Chapman Mitsubishi Blog

There comes a time in every driver’s life that he or she needs to purchase a new car.  This time is often followed by some online pricing research and a mild to moderate case of sticker shock at some asking prices.  Although it may first appear a daunting task, dealerships are often able to work out mutually beneficial deals with prospective buyers.  Here are some tips to save money on a new car., courtesy of Chapman Mitsubishi.

1.  Choose the right time to buy.  The point at which you decide to visit the dealership can play a significant role in the price you pay for a new car.  First, check for upcoming sale events.  Dealerships offer deep discounts on holiday weekends, particularly the weekend preceding Memorial Day.  These discounts could even extend into the week if you prefer to avoid crowds.  If you do not want to wait for a holiday sale, select a time when the dealership is less likely to be busy.  Late in the week, late in the month, and late in the model year are often good times to receive special attention from the sales staff and deep discounts, as many dealerships receive manufacturer incentives for meeting weekly, monthly, or yearly sales totals.  Buying a new car just after next year’s model has entered the market can also provide opportunities for discounts as the dealer looks to liquidate stock and clear space for incoming vehicles.

2.  Bring cash or pre-approved financing.  Financing directly through the dealer’s financing partner can be convenient, but your own bank or credit union may be able to offer personalized incentives.  Perhaps more importantly, walking into the showroom with a clear idea of how much you are willing to spend and having the cash or approval in your hand improves your negotiating position.  Sales associates love to sell new Mitsubishi cars to prepared buyers and will not hesitate to meet your price point if you are committed to making a purchase, especially if you come with a down payment or finance approval.

3.  Do your homework.  Having a general idea about which model you would prefer to test drive and purchase not only streamlines the sales process, but alerts the sales associate to your preferences and demands for a new vehicle.  This knowledge will help the associate better cater to your needs and allows them to start thinking of rebates and other bonuses which can help them to offer you the best possible deal.  Furthermore, not all dealerships are equal.  Although every dealer will strive to serve its customers the best way that it can, different dealerships are uniquely situated in terms of their stock and freedom to negotiate – researching inventory on the Internet can be helpful.  When you are looking for a Mitsubishi Phoenix dealer to test drive a new car, remember these tips in order to secure the best deal.

Mitsubishi Motors has been committed to offering cars that are truly great to drive. Mitsubishi continues to build cars for those seeking a better driving experience than the rest by providing an exceptional blend of inspired design, durability, and performance. The brand is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of operations in the American market by announcing the release of two new models: the 2013 Outlander Sport Limited Edition and the 2014 Outlander.

Visit Chapman Mitsubishi to see how the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition separates itself from the rest of the 2013 Outlander Sport lineup with an exterior package that includes blackout side mirrors, center bumper, wheel arch trim and roof rails.  The interior becomes a darker touch with two-tone Dove Grey and Black leather seating.

Under the hood is the usual 2.0-liter in-line 4-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 148 horses at 6000 rpm and 145 lb.-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm.  However, for this Limited Edition Mitsubishi installed a new engine balance shaft that helps reduce the rolling resistance inside the engine, giving a smoother and quicker acceleration and better performance. The new Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Limited Edition will be produced at the company’s assembly plant in Normal, Illinois.

At Mitsubishi in Arizona, you can also see the newly revealed 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander. The obvious design change from the 2013 Outlander is a fresh, modern look. The redesigned 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander is a 3-row, 7-passenger, compact crossover. The new 2014 Outlander is equipped with soft-touch interior materials and standard gloss black trim. Additional standard features for the Outlander include power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, CD player, cruise control, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel.

The standard 4-cylinder engine produces 166 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 162 lb.-ft. of torque at 4200 rpm, which is relatively the same as the 2012 model. The 2014 Outlander GT steps the power up to 24-valve, 3.0L V-6 engine with 6-speed automatic transmission. Specs increase to 224 horsepower at 6250 rpm with a generous 215 lb.-ft. of torque at 3750 rpm. 

For more information on the new Mitsubishi Outlanders, visit Mitsubishi Phoenix.

