2006 Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi’s Outlander has always played the outsider card in South Africa, never quite making the splash its Japanese rivals did. While Toyota’s RAV4 became a default driveway fixture and Honda’s CR-V and Hyundai’s Tucson rode the family-SUV wave, the Outlander hung back, appealing to families who wanted a bit more than a compact but weren’t keen to go full bus. Only one engine—an unassuming 2.4-litre petrol matched to an auto box—ever made it here. On paper at least, that kept things refreshingly fuss-free, but ignoring diesel meant it missed the mark for buyers chasing low-end torque and better economy. Now, with just a single example listed nationwide at R99,500, the Outlander’s local story has faded almost to a footnote. The car in question? A 2006 Outlander 2.4 GLS A/T with 277,809 km under its belt. If you pack smart, that’s a lot of metal for the money—R99,500 is entry-level hatchback territory. Still, there’s no getting around the mileage. South African buyers will quickly realise that, compared to an old RAV4 or CR-V at similar money, the Outlander brings headaches nobody needs: tricky parts supply and limited workshop backup, especially outside the major metros. It was never a bad car, just an uncommon one, and that’s the point. If you’re tempted, get the most forensic pre-purchase check you can arrange. This is strictly for the brave or the brand-loyal.