Mitsubishi Triton Used Car Review
June 21, 2023
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Could you be on the verge of getting a secondhand Mitsubishi Triton? Well, let me introduce you to the formidable Mitsubishi Triton! This uncompromising titan of the road possesses a captivating and stimulating spirit, beckoning you to venture beyond the ordinary.
Today, we embark on a thrilling journey as we delve into the captivating realm of the Mitsubishi Triton. Beneath its muscular exterior lies a tale of resilience, a story of grit, and unwavering determination.
With every road conquered and every obstacle overcome, the Triton reveals its indomitable spirit, leaving a trail of adventure and excitement in its wake. From the bustling city streets to the untamed wilderness, this rugged beauty showcases its prowess, proving time and again why it reigns supreme in utility vehicles.
So, prepare to be enthralled. Buckle up and brace yourselves for an emotional rollercoaster as we embark on a voyage that will ignite your senses and awaken your desire for the untamed freedom that awaits.
Join me as we uncover the secrets, reveal the truths, and unlock the mysteries within the world of the Mitsubishi Triton used car review. Are you ready to explore the uncharted territories of this exhilarating journey? Then let us set forth, for the Triton awaits, beckoning us to uncover its great essence.
History of the Mitsubishi Triton
Mitsubishi Motors has been producing the Triton pickup truck since 1978. In 2006, they rebranded it as the Triton. It is available in three versions: Single Cab, Club Cab, and Double Cab chassis. In 2021, the fifth generation of the Triton was released in Israel after a restyling in 2018.
Brief History And Evolution Of The Triton
First Generation
From 1978 to 1986, Fiat produced the first generation of a pickup truck. The Italian word for ‘strong,’ ‘Forte,’ was chosen for this car. It was a joint design with Chrysler Corporation to meet the great demand for a reliable and heavy-duty pickup truck with the driveability, functionality, and comfort of a passenger car.
The prototypes were tested in North America, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia to ensure the car would be durable and comfortable. Despite its simple look, the truck could carry one ton and earned high popularity in many climate zones. It could be found in the snowy plains of the North and the hot deserts of the South.
The engine, gearbox, and front suspension from the Galant sedan were installed on the frame. This made the chassis complex for commercial cars. It had disc brakes, double wishbones, and springs on the front axle. The rear suspension was strong and durable, with leaf springs and a rigid axle.
A wide front track (1360 mm) and a wheelbase of 2780 mm gave it good driving stability. The car only had room for two people. In Japan and other regions, it had a 2-L gasoline engine and a 1.6-L 67-hp engine.
North Americans had an option of a 2.6 L, 110 hp engine. Lastly, a 2.3-L diesel version was available for export.
First Gen 4×4
Engineers designed components that would reduce noise and vibration heard inside the car. This included a 2-part Cardan shaft and insulation materials in key areas. In 1980, Mitsubishi Motors introduced a new 4WD system with a silent chain drive. This system reduced gear noise and power loss, allowing high-speed off-road driving.
This model began Mitsubishi Motors’ future 4WD vehicles, such as the Pajero/Montero and Delica/Space Gear. In many countries, the pickup has been awarded many prizes, such as Pickup of the Year, Car of the Year, and SUV of the Year. The first of these awards was a nomination in 1979 in the USA for Pickup of the Year (Pickup, Van & 4WD magazine).
Mitsubishi Forte and Mitsubishi Mighty Max, Dodge RAM 50, and Plymouth Arrow Truck were the first pickup trucks offered in Japan. Around 657,000 first-generation cars were made – most at the Ohe Plant in Japan and some at the Laem Chabang plant in Thailand.
Second Generation
The Japanese made the second-generation Mitsubishi pickup after a redesign. It was produced from 1986 to 1996 for ten years. The brand name Mitsubishi translates as ‘Three Diamonds.’ It had a new attractive design that gave the car a reliable and modern image, plus good aerodynamics.
Radio, air conditioning, and a computer were added for driver comfort. Three body styles are available: 2-door, 2-door, 4-seater, and 4-door. Rear and 4WD versions, two gasoline engines (2 and 2.6 L) and diesel (2.5 L, modified from 2.3 L) were made. The model was renamed in 1991: Strada in Japan, Mighty Max or Dodge RAM 50 in North America, Triton in Australia, and L200 in other markets.
It was assembled in Thailand in 1988 and became the main production plant for the pickup. About 1,146,000 second-generation cars were made in Japan’s Ohe and Thailand’s Laem Chabang plants. From 1998 to 2007, a slightly modified version was created in Brazil.
