2005 Mitsubishi Triton Reviews

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.

But with a lick of extra paint, some fancy wheels, nice little "sports" grille and other add-ons, there is life left in today's ute.Triton sales are running OK despite the attention of a few new machines — including the latest Toyota HiLux and Holden's Rodeo — in this part of the motoring world.This is a busy and profitable segment of the light ute business and makes up around 17 per cent of the total market.It is still growing, helped by new one-tonner models, Ford and Holden's passenger car-derived machinery which have been running hard this decade plus a strong economy.All the tradies need a work ute, others need an auto fashion accessory.Set to arrive this year is an all-new Navara, sitting on a reworked chassis borrowed from Nissan's big North American-only Titan utes.But the Triton soldiers on. Among the workers it's not all about the latest style and accessories, more about a reliable workmate at a comfortable price.Star of the Mitsubishi Triton show right now is the GLX-R, a dressed-up, four-wheel drive dual cab with thoughtful extras.For among the ute growth areas is this dual cab, four-wheel-drive business. In particular this mob has seen growing interest in those top-of-the-tree, electric windows and the lot utes, the dressed-up to party, four-door machines.Nissan's ST-R has helped show the way here, attracting big interest across the country with a few cosmetics.The Triton GLX-R Double Cab looks like a neat custom job, matches the Nissan in the style stakes. There are the body-coloured front and rear bumpers, the body-coloured flares, chrome sports bar out back and chrome nudge bar up front.It sits on 16-inch alloys, there are side steps, a soft tonneau cover with GLX-R logo and a black mesh grille.It is subtle with just a hint of muscle.And for a machine that's getting on there is still a bit of mature muscle in this GLX-R, this one fitted with 2.8-litre, turbocharged diesel engine.It is a faithful, honest power package with 92kW at 4000rpm and 294Nm of torque at 2000rpm, good for paddock-crawling and rock hopping.The diesel GLX-R arrives with only the five-speed manual transmission. (There is a four-speed automatic option available on the petrol V6.)The diesel with manual is a fine compromise for work and play. It arrives with the grunt and the gear.It is an easy machine around town where that load of torque can cover a lazy shift.And everyone sits a little high, good for visibility in traffic and car parks, not so great for taller folks' headroom in the back seat.For all the 5.1 metres, the GLX-R is OK around the town although that turning circle (12.8m) necessitates some patience in tight car parks.Ride quality is OK for a leaf spring-loaded rear end.There are the big bumps over speed humps but by and large the Triton Double Cab is not as jumping jittery at the back end as the all-new Toyota HiLux.It's an independent front end with wishbones and coils.With the GLX-R's meaty 265/70R 16 rubber it steers and turns in OK for a big, old ute.Inside is plain and simple but there's airconditioning and stereo sound and electric windows but no electric mirrors?The seats have a fancy looking trim but some of the rest of the cabin, especially around the dash, is showing signs of old fit and finish standards.Little trucks such as the new HiLux and Rodeo show how today's plastics look far better than yesterday's.Maybe there's a need to upgrade the speakers, there's just the two for the AM/FM radio and CD player.And if looking at this Triton as the machine for heading scrub for long, long drives — and why not? — a pair of upmarket seats for the front might be the go.The pair here are fine and quite fancy, it's just for longer hauls it would be more comfortable (and therefore safer) to have more support.At the end of the day, here's a good-looking ute with ability in the scrub and not that much trouble around the town.It cruises fine, will cart a 971kg payload, including two or three children across the back seat and arrives with a reasonable price tag at $38,990.The turning circle needs attention and the cabin shows signs of a 10-year-old design but this is not a bad package for a variety of jobs from long country treks to worksites to camping up the beach.

But we needed a big car for a big job – an outback adventure to Leigh Creek and beyond.We had to have something with grunt (at least thought we did) to tackle the outback roads; a car that could make the distance and keep us in relative comfort but one that could go the extra mile if the going got tough.And what a champion the Triton was – like going in to battle with a gladiator by your side. It's a big, beefy beast with a three-litre V6 engine under the bonnet.(An intercooled turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel is also available and mention of this to the bush blokes had them all grunting approval.)As it was, the few dirt roads we tackled weren't so bad but the Triton made mincemeat of the odd corrugation and danced over floodway dips. We didn't even need the 4WD option.And it makes you feel safe – the chunky design, big bull-bar and sitting up high with a good view of the road. The Triton is built to carry loads – a week-day workhorse perfect for tradesmen. But in our case it was loaded with luggage instead of a commercial cargo.On or off the road, the Triton handles well, although without a heavy load in the back, the ride is pretty bumpy.But bounce is not all bad. It just made for a few laughs along the way.Inside the Triton is just as butch as the gun-metal grey exterior.The black sporty colour scheme looks great and there are just enough compartments to get by. But would you believe they were filled with bits for all the blokes on board.On the comfort side, the Triton is not bad. Front seats are firm but comfortable and adjustable. The back seats are a different story with just one position – upright – so you need a few pillows to get you through a day's driving.One major complaint: the Triton, a titan on the road, has two of the wussiest cup holders I've ever seen and they are in the worst spot.Pull out a thin panel on the dash and out they pop. But if you actually use them, all those important things you need on a long trip like airconditioning controls, the radio and CD, even the clock, are blocked.Go over a bump or put the brakes on hard and you could end up with goo all over the instrument panel.Where's a bloke supposed to put his iced coffee?Triton GLX-R, three-litre V6 petrol, five-speed manualTRUSTY steed. The bouncy ride was better than taking a roller coaster at Dreamworld.MISSED cruise control.No cup holders in back.Soaked up petrol like a sponge.Tackling dirt roads means dust gets into everything in the back.