challenger any good ?

dc, we test drove the Challenger recently while in the market for a medium size 4wd. Do yourself a favour and drive the Pathfinder, prado and Challenger all on the same day. My wife and I were less than impressed by the Challenger due to poor visibility (short windows), harsh ride and all round general lack of refinement. In addition, we couldn't find anyone to provide any meaningful comment on their offroad ability - even the Mitsubishi reps. I don't mean to bag the Challenger, however you don't see many off the bitumen - to me this says something. For the same price we purchased a Pathfinder and have never regretted it. The only drawback is that it is an automatic (don't make 5 speed...yet). If we had a bit more cash we would have gone the Prado - which not as well appointed as the Pathfinder in standard trim. If you purchase a Challenger you may very well be happy, but if you drive it on the same day as the Pathie or Prado you will notice significant variance in ride / quality.

Dc.
The challenger has better fuel economy and is more stable with a heavy load. Had one and a pathfinder on a trip and the challenger used much less fuel and was able to carry more gear. Eric.

thanks for your imput guys i drove the pathy and found it asoild all round car but had the feeling it may sit a little low and the prado i must agree was a pleasure to drive but after looking thru the explorer archives i came to the conclusion they were a little to thirsty any more imput especially on off road ability of the challenger would be greatly appreciated thanks again dc

We have had a challenger 2000 model 3L Auto for about 2 years now.Bought it used and had a extra seat put in rear for extra kiddies.We have done all kinds of 4wdriving all WA(north and south) and also travelled interstate with 4 kids + C'van(average fuel econ. 6.5 - 7.5 L/100km on interstate trip).We have found the Challenger to be a great package both on and off road.We fitted our car with Pirrelli Scorpion A/T Tyres.We have had to pull all kinds of 4wd out of beaches(not once been stuck on beach ourselves(yet)),Done heaps wet winter 4wd down south through forests,climbed all kinds of hills both sand and rocky.Regular 4wd days out of Perth are now a part of our weekends(+camping).We have never been let down by our cars incapabilities on any surface wether bitumen , gravel, or sand.Couldn't be happier with the vehicle and would recommend to anybody.Bad merits-not as roomy as a Landcruiser but also not as pricy(LOL).Hope this info helps some.

I don't think a comparison between a Prado and Challenger is worthwhile. Might as well chuck a Pajero into the Mix, probably better then all of them.

Compare between the Pathfinder and Challenger, and yep would agree the Pathy is probably a better vehicle

Hi
I have owned a Challenger for three years now and have had no trouble with the vehicle at all. The car has travelled on some of the roughest tracks in the Nth Territory, Sth Australia, Queenland and Victorian high country.
Mine has leaf springs on the back, but the new one's now have coils all round. When it's due to be traded in, I will probably buy another one, as they are as tough as nails and very dust proof. The fact that they are relative cheap is also an attraction.

Moggs, I agree with what your saying, "get the vehicle that suits you". I have been driving 4wd's in the bush for over 40 years now (early starter) and have found that the drivers ability and experience is far more important than supple differences between vehicles.
As far as fuel consumption is concerned I can attest to it being very good.

Now: ... anyone want to give us the correct fuel consumption figures ....... given that most of the aforementioned figures are rubbish ?

You by any chance didn't fill up a Landcruiser at a Thornleigh servo the other day did you Steve???

to john and kim thanks for your reply .i feel quiet confidant that i have made the right decision but your 1st hand experiance with the challenger on and off road has just confirmed to me that the challenger is the right car for me .thanks for your time guys and its nice to know their are people out their who happily give good advice to novice 4wd owners like myself . hope you dont mind if i pick your brains again soon.cheers dc

dc, how'd you go? Make a choice yet? If not, check out some other comments in a discussion comparing the Pathfinder to the Holden Frontera. Do a search from 01/07/2002 using "pathfinder" as the key word. Good luck with you decsion.

Rohan