Small SUV - Opinions please.

[Bearman]

Thanks for your thoughts everyone.

Mum is comfortable with the decision to give up driving. We collected the car yesterday and drove it back from East Gippsland. The longest run this car has ever had.

We have decided to buy it and will be my daily driver. Getting it at family rates and in the end was a no brainer. I would have liked a Territory and even toyed with the idea of an old-ish Landcruiser to dabble in off road driving the reality is I'll just be grinding to and fro work and the odd distance drive. The ASX is no powerhouse that's for sure but on the open road it was a revelation, better than I thought it would be. Mum is happy it's staying in the family.

It took Mum 4.5 years to log 8,900km. I'll do that in about 4.5 MONTHS!!

[sprintman1]

Originally Posted by chevypower

You did mention good visibility. How about a Jeep Cherokee or Grand Cherokee? (I might have missed the budget here, but if she can afford one, this would be my recommendation). It will be better to drive than the others previously mentioned. Stronger, and more capable in other ways too. Even if you don't use it to its potential, it won't hurt to have it. Good economy with the CRD engines too. Anyway, test drives are free! Best of luck.

You must be joking! The most unreliable POS available.

[Bearman]

The deed is done, the ASX is now my new daily driver.

Now to move the Honda on.

[Sabantien]

I think it's nice keeping cars in the family. I ended up with my Mum's Corolla because she wanted me to have a nicer car than the 20 year old Pathfinder I was banging around in.

I was sad to see it go after it was written off, but I am rather pleased with my G6E replacement.

Our work car is an ASX, and I hate driving it, but I put that down to the CVT, I've not enjoyed driving anything with that. I'm sure if I got used to it it would be fine.

[Bearman]

The CVT is weird at first but when I don't think about it I don't notice it once I'm under way and got some music on.

[BENT_8]

Bit of a thread mine ...again, lol

Just looking to update the Wifes 2010 Camry Sportivo, she's looking at a 2012 Mitsubishi ASX CVT Fwd and i remembered this thread of Bearman's.

I see you own the ASX now Bearman and wondering how youre finding it to live with.

The Wifes not after off road ability, hence the fwd option, just something as reliable as her Camry with a bit more hight and better viewing position.

Does anyone know if the 5yr bumper to bumper and 10yr powertrain warranty are transferable.
Its a 1 owner car with 108k's, full history with mats and im going to squeeze a towbar and tank of juice from them.

Were giving the Sportivo, 5sp auto 120k's, full history, to her mother to replace her 2008 BF2 which will be moved on.

Cheers

[Yellow_Festiva]

I don't think the 10yr warranty is still being offered????

Standard warranty is transferable as long as the servicing requirements have been met.

I would get that confirmed from Mitsubishi before paying.

[4stanger]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Does anyone know if the 5yr bumper to bumper and 10yr powertrain warranty are transferable.

10 year powertrain warranty were never transferable, and mitsubishi ended the 10 year powertrain warranty offer a couple of years ago.
the 5 year factory warranty is transferable, although it may be limited to the kilometres. I'll have to check on that.
**Edit, Mitsubishi currently have a cap on their kilometres, 100,000kms. http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.au/...tools/warranty , I am not sure if this applies to a 2012 model though, check the owners manual as it should state the terms/conditions of warranty.

My wife recently purchased a new ASX XLS fwd auto.
When we were tyre kicking, mitsubishi had a sale on and were offering $24990 free auto, drive away on the LS model, how does that price compare to your 2nd hand deal?

[Crazy Dazz]

We looked at ASX's daughter would have liked something like that, but was out of our price-bracket.
Seemed overpriced, but that seems to be the way with these "SUV" versions.

We just bought a new Lancer, which is essentially the same power-train. 5yr warranty and capped-price servicing is excellent. But I have to be honest, I don't know that I would have risked paying much for a CVT without a long warranty.

Also not sure how it would compare for interior space to the Camry?

The Kia Sportage is a good size, quite roomy, well priced, and economical if you get TD.

[BENT_8]

Thanks guys.

We're paying around half the price of a new one on road which were comfortable with, if they throw in the towbar and juice i'll be content.
She's got her heart set on it now so its no longer a financial consideration, just if its worth owning or not.
My trusted mechanic of 20+ years is an automatic specialist so im going to discuss the cvt with him in the morning, he has a current model Lancer so i know he has relative knowledge of the product.

