Thinking about purchasing a MY07 Outlander ZG LS CVT 2.4L 4wd. (Australian Market)


I've called Mitsubishi Australia and they informed all fluids even CVT is replaced at 45,000kms (27 961 miles)


Outlander Im checking out, was originally serviced at dealership via 1st owner but Im not sure if Mitsubishi carried about the 45,000kms (27 961 miles) service ( no stamp just a generic hand written acknowledgement in log book) This is around where the 2nd owner picked up the car and serviced at cheaper independent mechanics.


Car has currently done 97000kms (60 273 miles) , with last service done by independent mechanic. at 93,000 kms. (57 787 miles)


I pulled out cvt dipstick and noticed the colour was a dark red-brownish colour.. I guess you could call it crimson.


Car was towing a small square open trailer for camping trips now and then, so I guess that can lesson the service internal of the CVT fluid.


Im not sure what colour the CVT fluid should be. Im under the assumption that the fluid hasn't been changed since last service just 4000km (2485 miles) ago. Was expecting a light pink/red colour I guess


Only drove car up to 60kms (37mph) for about 10 mins. Didn't really rev it. It drove ok and gave the feeling that clutch was slipping a bit with higher revs going to 60 km's but I guess that's normal for CVT. Didn't really make out any CVT whirring sounds etc.. Probably a freeway run is more appropriate for that.


Im thinking if I can confirm the CVT fluid change at 45,000kms (27 961 miles) via Mitsubishi then car might be ok at its current 97000kms (60 273 miles) just change the field ASAP..


If I can't confirm that fluid change at 45,000kms (27 961 miles) then I should probably run the other direction and look at other cars.


Owner has mentioned checked engine light came on briefly, but mechanic told him that's probably because he hasn't driven the car for awhile (1 or 2 months) due to purchasing another car for a growning family.


Appreciate anyones thoughts if this would be a okay buy or not. Not sure if Im overreacting etc.


Just worried since I hear bad stories if CVT fluid isn't changed like this one where CVT died at 50000kms mark.
Transmission Gone after 50000km - Mitsubishi - Automotive - Whirlpool Forums










Note- I found out new CVT Tranny from mits. is $6900 AUD ($6467 USD) and reco unit is $4100 AUD ($3842). minus labour ontop. I've seen rebuild kits around but I haven't found a local tranny specialist that rebuilds these units..

 

From what I know of previous posts. the CVT tranny takes DiaQueen CVT-J1 and is supposed to be green in color. In North America, the '07 only had a regular automatic spec'ing DiaQueen ATF-J1 and is a rose/red color. There was one guy in here years ago that caught the dealership putting ATF fluid in his CVT.

Knowing that and knowing the color you see in that vehicle, if it runs okay, I'd still make the purchase. However, I'd stipulate in the sale that the fluid must me changed out with the correct fluid and work hard to get an extended warranty on the tranny...even if it is just with that dealership.

For me, the difference in color would be a major "discussion point" when negotiating.