Used Outlander PHEV - what to watch out for?

[Jonny_]

I'm thinking of replacing our two older cars (Ford Galaxy and Alfa Giulietta, both approaching 13 years old) with a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. I'd like to hear what PHers experiences have been, particularly in terms of reliability, once these cars are a few years old.

The Outlander would be a second car, covering only around 5000 miles per year. I have a Kia e-Niro provided by work, so we use that wherever possible, but we do sometimes need more space, and occasionally more range, than the Niro offers.

I did have an Outlander PHEV on loan for a week back in 2018, so I know that it ticks the boxes in terms of practicality, comfort, and being effortless to drive. And while I'm not overly arsed about fuel economy, the 15 or 20 miles of electric range would be pretty useful for the short local runs that my mrs currently does in the Alfa.

One thing that I am conscious of is battery degradation. Is there any way to check or measure this? I'd expect maybe 10-15% capacity loss on a 5 year old car, but this will of course vary from car to car depending on how it's been treated by previous owners.

Are the later cars with the 2.4 litre engine - and I believe a slightly larger battery - worth the extra money? In terms of performance, reliability, refinement, fuel economy etc. Looking at around £18-19k for a 2018/2019 2.4 in 4h trim with sensible mileage, and around £17k for a 2017/2018 with the older 2.0 engine.

Finally, are there any notable common problems that I should check for if I go to view a used Outlander?

Thanks.

[Mineral1]

I don't know specifics so my reply isn't very useful, but I haven't heard overall positivity about the outlander phev from forum posts, the press and friends who've had them.

Most people never bothered using the plug in charge capability as it gives such poor range.

[rosejem]

We have few at work 68 plates 2.4, pretty reliable. Problems in 60,000 stop start driving in London.
Engine starter battery going flat if left a few times when really cold.
Fuel filler flap does not close properly, so bing bong warning on the dash frequently.
Electric range more like 10 miles in stop start traffic.
Overall fuel consumption around 30mpg.
Poor range only around 200 miles on a full tank of petrol.

[ZX10R NIN]

They're not the greatest when it comes to range & fuel consumption, I'd look at the NX300h they're a good car & even one with 70k can still be covered by Lexus's warranty:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301052...

[Screenwash]

Not much wrong with the 2.4 petrol component, based upon the thousands on the roads in these parts (ANZ). I recall reading that the earlier 2.0PHEV was pretty gutless and thirsty.

Ended up purchasing the diesel version myself.

[Rough101]

Brother has one, MPG is horrific on a long run, his sat nav/ info screen is dead, it’s under warranty but in 6 months Mitsubishi have yet to get the part in stock.

It’s a mile off European style interior finishes.

[Jonny_]

Thanks all, some good stuff to ponder here.

I had forgotten about the tiny tank on the PHEV. It wouldn't be a deal breaker as it can of course be refilled in minutes, but would be inconvenient nonetheless, especially in contrast with the old Galaxy which will go for well over 600 miles on a full tank.

The availability of parts is a concern now that Mitsubishi no longer really operates in the UK. 6 months plus with a duff infotainment screen doesn't sound good given how many of the car's functions are driven through that.

The NX is an interesting suggestion. Nice interior and bomb proof mechanical bits, plus I'm one of those weirdos who actually likes the Toyota hybrid system...
Unfortunately after a brief poke around AT it appears my budget would limit me to fairly old or leggy examples, and I really don't want to go beyond 5 or 6 years old.

I'm going to give the mechanically similar 4th gen RAV4 hybrid some further consideration though, several 2017 examples falling within budget. Early examples of the current (5th gen) cars are still too pricey though.

I'm also wondering about the Corolla estate in 2.0 hybrid guise. Top end of my budget will get an approved used 2019 registered example. It's a bit smaller than I'd have liked, but having had an Auris estate in the past it's still a useful sized car, if not as spacious for passengers as the SUVs. Upsides are it's actually a nice looking car, will have 6+ years of warranty left, Toyota reliability, and she'll probably be happier parking it than she would a RAV4/Outlander etc.

[DBSV8]

owned one since 2016 ,

RAC told me they are bullet proof rarely have to go out to a broken down one , good build quality , in the 6 years of ownership covering 70,000 miles had no issues regularly serviced at main dealer ,
they drive in 2WD mode with option to switch to 4WD , these cars are not really 4x4 0ff roaders and differ from the oulander diesel 4x4 ,

they do not have 7 seats as the rear shelf has the battery underneath,

EV range for a series 2 is 28mpg , use regenerative braking mode always as you gain mileage going down hills , wife uses it for going to town from new forest to main town around 27miles on a full charge . so yes it is always plugged in . On a dual carriageway driven in EV / petrol mode youl get a combined range of around 320 miles . keep switching from EV/ petrol for best economy . best we have seen combined 65mpg .

biggest issue if you turn on the heater it eats the EV range , so use with engine running on petrol

Battery warranty lasts 8 years if its defective ....not damaged Mitsubishi will replace it thats 10k

biggest caution be carefull not to take off road as all the EV connections are at the rear easily damaged , i managed to reverse over a hump it cracked the battery case ...... required a new battery , insurance paid out fortunately .

Tyre wear is great fitted Michelin cross climate 2 , all round in 2020 drove 30,000 miles tyre wear is showing 5mm tread left !! also you need to change tyres across an axle not all 4 if you get an issue .

overall been a great car ,

[Jonny_]

Thanks for your input everyone, appreciate it.

After weighing it all up I've decided against the Outlander.

I concluded that if I'm paying what is - to me at any rate - a fairly large chunk of money, then I don't want to have any worries about what happens if it goes wrong. Plus the mrs wasn't keen on the prospect of having to park a big SUV.

So instead I've been out and bought a top of the range 2019 Corolla hybrid estate, which should fulfil the role of comfy and reliable family wagon/bike carrier quite well. If anyone's interested I'll pop some pictures up once I've given it a proper clean and polish.