Mitsubishi Triton Problems

Unless you need a vehicle capable of driving over rough or slippery ground, I would buy a 2WD diesel ute. It will be more economical than a 4WD and will tow your trailer without problems. Your budget will get you an upmarket ute. Look at the Toyota Hilux or new Mitsubishi Triton. Also, there are good deals available on the Mazda Bravo and Ford Courier for much less. For little more than $20,000 you'll get a 2WD diesel with a tray and toolbox.

Like you, I read about these systems and the claims their designers make for them, but my experience is that they rarely, if ever, work out in real life. If they really did work, why aren't they taken up by carmakers? The fact that they aren't seems to answer your question.

I wouldn't recommend turbocharging a 10-year-old engine without rebuilding it first. It would need to have new pistons anyway, and I would err on the side of caution and go through it from top to bottom to make sure it will be up the job. The best way for him, in my opinion, would be to buy a diesel. They're all turbocharged these days and have the torque to tow the 2.6 tonnes he needs to tow. Most will tow up to three tonnes, but if he were towing that weight every day I would consider an aftermarket heavy-duty clutch. We have heard reports of clutch problems with the Toyota HiLux when towing. The commonly held view is that they're geared for highway use, which puts the clutch under pressure when it has to tow a substantial load.

The trade holds the Hilux up as the best of those you've mentioned. The Toyota turbo diesel is easily the best, but the downside is that you'll have to pay up to $3000 more to get behind the wheel of a Hilux. The others are OK, and all rated equally, but there are plenty of reports from the trade about problems with the Nissan turbo diesel so I'd recommend caution. If you were to consider a Navara, make sure it has an extended warranty for peace of mind.

I can only give you a guide because I can't assess its condition, but I would estimate its value at $9000-$10,000 with the accessories you've fitted and its low mileage.