Battle of the Rides: A Comparison of Three Affordable Used Vehicles

As you search for your next affordable used vehicle, it’s important to consider various options to find the best fit for your needs and budget. In this article, we will compare three vehicles currently available at Stevens Auto Sales. Each offers a unique set of features, performance capabilities, and value propositions, making them strong contenders in the affordable used car market.

Introduction of the Vehicles

We will introduce three vehicles: the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWD 4dr SUV, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 4dr Sedan, and the 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite 4dr Mini Van. These vehicles represent a range of body styles, features, and price points, catering to different preferences and needs.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWD 4dr SUV

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWD is a versatile and reliable SUV with 185,190 miles on it. With a sleek black exterior and matching black interior, this vehicle offers a stylish and comfortable driving experience. Priced at $8,495, it’s an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for an all-wheel-drive vehicle.

2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 4dr Sedan

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350 combines luxury and sophistication. With 159,666 miles on the odometer, this sedan features a white exterior paired with a beige interior, offering a refined driving experience. At $6,995, it provides excellent value for buyers seeking premium comfort and performance.

2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite 4dr Mini Van

The 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite is a family-friendly minivan with 230,000 miles. It boasts a white exterior and a gray interior, providing ample space for both passengers and cargo. Priced at $8,995, this minivan is perfect for families seeking a reliable, spacious vehicle.

Performance and Handling

When evaluating a used vehicle, performance and handling are crucial considerations. Here, we compare the engine specifications and driving experiences of these three vehicles.

Engine Specifications

  • 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SE AWD: Powered by a 2.4L inline-4 engine producing 166 horsepower.
  • 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E 350: Equipped with a 3.5L V6 engine that generates 268 horsepower.
  • 2014 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite: Features a 3.5L V6 engine with 248 horsepower, making it ideal for hauling families and cargo with ease.

Driving Experience

  • The Mitsubishi Outlander offers a balanced and fuel-efficient drive, especially with its all-wheel-drive capability. While it may not pack the power of larger SUVs, it excels in everyday driving and light off-road conditions.
  • The Mercedes-Benz E-Class delivers a smooth and powerful ride, with precise handling and luxury-level refinement, making it a pleasure to drive on highways and around town.
  • The Honda Odyssey provides a comfortable and stable driving experience, perfect for long family trips. Its V6 engine ensures it can handle highway driving, and its responsive steering makes it easy to maneuver for a vehicle its size.

Features and Interior

A vehicle’s features and interior comfort play a key role in the overall ownership experience. Let’s examine the technology, infotainment systems, and interior space of these models.

Technology and Infotainment

  • The Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a 6.1-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera, and an advanced all-wheel-drive system.
  • The Mercedes-Benz E-Class features a premium sound system, leather upholstery, and a COMAND infotainment system with navigation.
  • The Honda Odyssey offers a rear-seat entertainment system, a touchscreen display with navigation, and a high-end audio system, perfect for keeping passengers entertained during long trips.

Interior Comfort and Space

  • The Outlander provides a modern and comfortable interior, but space may be slightly tighter for larger families compared to the Odyssey.
  • The E-Class offers luxurious seating and finishes, with generous legroom and premium materials throughout the cabin, making every ride feel special.
  • The Odyssey excels in space, providing ample seating for up to eight passengers and numerous storage compartments, making it ideal for families who need extra room.

Safety and Reliability

Safety and reliability are paramount when selecting a used vehicle. Here, we assess the safety features and reliability of these three vehicles.

Safety Features

  • The Outlander comes equipped with multiple airbags, stability control, and a host of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring.
  • The E-Class boasts advanced safety systems such as adaptive cruise control, a suite of airbags, and traction control.
  • The Odyssey includes safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and rear-seat passenger airbags, ensuring family safety.

Reliability Ratings

  • Mitsubishi Outlander: Generally rated as reliable for its class, though with its mileage, regular maintenance will be key to longevity.
  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Known for its durability, but as a luxury vehicle, maintenance costs can be higher, especially for older models.
  • Honda Odyssey: Consistently rated as one of the most reliable minivans, with many owners reporting long-term satisfaction despite higher mileage.

Pricing and Value

Finding a vehicle that offers both initial cost affordability and long-term value is crucial.

Initial Cost vs Long-Term Value

  • The Mitsubishi Outlander has an attractive initial cost of $8,495, providing great value for those looking for an affordable, all-wheel-drive SUV.
  • The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, priced at $6,995, offers luxury at a budget price, though potential buyers should consider higher maintenance costs due to its age and premium nature.
  • The Honda Odyssey at $8,995 provides exceptional long-term value for families, thanks to its reliability and functionality, though the higher mileage is worth considering for future repairs.

Comparison of Maintenance Costs

  • The Outlander has moderate maintenance costs, which are typical for a midsize SUV in its class.
  • The E-Class is known for higher maintenance expenses due to its luxury status, with parts and service often costing more than non-luxury brands.
  • The Odyssey has relatively low maintenance costs, but given its higher mileage, larger repairs could be a consideration in the coming years.

Conclusion

At Stevens Auto Sales, we offer a wide selection of quality used vehicles, and the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and 2014 Honda Odyssey each present strong options depending on your needs. Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly SUV, a luxury sedan, or a spacious family minivan, we have something for everyone. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a test drive, and let us help you find the perfect vehicle to fit your lifestyle.