date.

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.