Third Generation
The third Triton/L200 was unveiled in 1995. It was produced at the Thai Laem Chabang Plant and exported. In Thailand, it was produced until 2006; in Brazil, production continued until 2012. It was completely redesigned and, engineering-wise was close to the Pajero SUV.
The exterior and interior were restyled, giving it a recognizable and striking look. Customers wanted a pickup truck that could also be used as a passenger car, making it a roomy, comfortable 5-seater for recreational and commercial trips. Diamonds always stay young.
The rear axle had a self-locking differential. The engines’ power increased. The engine range was 2.0, 2.4, V6 3.0 petrol, and 2.5 and 2.8 L diesel.
It came with a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. The Easy Select system operated the FWD.
The Pajero Sport SUV, still in production, was based on the pickup truck. The STRADA/L200 model was sold in Thailand, Europe, Pacific Islands, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. About 1,046,000 cars were sold in total.
Fourth Generation
The fourth generation of the Triton/L200 was made from 2005 to 2015. It was first released in August 2005 and was made in Thailand, Brazil, and South Africa. It sold in 140 countries and was very successful.
The designers had 3 criteria to ensure the car would be popular: 1) Save fuel, be durable, and be reliable; 2) Meet the highest quality standards; 3) Meet customer needs for commercial and private use. This kept the best traditions of the previous model. A total of 1,423,000 Triton/L200 cars were made.
The pickup has a sporty yet elegant design. It has the largest interior in its class and a comfortable suspension. It comes in three body styles: 2-door, 4-seat, 2-door, and 4-door.
There are five engines: two 2.4 L gasoline, 3.5 L engines, and 3 diesel engines (2.5-3.2 L). The diesel engines feature Common Rail direct injection for high power, fuel efficiency, low emissions, and low noise.
The car was equipped with a 5- or 6-speed manual or a 4- or 5-band automatic transmission, depending on the engine type. It was available in rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems, such as Easy Select 4WD and Super Select 4WD.
It also passed best-in-class crash tests. Participating in the ‘Dakar’ rally and other competitions, the 4WD system was improved, and the car’s reputation was increased. (Source)
Fifth Generation
The Mitsubishi Triton 5th generation was released in 2014 to improve commercial applications’ usability and durability. It features a sporty design that makes driving fun while delivering high quality and comfort. Combining these features created an ideal SUT (Sports Utility Truck), providing users with the perfect balance of performance and convenience.
They improved the 2.5-litre turbodiesel and 2.4-litre petrol engines and added a new 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel for better performance, fuel economy, and lower emissions. This is the first time the pickup truck has a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission with a sports mode.
Four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems are continuing to develop. To suit all road conditions, the “Easy Select 4WD” system now has three settings – 2H, 4H, and 4L. The “Super Select 4WD-II” system is operated electronically.
For those who don’t need 4WD, there is the “High Rider” model with the same ground clearance as the 4WD versions for better off-road performance.
Is the Mitsubishi Triton a Good Buy? Pros & Cons Explained
Pros
Built To Last
The Mitsubishi Triton range is an ideal vehicle for drivers who need a reliable, durable truck that can take them anywhere. It has a strong frame and robust suspension, providing maximum stability on any terrain, making it perfect for off-road driving. Its power and features make it great for work and recreational use, so the Triton has you covered no matter your needs.
Incredibly Versatile
The Mitsubishi Triton is a great choice for those looking for a vehicle with plenty of room and versatility. Its spacious cabin and cargo area make it perfect for transporting goods, while its various accessory options allow you to customize it to your needs.
Unbeatable Value For Money
Mitsubishi offers great value for money. The Triton has a competitive price and lots of standard features. Mitsubishi’s Diamond Advantage offers New Zealand’s best new car warranty for up to 10 years, giving you peace of mind.
Cons
Ride Quality Can Feel Harsh
One of the major drawbacks of owning a used Mitsubishi Triton is its ride quality, which can be quite severe and uncomfortable. While this vehicle may be an economical option for those on a budget, the harshness of the ride could lead to fatigue on long journeys and poor handling in sharp turns or rugged terrain.
Engine Can Feel Lag On Occasion
The downside of owning a used Mitsubishi Triton is that its engine occasionally feels sluggish and lags. This can be particularly noticeable when the vehicle is under load or during periods of peak acceleration, causing frustration for the driver as they attempt to keep up with traffic.