New car buyers spend on average about 4.3 hours in Mitsubishi Phoenix dealerships before taking their car home. The process can be slow and has many components such as financing, registering, and signing contracts.  But with a few tips consumers can save time and money.

The first step is to understand the overall process of what will be taking place at Chapman Mitsubishi, for first time car buyers. If prepared, the car delivery process should only take an hour to an hour and a half. On weekends, it can potentially take longer due to a higher customer demand. One tip to avoid wasting time is to take advantage of home delivery services. Once an agreement buy a car has been made, ask the dealer to bring the car to the buyers house or office. This will eliminate waiting and also allow the deal to take place in somewhere where the customer feel most comfortable and in control.

Before the delivery of the car make get organized with all the necessary documents. Payment is obviously the most important item to have ready. This can be a bank or credit union check for a pre-approved loan, a cashier’s check, a personal check, or a credit card payment for a down payment. If any pre-approval needs to be done, be sure to have that squared away with Mitsubishi financing, prior to the day of delivery. Customers will also need a valid driver’s license to serve as identification for payment and the dealership needs verification the owner is a legally registered driver.

If a trade-in vehicle is part of the deal make sure to have the title, sometimes referred to as a “pink slip”, that shows who the owner of the trade-in vehicle is. If there is a co-signer on the title, get any required signatures ahead of time. Any mistakes in how the title is signed might make it unacceptable to the dealer or lead to it being rejected by the state’s motor vehicle registry. Be sure to wash and remove any personal items from a trade-in vehicle. A car that’s neat and clean will often get a higher trade-in value and will save the dealership time.

Customers will also need proof of insurance to drive any new car. Call and set up an insurance policy ahead of time with the new make and model. Insurers can fax or email an insurance card to the dealership.

The new 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was created by Mitsubishi to dominate on the race track, which means it brings tremendous performance to the everyday customer. The new Lancer Evolution has a turbocharged 291-hp MIVEC engine, Super All-Wheel Control, Brembo brakes and race-ready suspension, to ensure it lives up to its high-performance expectations.

When Phoenix Mitsubishi consumers think performance their thoughts go directly to a car’s engine and the 2013 Lancer Evolution’s engine does not disappoint. Combining a 2.0-liter all-aluminum block and head with a powerful turbocharger and advanced MIVEC technology, results in the Lancer Evolution producing 291 horsepower. The front-mounted intercooler allows the torque to be about 300 lb-ft from under 3,000 rpm to over 4,000 rpm. This kind of performance could easily be expected from a gas guzzling V6.

The Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) gives the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution amazing handling and traction. The wheels with the best grip on the road will automatically receive the most power, giving the car the best traction available at all times. In addition to that, the Active Center Differential (ACD) has three modes- tarmac, gravel, and snow- all allowing the S-AWC system to adapt to those specific driving surfaces on the drivers command.

On the outside, the 2013 Lancer Evolution was designed to take note from its car racing experience and maximize aerodynamics and speed. There are flared fenders that are not only eye-catching but also are strategically placed. These air vents smooth airflow throughout the wheel well to reduce drag caused by the wide 18-inch wheels. Also the rear wing/lip spoiler was added to create downforce on the rear wheels for added stability at high speeds.

On the inside, the high contrast gauges on the Evolution allow information to be read instantly and easily. There is also an LCD multi-information display that gives the driver a wide range of information such as outside temperature, average fuel consumption, trip odometer and distance to empty, along with the status of the S-AWC system.

The attention to detail on the newest Evolution directly matches its performance levels. There are ultra-supportive RECARO racing seats and an available 710-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system and FUSE Hands-free Link System and the new Mitsubishi FAST-Key keyless entry system.  There is also an available 40GB navigation system that provides driving directions and real-time traffic updates on a seven-inch LCD touchscreen.

The 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is now available at Chapman Mitsubishi, so come by for a test drive today.

When shopping for a new car, the audio system can be a big part of the decision for customers. Making sure you know what you want in an audio system will also help you narrow down your car search at your Phoenix Mitsubishi dealer.

