Hi All,

First on here going to look at an 04 AWD tomorrow morning.

Can anyone suggest common things to lookout for on the car and the benifits/downfalls in comparison to its FWD sister...

There are threads about this that have been posted in so recently you could find them in the AWD section literally within seconds, but in short.

Benefits:
Traction, loads more of it.
Zero torque steer.

Downfalls:
Fuel Economy.
Performance, slightly.

There's other things but that's the main focus I'd say.

As for things to lookout for, nothing really specific to the AWD, just the usual things you'd keep an eye out for. I'd probably check the tranny fluid though, make sure its been serviced as Mitsu auto's in general don't seem to like being ignored very much.

There are threads about this that have been posted in so recently you could find them in the AWD section literally within seconds, but in short.

Benefits:
Traction, loads more of it.
Zero torque steer.

Downfalls:
Fuel Economy.
Performance, slightly.

There's other things but that's the main focus I'd say.

As for things to lookout for, nothing really specific to the AWD, just the usual things you'd keep an eye out for. I'd probably check the tranny fluid though, make sure its been serviced as Mitsu auto's in general don't seem to like being ignored very much.

Agree totally. Just really look at the transmission and how it operates.
Worth also looking at the steering rack boot on the drivers side for any leaks. This can happen with the AWD's.

Other than that, they are fairly bulletproof.

If it is a family car as you said then you can't go past the AWD. The extra grip is worth any trade off. And i'm not talking in a performance sense.
The traction is such a piece of mind in the wet especially when your partner is driving it with maybe kids in the car?? I would never go back to a 2WD after having the safety of an AWD with the traction.
Also, it gives you the ability to go places you might not do in a 2WD like down dirt/sand/mud tracks to remote places. Yes, the ground clearance is not like an 4x4 but it can really get you places if the road is flat.

The AWD's are such a nice neutral car to drive suffering from none of the FWD issues such a toque steer and under steer. You will love it.
If economy is an issue and you are going to keep it long term then convert it to an injected gas system.

I found with the AWD that to overcome understeer you really needed to plant the throttle hard and let the rear end "swing" out, whereas in the FWD it was simply a case of backing off the throttle and getting a touch of lift-off oversteer to correct. Both are very neutral and safe handlers to a certain (high) degree. If we are talking about your wife and kids driving then an AWD without a doubt as it has that safety net should the car need to take evasive menouvres

I found with the AWD that to overcome understeer you really needed to plant the throttle hard and let the rear end "swing" out, whereas in the FWD it was simply a case of backing off the throttle and getting a touch of lift-off oversteer to correct. Both are very neutral and safe handlers to a certain (high) degree. If we are talking about your wife and kids driving then an AWD without a doubt as it has that safety net should the car need to take evasive menouvres

I know all about evasive maneuvering with wife and kids in the car.
2009 driving to Perth, 110, coming around a slight bend on the highway, herd of goats ahead, I start to slow to allow them to pass and I also move to the centre of the road, and, without warning one goat turns 180 and darts back in my direction and I instinctively turn the other way and swerve around at 70kph.
The car turned where I wanted it, I could feel the car shuffling the grip around keeping the car glued to the tarmac, and settled back and kept driving. Not once did it feel like it was going to lose grip.

Thanks for all the input guys, looks like ill be buying an 04 VRX AWD is 7500 good value as im buying from a family friend.

Thanks for all the input guys, looks like ill be buying an 04 VRX AWD is 7500 good value as im buying from a family friend.

awesome value if all is good

That's excellent value if it's in good nick with reasonable km's and service history. I wouldn't let mine go anywhere near that price.

Ok so went and had a look at the car all seemed good but the kid that owned it had thrown a pod on it and the tyres would be lucky to have 2k left on them, had this weird little idle tremor as well which could be nothing but could be worse.. So i went and bought a 04 TL AWD $7500, 6mths rego, that had new tyres, suspension and a good service history and was a family car its whole life so not likely to have been flogged. Not as nice without the leather but hey whatever kids woulda trashed that anyway :P

Great to hear mate.
Yeah that is a concern when they have pod's etc on them. You know someone drives it hard and is looking to gain extra HP from the motor.
You made the right choice. Enjoy the driving mate.

One thing i will have to consider is a new remote and key i think as the car im buying only has one set... Is anyone able to recommend the best solution for this issue.

Just buy one from Mitsubishi.

Ok so went and picked up the car this arvo, good hour long drive on the highway didnt miss a beat... From what ive read however the tranny is the biggest risk with these girls now. What colour should the oil be in them??

It should be like a see through bright red. Seriously, if you want peace of mind, then i would get it flushed anyway.
Will cost a few hundred dollars to do it right but well worth it. It will make the biggest difference to how it changes gears.
Just make sure they use the correct oil, pref use Genuine mitsubishi tranny oil.
Also, make sure its a full power flush and not just a drain of sump and re-fill. Need to get all oil out of torque converter.
While they are there, i would also recommend getting the rear diff and centre diff oil's changed as well as people rarely do this. Won't cost much but once again, make sure they use the right oils.