Mitsubishi Problems

TYRE makers generally guarantee their tyres for six years against manufacturing faults, which gives you a measure of the life as they see it. There is no sign that will tell you that a tyre is too old to be safely used, apart from cracking in the sidewall. Perhaps you could have a local tyre dealer take a look at them and give you an idea of their condition.

THERE'S no problem about converting the Challenger to run on LPG. Like any Mitsubishi in recent years, the Challenger's engine is LPG-compatible. You can convert it with confidence.

THE 380's engine is LPG-compatible so there won't be any issues with reliability down the road. I can't comment on the cheaper system. You don't say what brand it is. But I have driven a 380 with the Impco system, which was developed for Mitsubishi, and I thought it started, drove and performed well -- so much so that you could barely tell it was running on LPG and not petrol.

IT'S not unusual to have the steering wheel wear where you hold it. If you believe the wear is excessive in the time you've owned the car, contact Mitsubishi customer assistance and press your case directly.

MANY tyre people and defensive driving instructors recommend you run a higher pressure than shown on a car's tyre placard. As you say, it makes the ride harder, but the handling is better, the steering more responsive and fuel economy improved. I wouldn't go any higher than 36 psi.

THERE is something wrong with your car that is causing the backfire. It's not unusual with a vapour-mixer system like yours, but it shouldn't occur if the engine and, particularly the ignition system, is in good condition and set correctly. The explosion is caused by the LPG/air mixture in the intake manifold igniting, and it's usually because of a stray spark. Check the condition of the spark plug leads and go right through the engine settings and make sure that are correct.

THE MB100 was built by SsangYong when Mercedes-Benz was getting up close and personal with the South Korean carmaker. It had a Benz badge, but it wasn't of the same quality as a real Benz. I wouldn't like to split the Vito and Transporter. They're both very good vans. If you can stretch your budget a little, you could buy a new Mitsubishi Express and save any heartaches that can sometimes come with a used vehicle. And if you can get away with a smaller van, try a VW Caddy.

ROB Chadwick, of Mitsubishi, told us that all carmakers in Australia are dependent upon the aftermarket LPG industry for their kits. The only technology available in Australia is gaseous injection. Direct injection is kept from the market here by an ongoing legal battle over the patent. There is no kit for the Lancer, yet, but one is in development by an aftermarket supplier and Mitsubishi hopes it will be available before the middle of the year.

GENERALLY the Magna is a good, solid and reliable car, a good choice for a driver starting out. Because they're getting old now, there is a greater chance of problems occurring, but the Magna isn't any more likely to have a problem than any other car. You're better off buying an auto. They're easier to find because more of them were built, and the resale value will be better.

LIKE all Magnas, the all-wheel-drive model was underrated. It handled well and had good performance, but was thirsty. You're right, the rear three spark plugs were long-life platinum ones awkward to replace. They should be replaced every 90,000km.