Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV or Subaru Forester?

[Daffodils9]

Considering both of the above (second hand). We live very rurally, do a fair amount of local journeys on single lane muddy roads, hills, etc. Two car seats to fit in and we need decent boot space. Safety is important to us as we have little ones.

Any experiences? What would you go for? Thanks!

No, bit mitsubishi no longer sell cars here, so that will affect the availability of parts. I used to have a difference mitsubishi and it got harder after the local garage closed.

Thank you. We have some Mitsubishi specialists nearish to us and they seem confident they can still get parts but then they would say that wouldn’t they?! I wonder whether it will affect resale value.

@Daffodils9 What Car gives 2 stars to both these cars. 2/5 stars - not 2/10!

Mainly because they have coarse engines, are noisy, unrefined, and the Mitsubishi doesn’t drive well. The Forester has the biggest depreciation of any SUV from new so buying second hand, it should have taken the big hit. However the PHEV is quieter than a petrol. What Car give you a steer on what model to aim for.

They are both good for safety but frankly, most cars are. These are fairly basic cars in their class and there’s better options - probably. I live in the countryside and neither would get me to part with my money. Read the various What Car reviews. Then read about what your money might buy and see if that’s better. Cars that have imprecise steering are horrible.

Yes - those reviews aren’t great but the top reviewed cars (Audi, BMW, Volvo) are out of our price range even second hand. We really need it to be a 4wd as DH is out all times of the year in all weathers (and sometimes down roads that are barely roads!) for work.
Would love any 4wd recommendations.

Skoda Karoq?

Suzuki Vitara

We've got the mitsubishi (automatic) absolutely love it. Will be replacing this one with the same when it eventually goes. With ours you can turn the 4 wheel drive on and off, which suits us really well.
Loads of boot space as well if you've got dogs/ prams etc.

I live very rurally and drive a scout Octavia scout estate. It’s excellent and tows really well.

We have the outlander, diesel. 7 seater but keep rear 2seats folded down. Takes 4 collies in the boot. Nice and high, plenty space for car seats.

There’s no 7 seat option in the plug in hybrid. A Kia Sportage 4x4 is also worth looking at. I would avoid a soft roader but also be aware a phev can cost more in petrol due to them being heavier. Most don’t go far on battery alone. Especially when it’s cold!

Not sure if running costs would scare you off, but a Discovery 4 has everything. We have a 14 year old diesel one and it’s been a star. Had it from new. We use it for going to countryside events and it’s the best in adverse weather. It has every gizmo you could ever need in terms of safety and has hill descent control which I haven’t needed very often - but we live on a hill! It’s got 7 seats if you want them and loads of space. Still great looking inside. Worth looking at a well maintained one.

What about a Volvo xc40? Looks like it doesn’t have as much space but probably enough for a family of 4 (kids are little still). We can’t stretch to the XC60 as it’s out of our price range.

I realise I said Volvo was out altogether but I’ve just spotted one we might be able to stretch to.

We had one of these and DH had a minor accident yet the car fell apart. We weren’t tempted to give it another go even though we enjoyed driving it.

The XC40 should be on your radar. Definitely.

On my way to collect an outlander as we speak. It's PHEV. I took it for a test drive and it was possibly the nicest car to drive I've ever driven. I want it for towing capability.

Thank you - trouble is every single person we know with a Land Rover has had some problem! Hmm… so much to think about!

Subaru seems to have a strong fan base. Not sure what to make of that in light of the reviews.

@Daffodils9 I tend to think journalists drive loads of cars and individual owners don’t. If a car meets their needs, and they haven’t looked at alternatives, then they are fans. They might not buy new and suffer the depreciation either. They also might like a fairly unrefined car. Some people do but they e never driven anything better to compare.

I do know the Discos don’t have the best reliability record but they are somewhat more sophisticated than a Subaru or Mitsubishi in terms of off road ability and interior finish. I can honestly say ours has been brilliant though and is our “go to” car in adverse weather and off road - a stalwart at point to point courses! We are a multi car family. However other cars are similar but not as competent.

What about a Skoda?

@Namechangeforthis88 The phev is not a great towing car. The diesel has more grunt. Depends what you are towing and where and how often. Its ev range is less than 30 miles.

Dh still liked his Mitsubishi outlander.

@Oblomov25 What else has he driven? Or owned?

A second hand Skoda yeti.

You can get several sheep in the back of one of those.

Ditto a Porche Macan but I know what I’d rather drive!

I've got a Volvo xc90, have had an Outlander PHEV, and am considering a Forester for my next car. Would happily have the Volvo or the Mitsubishi again for the drive experience, the parts thing does put me off with the Mitsubishi though.

That’s really helpful - thank you. Is there any reason you’re considering a switch to a Forester?