Kilometres travelled
More than 100,000 km
Did you buy this car new or used?
Used
If used, what year did you buy it used?
2011
How much did you pay? (including all on-road costs)
21000
What were your needs when you bought this car? Has it fulfilled those needs?
A medium-sized SUV for travelling from the Hauraki Plains to Hamilton or Thames and back. A reliable, economical SUV for commuting and carrying two mountain bikes and outdoor gear to remote back country sites. Yes, the little ASX has more than met our needs for my partner and I. We have grandchildren in Wellington so needed a car that could reliably drive in comfort down to Wellington and back in a long weekend.
What were your initial thoughts about the car? Tell us why it appealed to you.
After driving sure-footed Subarus for years, we missed the four-wheel drive footprint, but the electronic stability has more than made up for our various trips on windy roads in the rain and bad weather. Initially the looks and colour/shape appealed, plus the car was near new with only 10 000km when we got it.
What have you discovered since owning the car?
The most economical, reliable car we have ever owned. When we bought the car the Mitsubishi mechanic said you will not have any problems with the car and he was so right. We have completed nearly 30000km in the car and only replaced the battery once and the car is on its third set of tyres, which were replaced a month ago. We also have had over 10000km of tyre wear out of each set of Michelin tyres which grip the road like glue. The brakes have been untouched and we still have not replaced the pads and the car passes the WOF so far each time. The CVT has been reliable and at 100km the engine in the 6th gear is still under 2000 rpm. I think if you had 5 adults in the car all the time it would feel it, but with only two adults the car drives nicely. The secret to the reliability has been regular maintenance.
What do you like/dislike about the car?
I don't dislike anything about the car. A reversing camera would be nice, I think they included one in the 2011 version. I like the cars reliability and drivability with good tyres fitted. I like the SUV layout and with the back seats down, I can put in two mountain bikes and our gear comfortably. I live on a small farm and have transported 10 wooden 1.8 fences posts comfortably or put in two or three fruit trees for our orchard. It is reasonably quiet on the road and has a good sound system installed. With the electronic stability system is safe on slippery roads.
Any other comments on the car?
I have maintained the car myself, changing the oil and filter every 10000 km with premium synthetic oil. Never burns a drop between changes. Every 100000km I have had the CVT oil changed with Mitsubishi Gearbox oil at the local garage.The air filter has been changed a couple of times and is checked and cleaned every oil change. Reliablity plus as is based on the old Lancer which Mitsubishi have been making for yonks. The MIVEC valve system is great and allows the engine power at all revs. I would buy another ASX if I could wear this one out.
Reliability
5
Features/technology
4
Performance/economy
5
Value for money
5
Overall rating
5
Lastly, would you buy this vehicle again?
Yes
Why would/wouldn't you buy it again?
I would buy this car again as it ticks all the boxes as an economical, reliable small SUV that I trust to get me where I am going to. A well-built car that has just the right amount of technology and has some soul.