Buying a used Mitsubishi ASX (2010-2014)

The Mitsubishi ASX (or Active Sports Crossover to use its full title) had its origins in the Japanese desire to produce compact models with an appetite for all kinds of road conditions.

Looking into the ASX's antecedents you find tall, quite ungainly people movers – badged 'RVR' and basically the vehicle we knew in Australia as the Nimbus. There was even a startlingly fast version called Hypergear. That one was never sold here and shared its engine with the rally-spec Lancer EVO.

By July 2010 when the XA series ASX was revealed to Australia it drew buyers from several established market segments. There were the ones who would buy a Lancer but wanted more space, those needing family transport with a modicum of off-road ability and the ones who just wanted a car that stood out from the mob.

The base model and better-equipped Aspire were both available with all-wheel drive, Constantly Variable (CVT) automatic transmission and a 110kW 2.0-litre petrol engine. From there the specification diversified, with base version available in 2WD as well and with five-speed manual transmission as an alternative to Constantly Variable automatic (CVT).

Aspire buyers were able to specify a 1.8-litre turbo-diesel engine with six-speed manual transmission. Like the 2.0-litre motor, the diesel developed 110kW and to that it added 300Nm of torque or around 50 per cent more than the petrol engine could muster.

Even in 2WD form, an ASX was not a cheap car. The lowest-spec CVT petrol model was listed at $28,490 and that leapt to $36,990 if you wanted an Aspire.

At the lower levels, ASX equipment included 16-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors, windows and door locks, air-conditioning and a CD player. Jumping into the Aspire brought bigger wheels, power seats, sat nav, climate control air and a nine-disc stacker for the Fosgate sound system.

Late 2011 brought an updated ASX with minor styling tweaks, new trim and a Luxury Pack for 2WD models that cost $3700. It added power-adjustable leather seats, a multi-function steering wheel, reversing camera with its screen mounted in the mirror, fog lights and bigger wheels.

Mechanically the cars were unchanged and diesel buyers would wait until 2014 in anticipation of Mitsubishi finding an automatic that would work with its little diesel.

Parents often ask which models are reliable and safe enough to be a young driver's first car. The petrol-fed ASX kicks goals in both respects. Its MIVEC variable valve timing system has attained a good reputation, with 200,000 kilometres and more achieved by Lancers with the same engine.

In terms of safety the ASX shines very brightly in a class of vehicles that don't always rate well in crash avoidance or occupant protection measures. Right from its arrival on Australian roads the ASX was a Five-Star performer in ANCAP crash testing. Standard head, side and driver's knee airbags supported by ABS, stability control and advanced seat-belt reminders helped the compact Mitsubishi score 34.13 points from ANCAP's possible 37.

Peer through the window of an ASX sitting in the dealer's yard and it might not spark any huge aspirations to ownership. But don't walk away.

From behind the wheel of an Aspire and as the electrically-adjustable seat slides smoothly on its runners the dash starts to look interesting. The wheel is compact, feels good and is festooned with sufficient buttons and gismos to keep the family geek in business for several minutes.

Also on the plus side is good all-round vision, with well-sited pillars, big mirrors and, where available, the 'picture in the mirror' rear camera. Even with the front seats rolled to the extremes of their travel, rear leg-space remains reasonable. Tall passengers won't like the proximity of the hood-lining but kids will be happy not being forced to peer over high window sills.

Once familiar with the feel of the continuously-variable transmission many people will find the ASX a perfect choice for urban motoring. The engine if you flog it is loud, and according to early reports so were the tyres. However, those buying used might not encounter that problem as the original rubber should be long gone by now.

Standard cloth seats look to offer decent shape. If they are at all like the Lancer's they will be good for multiple hours behind the wheel before the lower back starts to ache.

Push an ASX a bit harder than was the designers' intention and its limitations manifest. The steering is a bit dull and disconnected, although this reportedly become an issue only on wet roads where loss of grip at the front will be felt through the seat of the driver's pants before a tell-tale shudder finds its way to the wheel. Lifting off a little pulls everything neatly back into line.

As an off-roader the ASX is a peripheral player. Its world is filled with compact SUVs that handle the rough stuff way better than the little Mitsubishi so if you're into camping or cruising the beachfront an Outlander is preferable.

People who buy a diesel vehicle of this size are unlikely to be looking for a load carrier or towing capability. The only other reason is fuel economy and even that premise could be false. Tests reported that the 1.8-litre turbo-diesel would average 5.7L/100km against the combined Urban/Highway average of 7.7L/100km for a petrol model. That 2.0L/100km saving would need to extend over several years before it defrays the diesel's higher purchase price and servicing costs.

>> Three times during the past six years, Mitsubishi has issued recall notices involving XA Series ASXs. Most serious was the possibility that a flange retaining the engine drive belt could break, causing the belt to fly off and the engine to overheat. Brake components prone to rusting could cause the parking brake to fail and finally wiper pivots which were also prone to rust could affect windscreen wiper operation.

>> They might ride high on big tyres but the ASX is not an off-road vehicle. Some owners dispute this and will 'have a go' at sandy tracks and rocky creek crossings, causing underbody damage and possible mechanical woes for subsequent owners. A quick glance at the underside of an abused ASX will reveal dents or scrapes. If there are any, find another car.

>> Provided their dust-sealing boots aren’t damaged, front constant-velocity joints should last around 150,000 kilometres. Listen for clicking sounds when simultaneously turning and accelerating.

>> Ensure that the fluid in the continuously-variable transmission has been replaced at 90,000 kilometres with the correct grade and type. Failing to do the change or using incorrect fluid can lead to failures which the 150,000km warranty won't cover. Avoid any CVT vehicle that is producing excessive transmission noise (some whining is normal) or displays jolting changes.

>> Blockages of the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) can cause the pump to deliver more fuel than the engine can use. The excess runs into the sump where it reduces the effectiveness of lubricant and out through the exhaust as soot. If the engine oil level is above the 'Full' mark or smells of diesel suspect a DPF problem.

Used vehicle grading for ASX XA Series
Design & Function: 14/20
Safety: 15/20
Practicality: 14/20
Value for Money: 12/20
Wow Factor: 12/20
Score: 67/100

Also consider: Ford Kuga, Subaru XV, Holden Trax