Used Mitsubishi Challenger review: 1998-2013

When launched in 1998, the Mitsubishi Challenger was virtually a Mitsubishi Triton pickup with a station wagon body. Over the years it has became more slightly more sophisticated but still shares some components with the Triton. Which is no bad thing as the Triton is a tough ute with a good reputation in Australia. 

Mitsubishi Challenger was a five-seater until the all-new model of 2009 when a seven-seat option was offered. All Challengers have good head and legroom in the front, older models are a bit cramped for width in the back for three big adults.

Luggage space is excellent in the five-seater, with plenty of length and width. Naturally, the seven-seat models lose space in the rear, but are still reasonably good. There is plenty of in-cabin storage space. Cargo and luggage are quite easy to load despite the load area being high off the ground. 

Challenger is slightly smaller and less passenger oriented than its big brother Pajero. This makes it significantly cheaper. Some four-wheel drivers who go into genuine off-road areas say the Challenger is closer to being a ‘real' 4WD than the Pajero. Having said that, a well driven Pajero can be pretty impressive off-road as well.

While the Challenger is built down to a price when compared with Pajero, quality certainly hasn't suffered and there's the typically impressive Japanese attention to detail. 

Somewhat oddly, from mid 2007 until December 2009 no Mitsubishi Challengers were built. That's because the engineers concentrated on designing the all-new Triton before moving on to the new Challenger.

The suspension in the original ute-based Challenger has a very firm ride that can make the Challenger tiring on a long trip. Mitsubishi made major revisions to the suspension as part of the mid-2000 facelift and mechanical makeover. The 2009 Triton is much more civilised in the comfort department. But if you're looking for a relaxed suburban ride, and can find the extra dollars, you may be better off in a Pajero.

The Mitsubishi Challenger's engine is either a 3.0-litre petrol V6 unit or a four-cylinder 2.5-litre turbo-diesel. The petrol engine is willing enough, but is slightly down on torque at everyday revs. So you have to work at gearchanging to keep it working to best advantage. The five-speed manual gearbox is light and easy to use. 

The automatic transmission used prior to 2009 is a four-speed unit, then moved up to five-speed unit with the all-new 2009 model. This later auto is a big improvement, having Mitsubishi's semi-intelligent change system. It can be used as a sequential manual.

Mitsubishi Challenger doesn't use the highly-regarded Super Select 4WD system fitted to the Mitsubishi Pajero, rather it has an old-style setup which normally drives the rear wheels only. The two-speed transfer case can be shifted on-the-fly between 2H and 4H at speeds of up to 100 km/h and the front hubs are automatic. 

Apart from the inability to use 4WD on sealed roads the Challenger's system is almost as good as the Super Select one. Though some see this setup as being old-fashioned it explains part of the aforementioned appeal to buyers looking for a ‘real' 4WD.

Spare parts availability is good and we have heard of no complaints about pricing. Mitsubishi is long established in Australia, having built cars in its Adelaide factory for many years, so is well represented in most areas. Even when you're deep into the outback there's a good chance you can find parts and a mechanic who understands the Challenger.

Insurance is generally at the lower end of as it's the sort of vehicle that normally sells to conservative people. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

If you suspect the Mitsubishi Challenger has had a lot of use on dirt roads and in off-road conditions make a careful check of the interior fittings as the firm suspension can eventually cause squeaks and rattles.

Look over the cabin and the luggage area for damage and/or bad staining, another sign that it may have been used on off-road running.

Look under the Challenger's body for signs of damage caused by too-hard driving in harsh areas. Also look and taste for salt on the chassis rails. Salt can really attack steel and frequent beach use can cause corrosion to rip into the metal if it's left unchecked.

Make sure that the Mitsubishi's engine starts easily and idles smoothly as soon as it settles into its rhythm.

Check the engine doesn't blow any exhaust smoke when accelerated hard, especially after it's been idling for a while. It if does it could be due for an expensive overhaul.

Be sure that all gearchanges are smooth and light. Check 4WD engages and disengages in both high and low ratios without too much effort.

CAR BUYING TIP

Some 4WDs actually go off-road! These are possibly best avoided unless their prices are lower than those used as on-road people movers. Not that carting kids is light-duty work!