Mitsubishi Triton Problems

Faded paint is not restricted to Mitsubishi’s; you see cars of all makes and models with paint fading. Unfortunately the quality of painting on cars today isn’t very good. They look shiny when they’re new, but they soon start to lose the look. You could try cutting a small area to see how it comes up, then leave it for a month to see if it fades again. If it doesn’t fade you could then go ahead and cut the rest of the body, if it does fade your only option really is to repaint it.

THE most cost-effective fix if your engine gives up the ghost is to replace it with another 2.4-litre petrol engine. Switching to a diesel engine is a relatively big job and I don't think there's enough benefit to justify doing it. You would most likely have to change the gearbox and rear axle. You would certainly have to change the fuel system, and I don't believe there would be any increase in towing capacity.

YES you can have extra child-seat restraints fitted to the HiLux and Triton dual-cabs, but it must be approved by an accredited engineer to satisfy the authorities. Contact your state registration authority and they will give you a list of accredited engineers who could do the work for you. In all honesty, however, buying the Navara is a better way to go.

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.

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 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.

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.