Stock systems in new Mitsubishi cars are getting much more sophisticated and automakers are adding new technologies, like music-player integration and Bluetooth audio. So it is easy for the average consumer to be overwhelmed with the different options of audio hardware. Knowing what’s important in an audio system is crucial, so here are a few different items to look for in a good system that will be satisfying for years after you purchase it.

First, an amplifier must provide clean power and is one of the most important factors in high-quality sound reproduction. Even the best speakers will sound distorted with an underpowered amplifier. In addition to the amp, good low bass is also necessary for a great audio system, so a separate subwoofer can help reproduce realistic low-frequency sounds, so a good subwoofer is a must.

Another important feature is an Auxiliary input jack that allows drivers to plug in portable music devices such as in iPod or other MP3 player, using an accessory cable. The accessory cable allows almost any music player to become a part of the car’s audio system, to access the content on the device you still do have to use the controls on the device, which can be distracting while driving. A USB port in addition to an AUX cord offers a better way to integrate portable music into a system. Usually you can use the cars audio display to control the device and it will also let allow you to charge your device while driving.

Bluetooth audio is another feature to look for, in the same way Bluetooth provides hands-free technology by transferring calls to the audio system, the Bluetooth audio will wirelessly stream music from a compatible device. Some controls are able to be used from the cars audio system, but they are limited to the volume up/down and track-skip forward/back.

Controls on the steering wheel will allow drivers to operate basic functions without even having to move your hands from the wheel, which is obviously much safer than any of the previous options discussed. A few newer models will let you control music from a connected music player, a definite plus.

An easy-to-read display is also vital to your car audio search, since it’s crucial that your display be simple and safe to operate, especially while driving. Make sure when test driving that you can see the display even at a glance and check daytime glare from the sun as well as at night. Also make sure the audio system has intuitive controls, to further minimize distractions while driving.

Chapman Mitsubishi currently offers tons of options that include these audio requirements and also additional upgrades, so come by to see which model has the audio system that best fits your needs.

Mitsubishi revealed that the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid EV is set for release in September. They announced that the plug-in Outlander will “share its architecture with the soon-to-be-introduced New Outlander’s ICE versions” and claims that it will be the first-ever mainstream vehicle from a major manufacturer “envisaged from the outset with built-in provisions for either ICE or PHEV powertrains.” Mitsubishi also claims that the plug-in Outlander will become the first-ever “permanent 4WD electric car in series production.”

“It is definitely coming here to the USA” said Roger Yasukawa, Mitsubishi Motors North America spokesman. “We are targeting fiscal year 2013—which probably means the later part of 2013 to March 2014.

Mitsubishi has released a few details of the car and it seems to be based on the all-new 2013 Outlander. New Mitsubishi Phoenix enthusiasts will also be happy to know it will also be offered with a gasoline engine. The Plug-In Hybrid version of the new Outlander will have permanent electric all-wheel drive–the first all-electric AWD vehicle to go into volume production–that can be supplemented by torque from the engine when required. The details of the powertrain were previewed in 2009 in the PX-MiEV Concept, as well as the follow-on 2011 PX-MiEV II Concept, which demonstrated a remarkably flexible–and complex–drive system that will underlie several vehicles from Mitsubishi by 2020.

The Outlander PHEV is expected to offer a total range of 497 miles, and offer three 4WD drive modes: Pure (twin-motor electric-only drive), Series (twin-motor electric drive supported by range-extending generator) and Parallel (ICE engine supported by twin-motor electric drive). Mitsubishi also says its performance will be equivalent to that of a 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline engine, but with CO2 emissions of 50 g/km or less and a driving range of 500 miles or more with a full gas tank and batteries fully charged.

Stay tuned for more information on the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid once its debuted in September. For information on any other Mitsubishi models check out your Phoenix Mitsubishi dealer.

