Mitsubishi Problems

Despite being condemned over the years as being boring and bland the Mitsubishi Magna stands out as one that can deliver cheap, reliable motoring.  If they had their critics, they also had their fans, and those who bought Magnas, like the TH, generally became hooked on them.  The Magna is no longer on the market, but there are plenty of them still out there on the used car market, and they can make good buying.MODEL WATCHThe TH Magna was the third makeover of the third generation Magna first released in 1996.  By the time the all-new Gen 3 model was launched the Magna had acquired a reputation for being a steady and sure choice, the sort of car appreciated by people nearing their dotage. But the new Magna was an attempt to rid itself of this baggage and broaden its appeal to younger buyers.Where previous models had been chunky with generously rounded curves the new model had sweeping lines and more athletic proportions.  So sleek was its shape that it was the most aerodynamic car made in this country.It was wider and longer than the outgoing model with increased front and rear legroom and more boot space, but the sweeping roofline attracted quite a deal of criticism for its negative impact on headroom.The new Magna also featured frameless windows and slim B-pillars in an effort to create a more airy feeling inside, but it wasn't enough to quell the critics who slammed the grey trim and high waistline for making the cabin seem dull and generally depressing.When the TH update model arrived early in 1999 it boasted a more aggressive grille, revised rear, updated interiors, and new wheel covers and alloy wheels.  Gone by then was the four-cylinder engine that had been offered in previous models and Magna buyers could only buy a V6.A 140 kW 3.0-litre single overhead camshaft V6 was available in the entry level Executive model, but the rest of the range boasted a 3.5- litre V6 that had performance peaks of 147 kW and 300 Nm.Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual and a four-speed auto, with most choosing the auto. As with previous models the final drive was through the front wheels.The TH also introduced a number of innovations to the local market.  It was the first Australian-made car with ABS anti-lock brakes with Electronic Brakeforce distribution (EBD), and the first to offer Traction Control.It also had air-conditioning as standard, a trip computer and an integrated anti-theft alarm.  The model line-up kicked off with the Executive, followed by the Advance, Altera LS and Sports.IN THE SHOPThere are few reports of troubles with the TH Magna, which backs up the claims that it's pretty well bulletproof.  Most reported problems can be traced back to a lack of maintenance so   check the service history of any car on sale. This can be neglected in cars as old as the TH as they can pass into the hands of owners who are sometimes unable to afford proper servicing.Remove the dipstick and take a look at the oil, if it's black and dirty take a closer look at the service record.  You're likely to find oil leaks around the engine and these could require fixing for a roadworthy, so take them into consideration.Take note of the way the transmission shifts, particularly note any hesitation or reluctance to shift gears, and rule out any car that shows a problem in this area.  Inspect the front driveshafts for damage to the rubber boots. Walk away if any damage is found.  Not all engines in the TH range were LPG compatible, so make sure the engine in your chosen car is if you plan to convert it.IN A CRASHThe base Executive model didn't have airbags, but all other models in the TH range had dual front airbags.  All boasted ABS anti-lock braking with the new feature of Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD).AT THE PUMPMitsubishi claimed the 3.0-litre V6 models with do 6.6 L/100 km on   the highway and 9.0 L/100 km around town; it also said those with the 3.5-litre V6 would do 11.0 L/100 km around town and 6.8 L/100 km on   the open road.  Road testers reported the 3.5-litre V6 would average 10-13 L/100 km.OWNER'S SAYOf all the cars Damien Hamilton and his wife have owned, and they   include an HSV3800, a Nissan 200SX, a Toyota Corolla, three Toyota Camrys and two Toyota Aurions, the 1999 TH Mitsubishi Magna Advance   they recently sold stood out for reliability. In the eight years they owned it they had it serviced by the book and didn't have to spend a   cent on anything else. Everything from door seals to buttons to fuel economy was as good as new! The wear and tear was minimal on things   like brakes and tyres, the tyres easily lasted over 100,000 km each   time!! Admittedly, they say, the car was plain to look at but that   was the only negative, in all other respects it was exceptional and   it's a shame they are no longer made. In Damien's view Toyota's   "bulletproof" reputation is unjustified, particularly when compared   to Mitsubishi and the Magna.LOOK FOR. Sweeping looks. Bland interior. Good-sized boot. Smooth V6 engines. Good driver. Well-built and reliableTHE BOTTOM LINEGet past the name and find a strong, well-built, reliable and   affordable car.

They're still working-class vehicles, but they're now used as family transport and wagons for weekends in the bush or at the beach. The Mitsubishi Triton has been a fixture on the local scene for more than 20 years and has built a large and loyal following.Model WatchThe fourth-generation MK Triton was replaced by the ML model in 2006, but until the ML came along it was the best Triton model that Mitsubishi had released.  It is now the one being sought and bought by used-car buyers.Compared with previous models the MK Triton was quite advanced and, despite its commercial underpinnings, was as car-like as you could get in a work ute.  The Triton range was large with a choice of cab-chassis and ute styles, single cab, club-cab and dual-cab bodies, four-cylinder and V6 petrol engines, a four-cylinder diesel, and two and four-wheel drive.On top of that, buyers could choose from GL, GLS and GLX depending on the level of equipment they wanted.  The base engine was the 97kW 2.4-litre petrol engine that delivered good performance with good torque down low for pulling power. It was a popular choice of gardeners, landscapers, carpenters, plumbers and other tradies.The 133kW 3.0-litre V6 was the best performer, but it came with a fuel economy penalty, a major factor when choosing a car.  Both the petrol engines were LPG-compatible, which increased their appeal on the used market.Initially the diesel engine was a naturally aspirated 2.8-litre unit that was economical but lacked performance. That was addressed in 2003 when Mitsubishi replaced it with a 2.8-litre turbo diesel. Inside, the MK was clearly a member of an older generation and didn't have the room of the new ML. Rear seat room was particularly limited if you wanted it for family use.  The seats were upright and uncomfortable.The Triton had a 10-year lifespan so they now vary from old and worn-out to relatively new.  With that long life they had a number of upgrades, the latest being the best and the ones to look for.In The ShopBecause they have been used for many and varied tasks, it's important to find out as much as you can about your chosen vehicle.  A working vehicle tends to get a much harder time than one used for transporting junior to soccer training at weekends.Check in and around the tray for damage. There are almost always bangs and bumps from loads being tossed in and slung around.  Heavy loads could have caused the suspension to sag so check the condition of springs and shocks.Bodywork should be checked for damage. It easily gets knocked about on the worksite.  Four-wheel-drives need to be checked for heavy off-road use. Generally, they're tough enough to survive moderate use with little to show for it, but if they've been subjected to consistent heavy off-road use you could expect to find damage underneath.Look for battle scars caused by rocks on the body, exhaust and suspension.  Generally the Triton is a tough vehicle and owners experience little trouble. Most problems are minor, such as engine oil leaks.The Triton and other pickups don't have to meet the safety standards that apply to cars so there are generally less safety features built into them.  The Triton was crash-tested and came up with a commendable three-star ANCAP rating. Only later models had airbags available.At The PumpFuel consumption varies tremendously with pickups because of the variation in load, towing and operating conditions.  But expect to get 11-12 litres for 100km for a four-cylinder model, and 13-15 litres for 100km for the V6. 4WDs will be higher.  The most economical will be the diesel, but go for the later turbo diesel, which will deliver a better blend of performance and economy.