Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander (2004-2006)

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It was ugly, available only with a thirsty 2.4-litre petrol engine and didn't offer as much cabin flexibility as key rivals from Honda, Toyota or Nissan. It's no wonder the first-generation Outlander is spotted only on very rare occasions. If you can afford the fuel bills, the Outlander is still worth a look though, thanks to excellent reliability, a spacious and flexible cabin plus four-wheel drive as standard on all examples. As a result, the Outlander makes an excellent tow car - as long as you can afford the petrol.

Key Dates

10/03: The first-generation Outlander is launched, with a 2.4-litre petrol engine only.

3/04: There's now a dual-fuel option, as the 2.4-litre engine can be ordered in petrol/LPG spec.

12/06: The second-generation Outlander goes on sale, available only with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.

Mitsubishi Outlander (2004-2006) Checklist

  • The Outlander is popular for towing, so check the rear suspension and make sure the clutch hasn't been given a hard time.
  • The off-roading ability is surprisingly good, so check that the underside hasn't been damaged from any excursions into the rough.
  • Suspension bushes can wear prematurely, leading to uneven tyre wear - especially on cars that have been used for off-roading.
  • Worn suspension bushes can also lead to the car pulling to one side under braking.

We Like

  • Reliability
  • Practicality
  • Spacious cabin
  • Equipment levels
  • Towing ability

We Don't Like

  • High running costs
  • Exterior styling
  • Inert handling
  • Petrol engines only

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2009)

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Sometimes the most obvious cars aren't necessarily the best. Take the Mitsubishi Colt for example; it's a cracker of a car, with reliability, equipment and flexibility all as standard, along with decent performance - yet it's a red-letter day when you see one. As a result, used values are lower than for more obvious superminis - so jump in before word gets out.

Key Dates

9/04: An all-new Colt arrives, in five-door form only.

2/05: A three-door edition appears, along with the 147bhp turbocharged 1.5-litre CZT.

12/05: The previous Equippe, Mirage and Elegance trims are replaced by CZ1, CZ2 and CZ3 badges.

3/06: The CZC coupé-cabriolet arrives, with 1.5-litre petrol power only - but a choice of normally aspirated or turbocharged units.

10/08: Replaced by an extensively facelifted version.

Mitsubishi Colt (2004-2008) Checklist

  • The Colt's battery isn't maintenance free, so the level drops over time. Check that it's been topped up in the last month or so.
  • The engine coolant reservoir bottle top may not seal properly, so the level may drop; check it's up to the mark and that the engine hasn't overheated.
  • Interior trim is flimsy, so check it's not damaged; the glovebox lid is especially prone to problems because its catch fails.
  • A free ECU software upgrade at the dealer should cure problems with the AMT autoclutch gearbox.
  • The Colt is popular as an urban runabout, so check the wheels for kerbing and the tyres for uneven tread wear, suggesting the tracking has been knocked out.

We Like

  • Economy
  • Reliability
  • Cabin flexibility
  • Spacious interior

We Don't Like

  • Lack of seat comfort
  • Poor forward visibility
  • Small boot