Jan
12th
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History/Description: Mitsubishi's Endeavor was an often-overlooked SUV offered by the Japanese automaker between 2004 and 2011. Riding the same platform as the Galant sedan and offering standard V6 power, generous ride height and available all wheel drive, it was powerful, capable and family-ready.
Power came from a 3.8L V6 engine, making 215 or 225 horsepower, depending on the year. Front-wheel drive was standard, as was an automatic 4-speed transmission.
Available feature content included power accessories, cruise control, an in-dash CD changer, heated leather seats, stability control, a Rockford Fosgate stereo, Bluetooth, a power driver's seat, satellite radio, and more. Trim level nomenclature at Mitsubishi puts the “LS” model at the bottom of the rung, with “SE,” “XLS” and “Limited” models being more comprehensively equipped.
What Owners Like: Endeavor owners tend to rave about a solid and comfortable ride, plenty of power, plenty of space, and the performance of the up-level stereo system. Many also report satisfaction with fuel mileage, which is rare in a used SUV. Handling is also highly rated by most owners.
What Owners Dislike: Common complaints include cheap interior trim, a lack of illumination on the shift console, and excessive wind noise at speed.
Common Issues: Start your test drive of a used Endeavor with a walk-around, noting the condition of the tires and paint. Look for signs of rust, particularly on the rear lift-gate, the lower edges of the doors, and around the rear wheel-wells. Ensure the tailgate and tailgate glass open and close as expected, and that the remote keyfobs work properly, too. If the tailgate glass panel won't open, it's likely because of a bad actuator.
A mechanical inspection should be completed ahead of your purchase too, especially if the model you're considering has AWD. Have a mechanic look for signs of leakage from the transmission, engine and differential. While it's in the air, the Endeavor you're considering can be checked for signs of rust, damage or worn-out suspension and brake components.
Ascertain whether the Endeavor you're considering will need a timing belt change soon after your purchase, factoring the extra cost into your offer if that's the case.
Endeavor's engine looks solid, but some owners reported issues with sensors causing drivability issues. These won't always cause the check-engine light to illuminate, so have the Endeavor's onboard computer scanned for signs of trouble with the engine or transmission ahead of your purchase.
Listen for a “whirring” sound in older, AWD-equipped models, which could indicate a bad “propeller” shaft, which sends power to the rear wheels. A Mitsubishi mechanic will be familiar with diagnosing and repairing this well-known problem, which should be covered by the brand's lengthy powertrain warranty in most situations.
The Verdict: Look for a mechanically sound model with a good portion of Mitsubishi's 160,000 kilometre powertrain warranty remaining and you'll confidently enjoy an SUV loved for its size, comfort and power.
Power came from a 3.8L V6 engine, making 215 or 225 horsepower, depending on the year. Front-wheel drive was standard, as was an automatic 4-speed transmission.
Available feature content included power accessories, cruise control, an in-dash CD changer, heated leather seats, stability control, a Rockford Fosgate stereo, Bluetooth, a power driver's seat, satellite radio, and more. Trim level nomenclature at Mitsubishi puts the “LS” model at the bottom of the rung, with “SE,” “XLS” and “Limited” models being more comprehensively equipped.
What Owners Like: Endeavor owners tend to rave about a solid and comfortable ride, plenty of power, plenty of space, and the performance of the up-level stereo system. Many also report satisfaction with fuel mileage, which is rare in a used SUV. Handling is also highly rated by most owners.
What Owners Dislike: Common complaints include cheap interior trim, a lack of illumination on the shift console, and excessive wind noise at speed.
Endeavor owners tend to rave about a solid and comfortable ride, plenty of power, plenty of space. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert) |
Common Issues: Start your test drive of a used Endeavor with a walk-around, noting the condition of the tires and paint. Look for signs of rust, particularly on the rear lift-gate, the lower edges of the doors, and around the rear wheel-wells. Ensure the tailgate and tailgate glass open and close as expected, and that the remote keyfobs work properly, too. If the tailgate glass panel won't open, it's likely because of a bad actuator.
A mechanical inspection should be completed ahead of your purchase too, especially if the model you're considering has AWD. Have a mechanic look for signs of leakage from the transmission, engine and differential. While it's in the air, the Endeavor you're considering can be checked for signs of rust, damage or worn-out suspension and brake components.
Ascertain whether the Endeavor you're considering will need a timing belt change soon after your purchase, factoring the extra cost into your offer if that's the case.
Endeavor's engine looks solid, but some owners reported issues with sensors causing drivability issues. These won't always cause the check-engine light to illuminate, so have the Endeavor's onboard computer scanned for signs of trouble with the engine or transmission ahead of your purchase.
Listen for a “whirring” sound in older, AWD-equipped models, which could indicate a bad “propeller” shaft, which sends power to the rear wheels. A Mitsubishi mechanic will be familiar with diagnosing and repairing this well-known problem, which should be covered by the brand's lengthy powertrain warranty in most situations.
The Verdict: Look for a mechanically sound model with a good portion of Mitsubishi's 160,000 kilometre powertrain warranty remaining and you'll confidently enjoy an SUV loved for its size, comfort and power.
Start your test drive of a used Endeavor with a walk-around, noting the condition of the tires and paint. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert) |