Quick bit about me and why I am buying etc, I am from London and recently moved to Romania.
I want a 4x4 basically because the pot holes are pretty bad here and I like the idea of being able to go down some trails that you couldnt really get a car down.

I was thinking of getting a Nissan X -Trial but basically the idea of the outlander has come up as someone i know has fone for sale.

I am guessing the XT is probably better off road, the one for sale is a 2004 model.

basically my question is what should I be looking at/for? Engine version? I have looked at a few reviews and it seems pretty decent an SUv anyway.

 

I'd start by looking at the Mitsubishi web site for your region. There are a few different engine/transmission variations that aren't available in all regions.

 

What does your friend have for sale? I have been to Romania and I know what you are talking about. You need an AWD system for sure. Mitsu chasis are strong, BUT remember the Outlander is primarily a street vehicle, it has some offroad cred, but if all you are dealing with is bad roads in Bucharest then either the 1st or 2nd gen outlander should be fine. ALTHOUGH the old Montero might even be better. Im not really sure what models they offer over there, BUT if you are shopping the used car market a Montero might be a better option.

 

Opps sorry your friend is selling an 04 Outlander XT. That should be a good car for you. Im not sure if you have the 4G63 or 4G69. In the states the 4G69 came out in 04. This is a MUCH better engine as far as reliability and fuel economy are concerned.

 

As a previous owner of a vehicle wich employed the 4G69 engine (04 Ralliart) I will advice you to stay away if you are looking for economy. If performance and reliabillity is what you want, then this engine is for you, but as far as econimical its just that, far from it. The 3.0 in the 07 is getting me better highway mileage (wich is all I do) than the ralliart ever did.

 

Hey guys, all great advice and I think Id prefer performanc over realibility, I am not sure exactly what model he has yet as I am waiting for that info, I know its an 04 with all leather, I am thinking maybe its the XLS?

How do I check which engine it has? 4G63 or the 4G69?

I am guessing from what i can see online it would be the 4G69 as its the 2.4, I think the main thing I need to check out is if its the XLS or the LS. Also i am sure it is AWD but I'd obviously confirm that

 

IF it is an 04 with leather, it is an XLS and it has the 4G69. I am pretty sure they shipped this to Europe at the same time it came to the states. The 4G69 is a peppy engine. If you run it hard, as Lancer drivers generally do, your fuel economy will suffer. BUT if you drive it easy, you can average aroung 25mpg with city/highway driving on decent roads. ANOTHER important thing to note about this engine is that it needs routine valve adjustments. These are typically done around every 20k miles although you can extend them if you need too. Failure to adjust the valves on a regular basis will result in decreased fuel economy. Another downside is the timing belt, BUT this is how the MIVEC system is designed. ITs a price you pay for a strong engine/chasis at an affordable price. IF this used Outie is pushing 60k (not sure in Kilometers, I think 90k?) You MUST change the timing belt. This is an interference engine. IF you fail to change the belt, and it breaks, bad things will happen (busted head, valves etc). The 4G63 is pretty much the same (as far as tijming belt/valve jobs are concerend. It just dosnt have the power as the 4G69)

Hope all of this helps!

 

That helps a lot, apparently its done 75-80k, I work in miles too but a quick conversion check says thats 47000-50000 miles, if it hasnt been done already Ill pay to get it done, any idea roughly on price so i can use it to negotiate?

Also if it hasnt had valve adjustments but now that would be another big bargining chip but I expect it would have been done

 

Here in the states a timing belt job can run anywhere from 300 to 500 dollars. A valve adjustment job is usually around 100 bucks. Actually a lot of people do not adjust valves like they should. You may be able to use that as a barganing chip as well....