Mitsubishi Problems

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.

The Lancer has long been the small car staple of the Mitsubishi diet. It's always been well-respected in the Japanese carmakers range, one that small car buyers have felt comfortable with over many years.MODEL WATCHIn recent times small cars have taken on a new role in the local car market as buyers have sought ways of saving money. Buyers who would once never even considered buying a small car have been searching for a car that was safe, economical, and a pleasure to drive, but in a compact package.No longer were small cars thought of as cars for poverty-stricken motorists who simply couldn't afford anything better. In that environment Mitsubishi's management trumpeted its intention to deliver cars with "the best levels of occupant safety, security and comfort at the best possible price", no matter the class.The CJ Lancer was a huge step forward from the previous model, which had well and truly reached its use-by date. Fresh new looks gave it a great kick-start. It looked good from any angle with well-balanced proportions and taut lines, and importantly, it had an attractive face.Inside, there was enough room for adults to be accommodated in comfort. Even tall people had enough head and legroom to allow them to travel with comfort in supportive and comfortable seats. The interior was neat and tidy, although some might have said it was bland and boring compared to the busy interiors in some of its rivals. But it was more about old school function than playschool gimmick, and everything was where you might expect it to be and the controls were easy and logical to use.A 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine delivered 113 kW at 6000 revs and 198 Nm at 4250 revs, which gave the ES and VR Lancers good performance with plenty of zip whenever it was needed. The sporty VR-X was given extra punch courtesy of a 2.4-litre four-cylinder that produced 125 kW and 226 Nm. The transmission choices were a five-speed manual 'box or a six-speed CVT transmission as the auto option. The final drive was through the front wheels.The Continuously Variable Transmission drove without flaw, it was smooth and there was no lack of get up and go when the right pedal was sent to the floor. There was also the option of manually shifting the CVT 'box to extract more zip; that could be done by moving the shift lever across the gate and then using the six preset ratios much the same as you would with a conventional auto.There were three models in the CJ range, starting with the base ES and moving up through the VR to the VR-X hottie.IN THE SHOPOwners of the CJ Lancer are not complaining to Cars Guide about their cars, which should be reassuring for anyone looking to buy used. Cars driven by CarsGuide have all been well built and nicely finished with no faults to be found. The CJ Lancer is still relatively new to the market so early ones will have only done 30,000-40,000 km. Even so, check for a service record to rule out possible neglect.ON THE ROADTime spent at the wheel of the CJ Lancer confirms that it is a roomy and comfortable car to drive, with plenty of head, leg and elbowroom, and supportive seats. The dash, with its large expanse of plastic, while a little bland, is neat and tidy, and functional, with all controls well placed and easy to use on the run. Overall the Lancer feels a little light on the road, and the steering could have a little more feel.The suspension is supple giving a comfortable ride over all surfaces. The 2.0-litre engine has all the performance you could want in a small car, and there is plenty of get up and go when needed and it was at all times smooth.IN A CRASHThe Lancer performed well in crash testing and ANCAP awarded it five stars. It had front airbags for the driver and front passenger and a driver knee airbag, plus standard ABS antilock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control. The VR and VR-X models had the additional protection of side and side curtain airbags.AT THE PUMPMitsubishi claimed the Lancer would do 7.7-8.2 L/100 km and road tests suggested the claim was on the mark. A Lancer tested by Cars Guide averaged just over 8.0 L/100 km when driven in normal town traffic.LOOK FORNeat, attractive looksComfortable, roomy interiorGood fuel economySafe and soundWell-built.THE BOTTOM LINE: A safe and sound small car choice.RATING: 80/100