Mitsubishi Challenger

Hi Martin,
there's a few on this site that will give you good detailed comments... eg Camper, Bitsumishin Mike etc...

I too have a 99 model and have generally found it to be a good all round 4wd. I have travelled along the Border Track, Ngarkat, Big Desert region without any problems. With trips to Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges planned in the not too distant future.
The only modifications (term used very loosely) I have made are a set of All Terrain tyres and cargo barrier.
some bad points - ithe 4wd activation light often does not turn off after playing in mud. 4wd has disengaged but the light flashes for a while - I think until the switch in the transfer case has dried out some what. Not a major gripe though.
I have had a few mechanical headaches due to ignorant mechanics, so be sure of who you get to work on your 4wd - especially when getting the 100,000km service done. The cheapest quote does not always mean the cheapest price!
I bought a good second hand set of Rola industrial roof racks here in Adelaide from Roof Rack City and can recomend them for price and service for both racks and cargo barrier.

In all I reckon the Challenger is a good all round entry level 4wd. Enjoy your new toy!

Dan

this site may help any questions and queries

http://www.pajeroclub.com.au/forum/PajeroForum.htm

A mate has a 98 model and its been really good.Great in the sand,pretty powerful.Has started leaking oil somewhere near the right hand cylinder head and its getting worse.Otherwise happy.

Martin we had one away with us this year in the cape and did the old track and every thing it was asked off.

All the best
Eric

Martin,

I am very happy with mine. It performed well everywhere I took it so far. It's particularly great in sand. The only drawback I found off-road is the factory tyres when driving on rocky tacks and will fit some AT tyres when the factory ones will be worn out and money allows me to. Otherwise, it could do with a foot rest next to the clutch pedal (I have a manual).
If you do a search on this site you'll find that people are generally (if not always) happy with the performance and report that they followed landcruisers and patrols without difficulties in extreme areas.
Regarding the roof rack, beware of some load limitations for the roof. Mitsubishi rate the roof for 50kg max, which leaves you with around 35kg once you substract the weight of the bars and tray. That's why I haven't gone ahead with it (yet). Also they had problems with some models (cant remember which year 98 or 99?) with the roof bar attachment point braking off. Again there are several posts here on that subject.
have fun,

SLY.

Bugger Sly you just put the mockers on my roof-top-tent.

I have an early 2000 model. Leaf at the back still like yours and no LSD.
The LSD in the is apparently excellent. The travel in the wheels isn't that good and on a 4x4 course I did it didn't make it up either of the two extreme bits I threw it at (one mega sanddune and a nasty bit of narly hill inland). That was because of the wheel travel in both cases.
Its pretty economical to run being a 3L v6 (better than same year in pathfinder or jackaroo though the pathy seems to perform offroad better).
The engine is apparently good for LPG conversion which would make it even better for economy, though you would need to relocate the spare.
Its comfortable as you probably know now already, and the height adjustment of the drivers side suits the missus.
I'm totally happy with mine, exactly what I wanted, something thats excellent 95% of the time on the road and which can handle some fun off road the rest of the time. Very little compromise considering I use it mainly as daily transport.

Also, for a car its age, I think it looks pretty good.

Don't forget the timing chain in the 100k service. Adds heaps to the bill, but its one of those things you definately don't want to have go wrong.

Had mine for something like six months now and very happy with it.
You can see my review and mods here http://members.optushome.com.au/hurricane1/
Dave