Space isnt an issue, the eldest lad just got his 'P's so he's off doing his own thing in his car and the eldest Daughter got her 'L's this morning so in 12 months it'll only be the Wife, 12yr old and 5 yr old and me on occasion.
We have my BF3 Wagon for the heavy work so the most it will do is pull the 12ft 1962 Savage fibreglass runabout im currently restoring, or camper trailer, up the river.

Cheers

[Sabantien]

Bearman definitely seemed happy with his, although a bit more time has passed since so it will be interesting to hear.

I drove the work ASX a few times, both around town and some longer trips to Toowoomba.

I found the CVT horrible, and I never did get used to it. It felt way underpowered too, driving up the Toowoomba range the engine was screaming the whole way.

Has she driven the ASX yet? It might feel like a shock after the Sportivo.

[FalconXV]

Citroen Cactus :P seriously though under 3L/100km cruising at 90kms.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Sabantien

Bearman definitely seemed happy with his, although a bit more time has passed since so it will be interesting to hear.

I drove the work ASX a few times, both around town and some longer trips to Toowoomba.

I found the CVT horrible, and I never did get used to it. It felt way underpowered too, driving up the Toowoomba range the engine was screaming the whole way.

Has she driven the ASX yet? It might feel like a shock after the Sportivo.

Cheers, what exactly dont you like about the cvt, is it anything like the troubles powershift driven Ford owners are having?
I have never driven anything with a cvt, the Sportivo is a 5sp standard auto, it doesnt get anywhere near Hulks 5 second version but nor does it need to.
We live in Adelaide and will spend 90% of its life on flat ground doing the daily rounds.

[Sabantien]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Cheers, what exactly dont you like about the cvt, is it anything like the troubles powershift driven Ford owners are having?
I have never driven anything with a cvt, the Sportivo is a 5sp standard auto, it doesnt get anywhere near Hulks 5 second version but nor does it need to.
We live in Adelaide and will spend 90% of its life on flat ground doing the daily rounds.

I don't know how to describe it. It feels like you put your foot down and nothing happens. Feel really disconnected from the car. Had the same thing with a hybrid Camry we took for a test drive.

I guess it's mostly due to the lack of revs unless you floor it. It might make it efficient, but it's not nice to drive. Probably just takes some getting used to, but I suggest taking one for a drive first. If you hate it straight up getting used to it might be too much of a compromise.

[Bearman]

Hey guys, still have the ASX, has 32,000 on the clock now.

Still happy with it, as a daily commuter it is a good thing. Pretty economical and only needs to run on 91RON. Get around 600km to a tank, taking around 50-53 litres from the low fuel light. I have only had 1 service and was fairly cheap. Due again at 35,000km back at my local Mitsubishi dealer.

The CVT transmission is weird at first. It's like when you are accelerating normally and you are waiting for it to change up a gear........but it doesn't!! The revs still pretty much stays put but the speed builds. You do get used to it but there have been times when I've kept the boot in waiting for the gear change, looked at the speedo and found myself way over the speed limit. Gotta watch yourself. A lot of people don't like the CVT transmission but more manufacturers are using them.

The motor can be noisy when pushed. It is no powerhouse and you feel it going up a big hill!! Given that, it is bearable but you have to realise this is not a performance car.

The drivers seat at first I found to be a bit hard but for me it is very well shaped for my back etc. access and visibility is really good and was a big factor in my Mum picking this car when she was buying. I find it is a very easy car to live with.

Faults?? Not yet but I do have a slight front end creak to report at the next service. The boot ain't all that big but I do have a full sized spare which means the boot floor is a tad higher than standard. I suppose the other thing is it seems to have a bit of road noise from the rear. I think the sound insulation may be a bit light on but really, just minor things. I wouldn't call these deal breakers.

To sum up, I've been pretty happy with it. It is not something I would have bought initially but for my needs at this time it's spot on.

To any prospective ASX buyer check the service history, have a good drive and get it checked out. If all checks out it'll do you fine.

[BENT_8]

Thanks Bearman.

My Brother has a near new one and he's happy with it. I was up at his place recently and he took me to the airport in it,. I dont remember anything about the drive so i can only assume it was unremarkable.
We considered a manual version but then your on and off the clutch in traffic and were both over that. I got rid of my manual VRX because driving it in stop start traffic gave me the ***** after pushing the truck clutch all day.

