- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 81
- Average repair cost
- £1527
- Most regular repair request
- Suspension
- Average age at repair
- 8 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 81,200 miles
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Closer Look at Reliability and Running Costs
If you’re dreaming of weekend getaways and family road trips, the Mitsubishi Outlander might catch your eye with its spacious interior and rugged charm. But before you set off on your next adventure, let’s take an indepth look at the Outlander which earned a very respectable 2nd place in our SUV reliability index with a score of 81.
Mitsubishi Outlander’s popularity in the UK
The Mitsubishi Outlander, particularly the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version, has been a surprising success story in the UK automotive market. This spacious SUV (Sport’s Utility Vehicle) carved out a significant niche for itself, becoming one of the best-selling plug-in vehicles in the country for several years [1]. By the end of 2018, there were an impressive 62,370 Mitsubishi Outlanders licensed in Great Britain, showcasing its growing popularity in the used vehicle market [2]. The vehicle appealed to buyers looking for low fuelling costs, attractive pricing (aided by government grants), and initially, free road tax [1].
Its spacious design and family-friendly features cater to a demographic that values practicality alongside eco-friendliness, indicating that buyers are increasingly looking for vehicles that can accommodate their lifestyles without compromising on environmental responsibility.
Even though Mitsubishi has exited the new car market in the UK, meaning you can now only buy used models, the Outlander’s legacy serves as a reminder of the potential for hybrid vehicles to thrive in a landscape increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency. But does the reliability of the Outlander match up to the eco-friendliness? Let’s take a look.
Mitsubishi Outlander’s OVR score: 80.9
The Mitsubishi Outlander earns a respectable OVR score of 81, placing it in second place in the top 10 most reliable SUVs. This score provides a balanced view of the vehicle’s performance in terms of repair frequency, average costs, and the age or mileage at which issues typically arise.
Most regular repair requests
For the Outlander, the most regular repair requests concern the suspension system – something UK motorists might want to be mindful of. The UK’s often challenging road conditions, including potholes and uneven surfaces, can exacerbate suspension problems. The UK is estimated to have over one million potholes, leading to a 33% increase in car breakdowns in 2023 compared to 2022. This increased risk is attributed to factors such as the UK’s varied climate, heavy traffic, poor road maintenance, and inadequate construction [3].
Some pothole damage is immediately noticeable, such as a flat tire or bent rim. However, suspension damage can be more subtle and may develop or worsen over time. Frequent bumps caused by driving over potholes will wear down your suspension over time, affecting its performance and making it harder for you to drive your car safely [4].
Mitsubishi Outlander drivers may wish to pay attention to warning signs for faulty suspension such as unusual noises when driving over bumps, a rougher than normal ride, or the vehicle pulling to one side. Addressing suspension issues promptly not only ensures a smoother, safer ride but also helps maintain your Outlander’s overall health and resale value.
Having an extended warranty can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds on repair costs. Be sure to review your plan to understand what types of suspension repairs are covered. For example, pothole damage is often covered by your insurance, but other suspension issues not caused by potholes may be included in your warranty.
It’s important to note that an extended warranty is different from car insurance. While car insurance covers accidents and damage, an extended warranty helps with the cost of parts failure and unexpected repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Though it’s not legally required, like car insurance, an extended warranty can act as a safety net, offering peace of mind for your vehicle. For more details, check out our blog on the differences between car insurance and extended warranties.
Most expensive repair request: Engine trouble
The most costly repair request recorded for the Mitsubishi Outlander was engine failure, which resulted in a repair request of £14,298.08. While engine issues of this magnitude are relatively rare, they do highlight the potential risks with older or high-mileage models. Given the complexity and cost of engine repairs, it’s essential to consider this when assessing the long-term ownership of an Outlander.
Those who own or are looking to purchase a Mitsubishi Outlander who are also concerned about the potential high repairs costs can take comfort in an extended warranty – subject to plan terms and conditions.
Average repair costs: higher than some rivals
The average repair request for the Mitsubishi Outlander stands at £1,527.79, which is noticeably higher than many other SUVs in the list of top 10 most reliable SUVs. This suggests that while the Outlander is generally reliable, when issues do arise, they can be more expensive to address compared to models like the Honda CR-V, which has an average repair cost of £614.40.
