Free Buyer’s Guide

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

A simple guide for buyers with no car knowledge. Do most of the work from home, on the phone. Only go and see the SUV if you like what you hear. The decision is always yours.

The free guide is below. The full guide is made for this car after you pay.

Which 2015 Outlander is it?

A 2015 listing can be the ZJ MY14.5 (on sale March 2014) or the ZK MY16 (launched January 2015). The exact switch-over date was not found, so check the build date. A plug-in hybrid was also sold. Ask if this is one.

Ask the seller: "What build date is on the compliance plate, and which engine and gearbox does the car have?"

Safety rating

• All variants built Nov 2012 to Mar 2015, including the plug-in hybrid5 stars (35.58 out of 37)

As published by ANCAP. Older ratings, tested to easier standards than today’s.

The big-money items

You can’t see inside these parts, but you can ask about them.

• CVT automatic gearbox 2.0L AND 2.4L PETROL

  $$$ (over $2,000)

  A CVT is an automatic gearbox with no fixed gears. One workshop page lists shudder or overheating as the most reported issue. One page quotes $4,000 to $6,000 fitted for a full replacement. A recall for slow acceleration covers some ZK cars. Recalls depend on the VIN.

  Ask: "When was the CVT fluid last changed, and is there an invoice?"

• Diesel balance shaft coupling 2.2L TURBO DIESEL

  $$$ (over $2,000)

  The balance shaft is a part inside the engine that cuts vibration. One site lists a weak point on diesels built late 2012 to early 2018. Owner forums link it to a rattle. The evidence is light.

  Ask: "Has the engine been checked for a rattle at idle on a cold start?"

• Diesel particulate filter (DPF) and injectors 2.2L TURBO DIESEL

  $$$ (over $2,000)

  The DPF catches soot from the diesel exhaust. One European site says short trips can block it. A parts seller links injector faults to DPF trouble. The evidence is light.

  Ask: "Is the car mostly driven on short trips or the highway, and has the DPF light ever come on?"

Regular maintenance

Look for these on the service invoices.

• Engine oil

  Fresh oil keeps the engine clean and cool.

  As shown in the logbook

• Spark plugs or fuel filter

  Spark plugs on petrol engines. Fuel filter on the diesel.

  As shown in the logbook

• Brake fluid

  Old fluid takes in water. This can make brakes work less well.

  Every 2 years (our guide)

• Coolant

  Keeps the engine from getting too hot.

  As shown in the logbook

• Gearbox oil (and diff and transfer oils on 4WD)

  The CVT uses a special fluid. Ask for the invoice. Diff and transfer oils are for the 4WD parts.

  As shown in the logbook

• Air filter

  Stops dirt getting into the engine.

  As shown in the logbook

• Tyres

  Rubber hardens with age, even when the tread looks good.

  Replace at 6 years old, even with good tread (our guide). Alignment every 10,000 to 15,000 km (our guide)

• Battery

  Starts the car and runs the electrics.

  Most last about 3 to 5 years

Questions to ask on this Outlander

These are for this model. The full list of questions, with tick boxes, is in the PDF.

• Which engine and gearbox does the car have?

  Good answer: The seller names the engine size and gearbox, and it matches the compliance plate.

  Why: This model came with a few engines. The right answer helps you read the right part of this guide.

• Is there a record of CVT fluid changes?

  Good answer: Yes, with invoices showing the date and kilometres.

  Why: The CVT gearbox is the costliest item to watch for on the petrol models.

• If it is a diesel: has it ever shown a DPF light or gone into limp mode?

  Good answer: No. The seller says it is mostly driven on the highway.

  Why: Limp mode is when the car limits its own power. It can point to a filter or injector problem.

Words you might see on an invoice

CVT fluid service

The gearbox oil was changed. It is a drain and refill with a special fluid.

Diff or transfer oil

Oil change for the part that sends power to the rear wheels.

DPF regeneration

Burning off the soot in the diesel filter.

Balance shaft

A part inside the diesel engine that reduces vibration. It is linked to the rattle some owners report.

Struts and ball joints

Front suspension parts. Wear can cause knocking over bumps.

Two quick checks at home

All you need is the VIN.

• Recalls: vehiclerecalls.gov.au
• Money owing: ppsr.gov.au (small fee; check again on the day you pay)

• Recalls depend on the VIN. Check the VIN on the car itself.

General information only, not an inspection of any vehicle. “Our guide” means our recommendation, not a legal rule. Costs are a rough guide. Information current at October 2026: always check the VIN yourself.