It really doesnt need to be any special, just reliable and as safe as a small SUV can be, it seems to tick those boxes.
Apart from that it will spend its days as a shopping cart.

Were going for a closer look tomorrow, nothings in concrete yet so we may look elsewhere.

Cheers

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Thanks guys.

We're paying around half the price of a new one on road which were comfortable with, if they throw in the towbar and juice i'll be content.
She's got her heart set on it now so its no longer a financial consideration, just if its worth owning or not.

I wouldn't be buying a 4yr old one with 108kk on the clock. I'm sure there are better ones around for your money.

Originally Posted by BENT_8

the most it will do is pull the 12ft 1962 Savage fibreglass runabout im currently restoring, or camper trailer, up the river.

And I definitely wouldn't be towing with it.
The same drive-train in the Lancer is more than adequate, but these are heavier, and that's before hitching anything to the back.

When we were looking, the common warning I got about CVTs was that they lasted about as long as the warranty, and once they went, were not economical to repair. That could just be old wives' tales, I don't know. I was comfortable enough buying a new one with a 5yr warranty. I wouldn't be comfortable towing with one that already had 100k on the clock.

[Bearman]

Hmmm......I missed the bit about towing. I haven't done that with mine but it does have a tow bar.

Some specs off Carsales:
Towing - Lancer 550kg unbraced/1000kg braked. ASX 750/1300
Power to weight - Lancer 87w/kg. ASX 82.8
GVM - Lancer 1850kg. ASX 1970.

Going by this whatever the Lancer can tow the ASX certainly can and a little bit more. The difference in the vehicle weights is simply one dude who's eaten a few too many hamburgers!!

In spite of the specs, going by the seat of my pants I would be very cautious about towing anything much. It just doesn't feel like it would be able to tow much.

[sprintman1]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Bit of a thread mine ...again, lol

Just looking to update the Wifes 2010 Camry Sportivo, she's looking at a 2012 Mitsubishi ASX CVT Fwd and i remembered this thread of Bearman's.

I see you own the ASX now Bearman and wondering how youre finding it to live with.

The Wifes not after off road ability, hence the fwd option, just something as reliable as her Camry with a bit more hight and better viewing position.

Does anyone know if the 5yr bumper to bumper and 10yr powertrain warranty are transferable.
Its a 1 owner car with 108k's, full history with mats and im going to squeeze a towbar and tank of juice from them.

Were giving the Sportivo, 5sp auto 120k's, full history, to her mother to replace her 2008 BF2 which will be moved on.

Cheers

CVT & towbar red flags. If you move it on the day before warranty expires then maybe, otherwise look elsewhere

[BENT_8]

Thanks guys.

I spoke with my mechanic this morning and despite being a transmission specialist, he's said he has never had a problem with the mitsubishi CVT.
Only comment he could make was they are slightly dearer to service as they use different fluid to a conventional trans, im assuming this is akin to a ZF over an old 4sp.
He quoted me $200 to service the CVT.

Having said that, she went a little bigger and got the MY13 Outlander.
Same driveline, 1385kg kerb weight and 1600kg braked tow capacity.
The most it will pull is the camper trailer which weighs bugger all. (its the canvas tent type)
I'll put the boat behind the BF when we head away.

Its only 3 yrs old with 95k's so the balance of 5yr warranty is covering it for the next 2 years or 35k's.
Its done a few k's for the age but in top condition, k's dont really bother me so long as service is up to date and this has full history at the same Mitsi dealer.

We'll probably only have it for 3 years, 4 at the most, so it should still have under 180k's by the time were done with it.

We'll give it a crack and see what happens.

[Yellow_Festiva]

I was just going to say the same thing. They actually share the same drive line with the Outlander and my diesel one can tow 2t. I've had 1400kg behind it many times and doesn't raise a sweat.

What I like about the Mitsubishi is the way they package their cars. The Mirage is the biggest micro / city car and is priced accordingly - yet is near identical to the Swift for example that is the next step up.

The ASX is the same - look at its competition and you will see that you are getting a lot of car for your money. Again, the largest in its competition if memory serves.

The Lancer is in the small car segment, yet is near 4.6m long, making it one of the biggest and still priced to compete with its smaller rivals.