Age and mileage: considerations for the Mitsubishi Outlander
On average, repair requests for the Outlander occur when the vehicle is 7.5 years old and has covered around 81,291 miles. According to data from the Department of Transport, the typical car or van in the UK drives between 5,000 to 8,000 miles per year, with this average having decreased since the Covid-19 pandemic impacted mobility patterns [5]. Using these figures, a five-year-old used car might typically have between 37,500 and 45,000 miles on the odometer.
For the average British motorist, this information about the Mitsubishi Outlander offers important insights for smart ownership. While typical UK drivers cover 5,000 to 8,000 miles annually, Outlanders often reach 81,291 miles or 7.5 years before major repair requests become common. However, it’s vital to remember that faults can occur at any time, regardless of mileage. For example, the minimum age at which a repair was first recorded in the Reliability Index for the Outlander is 4.5 years.
Running costs: budgeting for the unexpected
The running costs for a Mitsubishi Outlander are on the higher side compared to other SUVs in this segment. The combination of more expensive repair requests and the likelihood of suspension-related issues means that prospective buyers should be prepared for higher-than-average maintenance expenses. When compared to models like the Dacia Duster, which has a much lower average repair cost of £685.63, the Outlander requires a bit more financial planning.
Market pricing for used Mitsubishi Outlanders
Used Mitsubishi Outlanders offer a range of options for UK buyers, with prices varying significantly based on model year, mileage, and condition. According to AutoTrader UK, prices for used Outlanders typically range from around £5,000 for older models to over £30,000 for recent, low-mileage examples[6]. The Mitsubishi Used Vehicle Locator shows that even newer models from 2021 with low mileage (around 15,000-20,000 miles) are available for £30,000-£35,000 [7].
Final verdict: is the Outlander right for you?
The Mitsubishi Outlander offers strong practicality and versatility, but its reliability and running costs are mixed. While it delivers a solid driving experience, the relatively high average repair costs and potential for costly repairs mean that it may not be the best option for budget-conscious buyers. However, for those who value the Outlander’s capabilities and can budget for potential repairs, it remains a solid choice. For added peace of mind, considering an extended warranty is recommended. In summary, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a dependable SUV, but it’s worth carefully weighing the repair costs and considering how these align with your budget before making a purchase. Start your purchase online.
Sources
[2] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1064561/mitsubishi-outlander-registered-cars-in-great-britain/
Disclaimer: Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage, and average labour time, from 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on cover. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQ’s.
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A car warranty, or an extended car warranty as you may also see it called, can help to pay for the cost of fixing your car if something goes wrong with it, like a mechanical or electrical problem.
New cars usually come with a warranty that lasts for 3 years. This means the manufacturer will fix any problems during that time. After this period any repairs or problems will need to be fixed by the vehicle owner.
For peace of mind, after your manufacturer’s warranty expires to help you seek to manage repair costs effectively, you can purchase an extended warranty.
Warranties do not include all defects. Most warranties will never pay for accidental damage or premature failure of a part.
You must read the plan terms and conditions of any warranty before you take it out.
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Our warranties are discretionary. This discretion allows for flexibility, as in each case we exercise our discretion to decide whether and how to resolve repair claims.
We have appointed an independent arbiter, Edd China, to ensure that any disputes with customers are resolved in a fair and un-biased manner. In the event of a dispute between us, Edd China has the final ‘discretion’.
This is what makes Warrantywise unique.
With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs.
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An extended car warranty from Warrantywise provides protection for your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s warranty, shielding you from unexpected repair costs that can arise due to mechanical or electrical failures. With additional benefits including recovery, car hire and onward travel, to name but a few, our warranty gives you peace of mind, eliminating the stress and hassle associated with unforeseen repairs and expenses. With access to our network of approved repair centres, you can rely on professional and reliable repairs. By choosing Warrantywise, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected costs with cover you can be confident in.
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Our warranties are designed to provide the widest potential scope of repairs for the age and mileage of your vehicle. We automatically select the most appropriate level of plan for your vehicle, which you can then tailor to meet your specific needs during the online quote process or by speaking with one of our team of warranty experts on 0800 001 4990, who will help you through the process.
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At Warrantywise, we aim to make the repair process hassle-free for everyone. When If you choose one of our Authorised Repairers to carry out an approved repair, we will handle the settlement of the repair cost directly with them, eliminating the need for you to make any payments.