At Chapman Automotive Group there are lots of employees who work hard every day to ensure that everything is running as smoothly as possible. Meet one of those employees from Chapman Mitsubishi and Hyundai, Matt Trader. We asked Matt a few questions, for you to get to know him a little better and here are his responses:

Name: Matt Trader
Title: Mitsubishi and Hyundai Service Director at Chapman Bell Road Imports

Chapman Automotive Group: How long have you worked for Chapman?
Matt Trader: 10 years

Chapman Automotive Group: What is your most satisfying experience at the Phoenix Hyundai dealer?
Matt Trader: I love being involved in all aspects of the service department – from interacting with staff to consulting with customers.

Chapman Automotive Group: What’s your personal life like?
Matt Trader: I’m married. I have one son who is three years old.

Chapman Automotive Group: What did you do prior to working at Chapman?
Matt Trader: I used to work in the car service industry in Chicago.

Chapman Automotive Group: What are your goals in your new position at Chapman Bell Road Imports?
Matt Trader: I’d like to continue to provide top-notch customer service that defines the Chapman philosophy. We’ll also work to maintain our reputation as the number one Hyundai service department in the nation.

Come by and check out Matt at work at either Chapman Mazda or Chapman Hyundai dealer.

The Mitsubishi Outlander and Kia Sorento may both be crossover SUVs but the Outlander out performs the Sorento in multiple aspects.

The Mitsubishi Outlander seems to win out in most categories when comparing the two, starting with pricing. The base price for the all-wheel drive Outlander is a mere $24,845, the Sorento comes in at $34,850. The Outlander does have a $2,900 touring option package (leather seats, cool sound system), and $2,000 bought navigation with rear camera. The only option on the Sorento was the $1,500 panoramic sunroof.

As for storage, both vehicles feature a nice storage compartment behind the second row. But if the third row is being used the Kia Sorentos storage space immediately diminishes to room for hardly anything.  Phoenix Mitsubishi drivers on the other hand may be rather surprised by the amount of space available even with the third row in use.

Both the Sorento and the Outlander were able to accelerate with ease and handle driving well. But the Outlander Sport model came with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a CVT, and edged out the competition performing admirably overall.

As for the handling on both cars, the Sorento is a larger vehicle, which may leave consumers feeling less than connected to the car. The automatic transmissions on both vehicles are alright, but once you get the motor running the Outlander provides a better experience. As for MPG the Sorento is said to have an average of 23 mpg, 21 city and 28 highway. Mitsubishi Outlander Phoenix drivers will squeak by the Sorento coming in with 25 combined, 23 city, and 28 highway.

Both get “Recommended” ratings from Consumer Reports. The Outlander has an above-average reliability rating, and the Sorento’s is average. And both vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000-mile power-train warranty, and both feature fuller coverage for five years or 60,000 miles. But the Mitsubishi Outlander would be the preference for its combination of good performance, comfort, reliability, and better fuel economy.

For more information head to your Chapman Mitsubishi dealer!

With the recent downturn in the economy people are always wondering how to make their car last as long as possible. The first thing any car owner should do is find a respectable mechanic to take care of your car, which usually for the best Mitsubishi service the dealership will have the most knowledgeable people for your specific car. Only use good quality or original parts, which again can also be found at the dealership service center.

Watch for early signs of potential problems by checking for leaks, irregular noises, unusual smells, differences in engine performance, and other things out of the norm. Obviously most people realize when an unwanted light comes on, on the instrument panel, but some people push it off or ignore it. This is one of the simplest things to monitor on your car to ensure a long life, have your vehicle looked at as soon as possible when a warning light appears to avoid further damage. Another simple tip is to keep all fluid and oils clean and topped off. Fluids are vital for your car to run smoothly and over time they can evaporate or leak, so they need to be changed often and their levels need to be monitored. Small problems can often lead to larger problems quickly if not taken care of.

Luckily living in the desert there isn’t as much humidity or salt in the air as other states but it is still important to check for rust frequently to prevent corrosion. Regularly lubricate door hinges, locks, hood, trunk, and tailgates to prevent corrosion as well.

