I'm in the process squeezing my four-bedroom house into a new two-bedroom place. Not easy, I tell you, and the whole deal doesn't allow for much fun on the weekends until the total transfer is complete.
Since both the minivans were already spoken for over the three-day holiday weekend, the biggest ride I could score was our Mitsubishi Outlander GT.
I'll spare you the pics of my trips to the The Container Store, Crate & Barrel, and multiple Target runs for storage bins, double hanging closet rods, and shelving units, and instead answer a few of the reader questions from Friday's post:
1) How is the Rockford Fosgate system versus other factory options?
System sounds very good overall, but I haven't heard the stock system so it's hard to make a direct comparison. Biggest gripe about the system is still the interface, as it uses all buttons--no knobs.
2) The S-AWC in the Outlander GT is from the rally legend Evolution: On 'spirited' drives or on the way to campsites/beaches, how does it perform? I know it is outstanding in the EVO, but is it a feature you would really need and/or use in a crossover?
Really don't notice it in this vehicle. There isn't enough power to get it moving around much and the suspension is too soft to really throw it into turns quickly. It's probably most useful as a traction aid in snowy conditions, but we haven't had much experience with that.
3) Do you like the tailgate option?
A great feature. Makes for a nice low load floor when you're packing stuff in, not to mention it makes a good place to sit if you need the space. Whenever my kid was helping me unload items from the back, I'd return to find her sitting comfortably on the tailgate. Not really all that helpful. (The kid, not the tailgate).
4) Are there any squeaks and rattles coming from anywhere in the cabin? Headliner? Tailgate area?
Unfortunately, I mostly drove it around full of stuff this weekend. There was always something rattling around between store runs, so I'd have a hard time isolating real vehicle rattles. Nothing was loud enough to carry over the din I was creating myself, anyway.
5) Anyone riding in the third row?
I don't dislike anyone that much.
Kelly Toepke, News Editor
cx7lover says:
05:04 PM, 05/31/11
I think the Rockford Fosgate system is one of my biggest reasons for picking a Mistubishi Car next to replace my CX-7. I'm looking at a Lancer Sportback. The system is bass heavy just like I like it, and I don't have to install my own system to get it like that.
powell_jr says:
05:14 PM, 05/31/11
CX-7lover, I'm not trying to make your business mine, but don't let the deciding factor in your next car purchase be a stereo, no matter how big of an audiophile you are. Get one of the prettier hatchbacks or better performing hatchbacks, but don't get the lancer just because of the stereo...
dracy69 says:
05:46 PM, 05/31/11
I like the lancer based on looks, but the stereo is the damned easiest thing to upgrade in a car. Though, if you like the looks of your interior an aftermarket head unit can ruin the look of your center stack.
Upgrading speakers alone usually won't do much when you are using a factory head unit.
In the end though, I'd look at the bigger things. Interior quality, comfort, ergonomics, chassis, suspension, drivetrain, etc. The things that are harder/impossible to change in the aftermarket.
v8vader says:
12:00 AM, 06/ 1/11
i suppose my question about getting any oversteer out of it kind of answers itself...
ralphhightower says:
06:15 AM, 06/ 1/11
Kelly,
You couldn't get the Raptor? The Fiat 500 would've been an exercise in futility.
cx7lover says:
07:06 AM, 06/ 1/11
I like the way the Lancer looks and drives as well, but the sound system is an extra that pushed me to want it as my next car. If it's not the Sportback it would be a Volvo S40/V50 with the surround sound system.
ralphhightower says:
07:18 AM, 06/ 1/11
Kelly,
You couldn't get the Raptor? The Fiat 500 would've been an exercise in futility.