We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. Their repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality.
However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labour rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
If you decide to use your preferred garage, you may be required to pay the bill in full. However, rest assured, once the repair work has been agreed by us, we will promptly reimburse you directly for the agreed expenses. Our aim is to provide convenience and financial peace of mind throughout the repair journey.
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As long as your car has an up to date service history you don’t necessarily need to service the car before we issue a warranty. However, if the vehicle doesn’t have evidence that the last service was performed at the correct time, you will need to arrange to have the car serviced to the manufacturer’s recommendations before your warranty cover is effective. Please refer to Section G – Servicing your vehicle for full details.
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It is the vehicle owner’s responsibility to maintain their vehicle. Following the manufacturer’s service schedule ensures that vehicles are properly maintained.
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It is important to thoroughly check the service history of a second-hand vehicle before purchasing. Where the previous owner has missed a service, we’ll still provide a warranty if the service history is brought up to date according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (including any recommended remedial work). This must be brought up to date immediately and proof of the service provided.
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No, you don’t have to have a car inspected before it can go on cover.
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Our warranties are available in lengths to suit your needs. From monthly warranties to 12, 24 or 36 month warranties.
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You can choose to pay for your warranty in full, over 4 month or PAYG (monthly pay as you go).
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All Warrantywise plans come with a no question 14 day money back guarantee. You can cancel the plan at any time within the first 14 days and providing you have not requested that we meet the cost of any repairs, we will cancel the plan and refund your payment without deduction.
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We always recommend using one of our Approved Repairers. These repair facilities undergo careful monitoring to guarantee the best workmanship and service quality. However, we understand that you may have a preferred garage in mind. If that’s the case, please ensure they are VAT registered and follow our provided ‘Repairs Procedure’ outlined in the plan booklet. It’s also crucial to verify that their labor rate aligns with your warranty schedule.
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Our repairs office hours are 8.30am-5.00pm Monday – Friday (except bank holidays). If you breakdown out of hours, please phone our 24/7 breakdown service on 0800 054 2174. For full details on what to do with regards to repairs out of hours, please refer to your plan book.
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It is important to stop driving the vehicle immediately, and call our repairs team on 01254 355102. The lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 12pm. In the case of an emergency breakdown out of hours, please call 0800 054 2174. If you continue to drive after you suspect a fault, it could affect your warranty. Rest assured, we are here to assist you throughout the process.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Electrical’ as: (1) concerned with, operating by, or producing electricity. This means it has to be powered by, use, or produce electricity in order to function. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘Mechanical’ as: (1) relating to or operated by a machine or machinery. (2) relating to physical forces or motion. This basically means it has to be a part that moves, is moved and/or is acted upon by something else that makes it do that motion. NB: There are some items listed under our Additions that we will never pay for under the warranty.
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If, during a journey, your Vehicle suffers a Breakdown within Great Britain you can telephone 0844 693 1910 (24h service) and we will arrange for an engineer to attend. If your Vehicle suffers a breakdown whilst in the European Union, you will need to make your own recovery arrangements and submit a claim under the warranty.
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If your repair is approved and you need a hire car, because your vehicle is off the road, we may reimburse you for up 10 days for car hire, please refer to the terms of your warranty for details.
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If you purchased your warranty directly, then yes. If you sell your car, you can transfer the remainder of your warranty to your new vehicle. Depending on the make, age and mileage of your new car additional charges may apply. Call our admin team on 0800 001 4990 for full details.
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We take complaints very seriously and all complaints are thoroughly investigated by our Customer Relations Team. Our commitment to customer satisfaction means that if you are dissatisfied with the initial response, we have an escalation process in place to address your concerns further. We value your feedback and strive to continuously improve our services, ensuring that your experience with Warrantywise is of the highest standard. For more information on the escalation process, please refer to our complaints page, and if we cannot resolve your complaint between us, you can refer it to Edd China for consideration in his role as Final Arbiter.
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All calls are answered directly from our UK offices by our knowledgeable and experienced customer advice teams. We take pride in providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that your enquiries and concerns are addressed promptly and efficiently. Our dedicated teams are here to assist you with any questions you may have, offering expert guidance and support.
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Edd China fulfils the role of independent arbiter, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of final arbiter to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.