Steering Can Feel Vague At High Speeds
At high speeds, the steering of a used Mitsubishi Triton may feel vague or less precise and responsive than at slower speeds. This could be due to worn suspension components or general wear and tear.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Used Triton
Although Tritons are highly reliable for off-road driving, the repeated strain of travelling over rugged terrain can still gradually cause wear and tear on the vehicle with prolonged usage. Over time, this consistent heavy usage may decrease performance and increase maintenance costs. Here are some things you can consider before buying a secondhand Mitsubishi Triton.
Condition Of The Tray And The Rear Steps
Ensure you carefully inspect your Triton vehicle’s tray and rear steps, as some models have an extended length that could protrude beyond the confines of many parking spots. Ensure both components are in good condition and securely attached to the body of your car before driving off.
Body Damage
Examine the underneath of the ute you’re interested in for any signs of body damage, such as rust, dents, or bulges, which may indicate that it has been driven on uneven roads. Also, check for worn suspension components or CV boots around the wheels and axles. Any signs of wear can be a warning sign that the vehicle is not in prime condition.
Clutch And Transmission
Before purchasing a pre-owned Mitsubishi Triton, inspect both the clutch and transmission, as these components may have been overworked due to the truck’s history of hard use.
A thorough examination should be conducted to determine if there is any excessive wear or damage that could affect its performance. It would be prudent to ensure that both parts are functioning optimally before you commit to buying the vehicle.
Rear Panels And Tow Bar
Inspect the rear panels and tow bar of the used Mitsubishi Triton for any signs of damage. Which could indicate that it has been towing loads beyond its towing capacity.
It is important to check for any wear and tear, as this can result from overloading the vehicle when towing items. Ensure there are no dents or scratches on the rear panels or the tow bar, as these may point towards excessive use.
Dents And Scratches
Examine the tray closely for any signs of dents and scratches, which could indicate excessive use. Make sure to look for any small or large indentations, along with scrapes and scuffs that may have been caused by prolonged handling. You can better understand how much wear and tear the tray has experienced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Tritons Good For Offroading?
Mitsubishi Triton remains a top choice for off-roading. Its dual-cab ute design makes it versatile and popular, despite its age.
How Fast Is Mitsubishi Triton?
The Mitsubishi Triton GLS is a powerful vehicle that can accelerate from 0-100km/h in an impressively short amount of time, approximately 10 seconds. This mighty machine can reach high speeds quickly and easily, making it perfect for those requiring a reliable and rapid mode of transport.
What Is The Fuel Consumption Of A Mitsubishi Triton 2.4 L?
Mitsubishi states the Triton GLX (4×2) has a combined city and highway cycle fuel consumption of 7.8L/100km and emits 204g of CO2. It has a 75L fuel tank, which can cover a distance of 962km per full tank.
What Engine is in the Mitsubishi Triton?
The Mitsubishi Triton has a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine. It produces 135 kW @ 3500 rpm of power and 437 Nm @ 2500 rpm of torque, making it a powerful UTE. It also has a 6-speed Automatic transmission with Sports mode for better performance and fuel efficiency.
How Long Do Triton Brakes Last?
You can expect to get anywhere from 25,000 kilometres up to 80,000 kilometres of use out of a single set of brake pads when driving your vehicle. This range varies greatly depending on your driving style and the environment in which you drive.
For example, if you are an aggressive driver who frequently stops quickly and hard or often drives in wet conditions, your brakes will likely need to be replaced sooner than someone with more conservative habits.
Conclusion
If you find yourself contemplating the purchase of a secondhand Mitsubishi Triton, let me assure you that you’re on a remarkable journey. With its unwavering spirit and rugged dependability, the Triton stands ready to accompany you on the adventures of a lifetime.
I’ve explored the specs and capabilities of this magnificent machine, and it’s impossible not to mention Madman Motors. They specialize in delivering exceptional secondhand cars, and they’re dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction. Madman Motors is a beacon of trust and reliability in the automotive world.
Madman Motors understands the emotional connection between a driver and their vehicle. They recognize that it’s not just about the transaction but about creating an unforgettable experience, from the first test drive to the countless memories forged on the open road.
Their knowledgeable and passionate team stands by your side, guiding you toward a choice that aligns with your dreams and desires. Visit Madman Motors today, and unleash the wild spirit of the secondhand Mitsubishi Triton, igniting a fire within that will burn bright for years to come.
