Mitsubishi Triton Problems

No dramas and the price is great. He'll really notice the difference 20 years has made, in every area from safety to quietness, too.

You could have been on the right track with the vacuum hose because it sounds like it could be running very lean. I'd check the fuel system to make sure there are no problems with the fuel supply, and also check the oxygen sensor to make sure that's working correctly and not giving false signals.

It does appear to be a long way above the claimed combined consumption, enough to suggest it's more than a 'green' engine effect. I doubt it would drop by a third after running in. As it stands now I wouldn't think you had a case for a vehicle swap or a refund, but you certainly have a case for asking Mitsubishi to investigate and fix your car. Start by asking the dealer to investigate the cause of the problem, if it's beyond him ask him to get the help of Mitsubishi's service people. If all that fails then you could consider taking the matter further and perhaps asking for a new car. In the meantime keep very detailed records all conversations and phone calls with the dealer and Mitsubishi, and of any work done on the car. This could help later on.

The locally developed Ranger gets The Tick and is best in class. Also check pricing on the Mazda BT-50 as it's a clone of the Ford, as well as private pricing for Mitsubishi's Triton.

The Ranger gets The Tick and is a clear winner from the Amarok. The all-new Navara is not even close. But we're expecting a new Mitsubishi Triton and Toyota HiLux in the first half of 2015, so check back nearer then.

My personal workhorse is a 2003 Toyota HiLux but with your bigger budget I would go for a Mitsubishi Triton.

The new HiLux and Triton will arrive in the first half of next year. If you're planning a five-year run for your new ute it would be worth waiting to see how the pecking order changes once they're in place.

I would flush the fuel system out to clean out any contamination, and change the fuel filters.

The Mitsubishi Triton is the best value and has a great reputation as a second-hand purchase.

Company spokeswoman Shayna Welsh replies: "Mitsubishi Motors Australia understands the customer's concerns and, as a result, has offered to provide a full inspection with a representative of MMAL's Service team at the customers' earliest convenience. MMAL will also arrange rectification in accordance with Mitsubishi's New-Car Warranty and provide a loan vehicle to the customer for the duration of the repairs, which we expect will take no more than three days."