Mitsubishi Problems

Towing the tools during the week and the toys at the weekend has never been easier or more comfortable. Where once the tradie ute was a two-door three-on-a-bench cabin with a column-shift gearbox and an AM radio that made an alarm clock/radio sound good, 21st century machines are far closer to passenger cars.The venerable Toyota HiLux has come under fire from all sides, copping blows from Japanese, German and even locally developed Thai-built Ford products in recent years. Yet the Toyota workhorse finished 2012 as the second biggest-selling vehicle on the local market, as well as the most popular ute and best-selling four-wheel-drive within a segment that's grown substantially.By the end of 2003, there were 50,670 4WD pick-up/cab-chassis vehicles sold in a market that totalled 909,811 sales. Fast-forward five years and the 4WD ute segment totalled 83,308 with 12 models from nine brands on sale in a total market of 1.01 million.Last year, in a total market of 1.11 million, it speared well past the six-figure mark, recording 124,536 sales for 14 models from 11 brands. The reason: versatility. The more recently released dual-cabs now warrant some design focus to make the rear seat useful for more than short trips to the shop at smoko.Right-angled seat cushions have made way for more comfortable benches, lap-sash seat belts and child anchors. Road manners are far less rudimentary. The features lists have improved -- FM radio, seat adjustment and aircon are no longer considered namby-pamby -- as has the level of safety gear, with airbags, anti-lock brakes and even stability control fitted in recent times.The fleet market was largely responsible for putting the HiLux into the top 10 vehicles list but plenty of user-chooser customers need a more versatile machine. The result of expanded choice in the segment and increased competition has led to a wide range of makes and models, each with plenty of kit.HiLux still rules the roost but the others are gaining, adding features and sharpening prices to get a bigger chunk.2008 Toyota Hilux SR5 4WDEngine: 3.0-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 4-speed automaticThirst: 9.5L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSThe HiLux has been the dominant force in dual-cab utes, with the brand's reputation for reliability no small factor in its popularity. The SR5 has dual front airbags, aircon, cruise control, 15-inch alloys, nudge bar and anti-lock brakes, but tilt-only steering2008 Nissan Navara ST-X 4WD D40Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinderTransmission: 6-speed manualThirst: 9.8L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSNavara has been a sales gem for Nissan and this example has been optioned up to include roof racks and a canopy. It sits on 16-inch alloy wheels and packs more power and torque than the HiLux, as well as a few extra features to give it a look-in for the sales race, such as a rotary switch for the 4WD system.2010 Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 4WDEngine: 2.5-litre 4-cyl turbo dieselTransmission: 5-speed automaticThirst: 9.9L/100kmCARSGUIDE SAYSExtra kit was also Triton's ticket in, given the HiLux's dominance. It has front and side airbags, a fifth ratio for the auto (HiLux still has four), stability control, 17-inch alloys and neat touches such as the roll-down rear window. The look isn't to all tastes but the bullbar takes care of some of that.

When introduced to Australia in 1998, the Mitsubishi Challenger was virtually a Triton pickup fitted with a station wagon body. Over the years it retained parts in common with the Triton but became more sophisticated.Challenger is slightly smaller and less passenger oriented vehicle than selling Mitsubishi Pajero. This makes it significantly cheaper. Many 4WD enthusiasts say the Challenger is closer to being a ‘real’ 4WD than the Pajero, and love it for that.Take it to forest trails and it will cope with ease, likewise it handles beach driving well. Having said that, a well driven Pajero can be pretty handy off-road as well. From mid 2007 until December 2009 no new Challengers were built.That’s because the engineers concentrated on designing the all-new Triton (the one with the interesting shape at the rear of the doors) before starting to expand their efforts onto the Challenger. 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 but the 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 pretty good.The area is quite easy to load despite being high off the ground. There is also plenty of in-cabin storage space. The Challenger has reasonable on-road comfort for its type and most owners are happy with its characteristics. Later models improved in this.However, those looking for a very relaxed suburban ride may be better off opting for Pajero instead. 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. The auto has Mitsubishi’s semi-intelligent change system and can be used as a sequential manual.The 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.So, apart from the inability to use 4WD on sealed roads the 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.The suspension in the original ute-based model 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.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 as it’s the sort of vehicle that normally sells to conservative people.WHAT TO LOOK FORIf 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 for signs of rough usage, being sure to look into all the hidden storage areas for damage that may have been caused by bored junior travellers. At the same time check out the luggage area for damage and/or bad staining.While the Challenger was built down to a price, quality certainly didn’t suffer and there's the typically impressive Japanese attention to detail. 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 that 4WD is engaged in both high and low ratios without too much effort.CAR BUYING TIPDon’t even think of handing over your hard earned until you've had a full professional inspection, preferably from an expert on the make/model you’re considering.

NEW - There is little doubt that the SUV is the most popular type of   vehicle in today's market, you only have to look around you in the   daily grind to know that the SUV is today's favourite family wagon. Such has been their success that carmakers have been doing back flips   trying to satisfy the demand for more and different types of SUV.Mitsubishi's compact ASX is a case in point. It's the SUV you have   when you don't really want an SUV, you know, when you don't want a   rugged offroader, or a road-hogging seven-seater behemoth. The compact ASX is a wagon, for sure, but it looks more like a car   than a traditional offroad wagon. The range kicked off with a petrol-engined two-wheel drive entry model, a sensible town-based SUV, and topped-out with a turbo-diesel four-wheel driver.The ASX was based on the Outlander four-wheel drive SUV, which made it a real four-wheel driver for those who feel the need for   technology, but it was the two-wheel drive model that was the big   news in the range. At the bottom of the range the 2WD ASX was a front-driver with power   from a modest 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and a CVT transmission.Inside, the ASX boasted a roomy, comfortable car-like cabin. The   doors allowed easy access to the interior, but if it lacked anything   it was a decent sized boot. The spare wheel is a space-saver, which says plenty about its   intended use. There's lots to like about the ASX's safety, which is reflected in the 5-star rating it received from ANCAP. No wonder, it's got a rigid body, a full complement of airbags, ABS   brakes and ESP.NOWThe ASX utilises the same mechanical bits and pieces as the rest of   the Mitsubishi range, which means they're robust and reliable without   setting the world on fire in terms of performance. The engines generally stand up well, but like all modern engines it's   critical that they are serviced regularly. Likewise the transmissions and driveline components are generally bulletproof.One component to be wary of, however, is the CVT gearbox. It's wise   to take a long test drive before buying a car with a CVT to make sure you will be comfortable with its driving style before to part with   your cash. While you're at it thoroughly put the CVT through its paces, checking   it at low speed, high speed, manoeuvring slowly at walking speed, taking off and slowing down, all the while observing for any shuddering, hesitations, or confusion about what it's doing.The ASX hasn't been on the market for very long, so there shouldn't be anything to be concerned about, but make sure all the systems are working correctly and check for a service record. In these tough times people who have stretched their budgets to buy   their car in the first place sometimes overlook servicing.SMITHY SAYSLooks better than it goes, but reliability makes it worth considering.Price new: $28,490 to $36,990Engine: 1.8-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 110 kW/300 Nm; 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 110 kW/197 Nm Transmission: 6-speed manual, CVT, FWD, 4WDEconomy: 5.9 L/100 km (TD), 7.9 L/100 km (2.0)Body: 5-door wagonVariants: 2WD, 4WD, Aspire 4WD Safety: 5-star ANCAP