Hi there,
I'm looking to replace my 2002 Landrover Freelander and currently the XLS or VRX Outlanders are top of my list. I'm looking at 2007 models with around 50,000-70,000 kms on the clock. Main attractions are the 7 seats (my wife and I have 3 kids, so it is handy to be able to transport a couple of friends as required), good safety rating, on-demand 4x4 and general popularity of this vehicle here in New Zealand. I don't really need the 3.0l, but am put off by the CVT transmission in the 2.4l. My main reservations are the plasticky finish, general reliablity (obviously not compared to Landrover, but with the likes of Toyota and Honda) and softroader capability - I don't need a mud plugger, but it must be able to handle snowy and icy mountain access roads as we go skiing a couple of times a year. I would therefore appreciate any general comments on the good points, common problems and what to avoid when buying either of these models - particularly from those who have owned one for a while.
Thanks for your help.
BCCJ

 

I have a 2009 V6 outlander and here are my thoughts.

We lived closed to the Rocky Mountains last winter and the thing had no trouble at all getting around in the snow and/or ice with a set of winter tires on. The 4wd is quite good. I actually couldn't get stuck (I tried many times)

There is a lot of cargo space (although we don't use the 3rd row seats).

Power is not an issue (may not have the most hp in it's class, but it does the trick)

I agree the plastic interior sucks...there are creaks and cracks all the time. That, as well as the fact the vehicle feels "tinny", is the only bad thing about the vehicle.

I like it.

 

we've had our '07 for 2 years now. 4 wheel drive is great...better than my Ranger. The only thing that I regret is putting tires on made for a light truck. The ones I got are heavy, while the OEM tires (Geolanders) were light. This dropped our fuel economy by 3-4 miles per gallon. Next set will be appropriate passenger tires.

If you try to do maintenance yourself, some fluids you need to go back to the dealership...mainly the transmission fluid. Power steering fluid is iffy, though there are a few aftermarket fluids out there that will work.

Our LS didn't come with the 3rd row, but from what I've read around here, that was an XLS option. Even so, I've read the largest sitting passenger would be a toddler.

I don't mind the hard plastic too much. If it really bothers you, you could purchase door panels for the '08-'09 Outlander, which was supposed to have a different textured plastic than the '07. Any body shop can put them on for you.

My first impressions of it after we purchased it was a bit lackluster. I very much enjoyed my manual transmission Ranger over the Outlander...but over the trips we've taken, I really appreciate it. It is a good vehicle.

The only warranty I've had to do so far was for a bad wheel sensor. Others have had rear brake issues...so check them out (remove the wheels & rotors if you can) before you buy.

 

Being from NZ I don't know how familiar you are with Consumer Reports magazine, but they rate the Outlander as very reliable. In fact it's rated just behind the Honda CRV and Toyota RAV4 for reliability.