Your transmission is another part that is important to focus on keeping in good shape since if it fails or has problems it usually equals big bucks. Automatic transmissions most frequently fail from overheating, excessive heat and fluid loss makes the transmission wear faster. A tip to prevent overheating is to change your transmission fluid often and consider installing an additional transmission fluid cooler.

On the outside of the car make sure to wash your car regularly and wax it every once in awhile. The wax will keep the paint finish looking shiny longer and also protect the panels from corrosion. Touch up any scratches or scuff in the paint before they corrode as well, once the metal inside the scratch is expose it can rust and cost money to repair. Clean windshield wipers when you wash your car as well. Often small particles of sand can get trapped underneath causing windshield scratches.

For more information on these tips as well as many more call your Phoenix Mitsubishi to get in touch with the service department.

Production of the Eclipse came to a halt August 2011, ending four generations of the Eclipse. The first two generations were closely related to the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser and the third generation came out with an entirely new platform and new parts. The fourth and final generation came out in May 2005 and continued to be produced until now.

The first generation of the Eclipse was from 1990-1994, and was so as a mid-level four-cylinder sports coupe. There were four trim levels including an all-wheel drive option, all trim levels included a turbocharged engine. From 1992-1994 minor changes were added such as updated sheetmetal and pop-up headlights, making them distinctively different from previous models. This generation of the Eclipse made Car and Drivers Top 10 Best list from 1989-1992

The second generation of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which ran from 1995 to 1999, had major updates in the styling and engine. In 1996 a convertible model was introduced and it was called the Spyder. The Spyder was available in two trims: the GS and the GST. The turbocharged engine option continued to be available with the Mitsubishi 4G63 engine but was modified to add more power. In 1997 the front grille was given an updated, more aggressive, profile and the headlights were again changed to be sharper. The chrome accented interior was changed to all black interior with chrome reflector inserts. Also from 1997-1999 the interior color choices were changed and black leather became an interior option in 1999. At the end of 1999 a special version of the Eclipse was released called the “10^th Anniversary OZ Rally”, which had unique 16-inch wheels and OZ Racing logo. The special edition package was only offered with the 420A engine.

The third generation of the Eclipse ran from 2000-2005. The first Eclipse of this generation was very designed very similarly to the Mitsubishi SST concept car which Mitsubishi debuted in 1998. That was the first concept vehicle Mitsubishi had every shown. The newly updated Eclipse included new powertrain options: a 147 hp 2.4L 16-valve SOHC 4-cylinder 4G64 engine or a 205 hp 24v SOHC 3.0L V6. In 2001 the power was brought down to 200 hp due to changed emission standards. In mid-2002, the GTS trim was introduced for the 2003 model year and was given 10 additional hp and improved power curve. 2003 was also the year Mitsubishi introduced the GTS model and additional minor changes such as a new front bumper, fog lights, and recolored taillights were added. In 2001 the Mitsubishi Eclipse EV concept car was released and featured a lightweight electric motor and lithium-ion batteries.

The final generation of the Eclipse ran from 2006-2012, although production technically ended in August of 2011. The new styling mimicked the second generation models but with the front fascia from later generations. The drivetrains included a 263 hp 3.8L MIVEC V6 and 2009 and newer models have 265 hp. The fourth-generation Spyder convertible was released in 2007 at the North American International Auto Show. In 2009 the front fascia was changed and the rear Eclipse insignia was changed from indented to raised letters. There was also an optional dual exhaust and H.I.D headlights. The engine was updated to 265 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. In 2011 the Eclipse featured a “blackout” roof and lowered suspension. A backup camera and Bluetooth hands-free calling was also made available.

Finally in 2012 the last Eclipse was produced. There were three small changes from the 2011 model which included: brake override logic, a clear lip spoiler, and an additional exterior color was made available. The very last Eclipse manufactured was auctioned off for a final price of $35,000 and the proceeds were donated to the Japanese Red Cross to aid tsunami victims.

Check out your Mitsubishi Arizona dealer for more information on used Mitsubishi selections.