Outlander MK1 PHEVtastic for family / commute?

[theog87]

Afternoon all,

So a while back I was quite interested on getting a leaf for a commuting car (10k a year roughly). I would then have X for long trips and maybe something fun for the weekend.

So I was always quite interested in the Outlander PHEV so went to go see one today. Admittedly it was the new one, but the dealer guy said he maybe getting a gen 1 in for used. This has 40k on the clock but would be going for around £14k.

My work is 11miles away and thinking about it, I maybe able to get my boss to allow some kind of charge point (as we are now doing building works). So potentially it could run of electricity both ways, then utilise the 2L petrol on board for the long journeys.... so maybe I could get this as the main long haul + commuter car. All in one so to speak. I may keep my wifes mitsubishi cold 1L just for the sake of it, as it's quite handy and cheap to run.

He was saying that although it's got 40k on the clock, often 30k of that is electric only... this makes me think, that if looked after, it could potentially out last some ICE cars in terms of reliability as it's a naturally aspirated (not turbos to worry about) 2L petrol engine (~40mpg on petrol alone). Also Jap cars tend to be better than euro in terms of reliability.

Although the boot space is quite high up, it still has room, and obviously has room on top for roof box, so i think could work well for euro trips.

Pretty painfully slow at 0-60 in 11s though.

Anyones thoughts on my situation? All posts I have seen so far have been as company cars.

Thanks,

Theo

[theog87]

Merry said:

We got the GX4h, as it has an electric heater, the the 3 doesn't. It can also pre heat, which is both useful and extends the range a little.

Ok very interesting.

Would you say the GX4h is a must, or would you still go for a GX3h if ~£14k?

The guy was saying they sell very quickly, often not even getting on the forecourt. Hes a sales man, so well, you never quite know, but does that sound about right? I don't want to miss a bargain but at the same time I don't want to be rushing that's for sure.

[theog87]

Merry said:

you got a link to the one you're looking at?

It's not even in the 'garage' yet, so i know nothing about it. He said he would email me as soon as it comes in. I have asked for specs and the likes of.

Any obvious things to look out for?

[theog87]

Merry said:

I would recommend taking an obd reader and an app called phev watchdog. It'll tell you what sort of condition the battery is in.

Hmm good shout!

I need to look into the options as the rear facing camera would be good to have.

[theog87]

Merry said:

If I'm honest I'd spend an extra few hundred quid and get a gx4. 14k is a bit strong for a 3

Ok interesting.

I'm not sure on the specs let alone the colour even so hopefully he will get back to me early next week (fingers crossed).

[theog87]

Russ T Bolt said:

Have you driven one yet ?

Not yet. I like to do some research before buying anything, so maybe looking at one later in the week.

Just a few questions for you guys if you don't mind:
- Anyone know what the 2L petrol engine is like in terms of reliability. I know the lancer's are quite reliable, so would you expect it to have a few miles in it? Could you see the car as a whole hitting say 140k if looked after?
- If i do have to go for the 3, can you get after market camera installed?
- Anyone have any ideas about costs of replacement of the batteries? Just thinking say 5 years down the line when I want better range etc.
- On petrol only, is MPG ~35 realistically? What's the most you get out of it on the motorway?
- I'm guessing it runs on the same principle of only really charging via a specific car charger rather than 3 point plug?#

Any help greatly appreciated.

Best

Theo

[theog87]

Sorry one last thing... I've never thought of it before, but you guys done any off roading in it?

Could be a 'sport' I could get used to haha