Same with the Outlander.... And look at the Outlander's specs. It has a low tech yet insanely efficient diesel motor (5.5L/100 on the freeway), decent clearance, full size spare that is accessed from under car, 7 seats, different AWD modes and doesn't weigh the same as a tank, yet still tows 2t. Nothing in the same segment can match the Outlander package for the price.

I'm onto my second new Mitsi and like how they operate (cars and company).

[janddbone]

Yep. They are a good thing.

[BENT_8]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

I was just going to say the same thing. They actually share the same drive line with the Outlander and my diesel one can tow 2t. I've had 1400kg behind it many times and doesn't raise a sweat.

What I like about the Mitsubishi is the way they package their cars. The Mirage is the biggest micro / city car and is priced accordingly - yet is near identical to the Swift for example that is the next step up.

The ASX is the same - look at its competition and you will see that you are getting a lot of car for your money. Again, the largest in its competition if memory serves.

The Lancer is in the small car segment, yet is near 4.6m long, making it one of the biggest and still priced to compete with its smaller rivals.

Same with the Outlander.... And look at the Outlander's specs. It has a low tech yet insanely efficient diesel motor (5.5L/100 on the freeway), decent clearance, full size spare that is accessed from under car, 7 seats, different AWD modes and doesn't weigh the same as a tank, yet still tows 2t. Nothing in the same segment can match the Outlander package for the price.

I'm onto my second new Mitsi and like how they operate (cars and company).

Thanks for the feedback mate, much appreciated.

We looked at a diesel version with 30k's less, but couldn't justify spending the extra $10k on what they wanted for it.
We drove the ASX and Outlander back to back and she couldnt pick the difference apart from the Outlanders better ride qualities, found the ASX harsh from the rear seat and lots of road noise as has been advised previously.

Having said that, the diesel option would be a much better vehicle, it has more torque, a conventional 6sp auto and is of the higher spec.

Were not tech savvy people, wouldnt even know how to link the phone to the car never mind operate it, i tried in the Sportivo and gave up, lol, so a simple CD player, climate air and cruise control is about all that will get a workout.
Its 5 star rating with almost as many airbags as the Sportivo, misses out on the rear curtain, unless the front and rear inflate from the B pillar as one, but gets a drivers knee, so swings and roundabouts there.

They threw in the towbar and a set of new tyres, i told them not to bother putting **** on or we'll exercise our right to a 48hr cooling off period, and walk.

Pick it up this arvo.

Cheers

[Burnout]

The last IX35 I saw on Sunday morning, going up the Brisbane Valley Hwy, tried to pass the ol' Geezer in front of him.
You can see what happened, slam the throttle down, it drops a gear or maybe two, veer right and then Bang, a huge column of white smoke out of the exhaust pipe, our car, the old girls honda cops a good dose of the brakes cause the driver can't see......
Then we pass through the smoke and there's ol' mate in the table drain left with white smoke pouring out of every hole around the bonnet.
Maybe the timing belt was due, 25k ago?
Maybe he should have serviced the thing at 10k intervals instead of 60k?
Maybe it was tired and just wanted a rest.....

[Crazy Dazz]

Originally Posted by BENT_8

Thanks guys.

I spoke with my mechanic this morning and despite being a transmission specialist, he's said he has never had a problem with the mitsubishi CVT.
Only comment he could make was they are slightly dearer to service as they use different fluid to a conventional trans, im assuming this is akin to a ZF over an old 4sp.
He quoted me $200 to service the CVT.

Having said that, she went a little bigger and got the MY13 Outlander.
Same driveline, 1385kg kerb weight and 1600kg braked tow capacity.
The most it will pull is the camper trailer which weighs bugger all. (its the canvas tent type)
I'll put the boat behind the BF when we head away.

Its only 3 yrs old with 95k's so the balance of 5yr warranty is covering it for the next 2 years or 35k's.
Its done a few k's for the age but in top condition, k's dont really bother me so long as service is up to date and this has full history at the same Mitsi dealer.

We'll probably only have it for 3 years, 4 at the most, so it should still have under 180k's by the time were done with it.

We'll give it a crack and see what happens.

Nice Pickup, I'm sure she'll be very happy with it.

One idea to ask your mechanic (I have absolutely no idea) is whether the CVT would benefit from a bigger tranny cooler. Just an idea.