Mitsu Challenger Q & A

Submitted: Friday, Sep 05, 2003 at 15:26
ThreadID: 7050 Views:4635 Replies:6 FollowUps:3
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Forumites, some urgent help if you would be so kind.

A friend at work is looking to buy a 2nd hand Mitsubishi Challenger in the 99 - 01 type vintage.

Can you tell me what pitfalls, weaknesses, problems there are with this vehicle that he should look for and avoid.

Any personal appraisals/opinions of the vehicle would be appreciated.

He is looking to buy very soon hence the urgency.

TIA
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Reply By: crfan - Friday, Sep 05, 2003 at 15:38

Friday, Sep 05, 2003 at 15:38
If it is the v6 petrol and under 100000kms the 100000km service is a biggie
IE:timing belt fuel filter platinum plugs etc around $1000.00
if over 100000kms check if these things were done...
AnswerID: 30210

Follow Up By: jonny knowalittlebit - Sunday, Sep 07, 2003 at 19:21

Sunday, Sep 07, 2003 at 19:21
Are you joking or what thats unbelievable...... any info on weather thats for the tritons as well?
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FollowupID: 21391

Reply By: macca - Friday, Sep 05, 2003 at 16:07

Friday, Sep 05, 2003 at 16:07
I run a 2002 XS and have found it to be an honest wagon. Not in the cruiser/patrol catergory as far as grunt and size but at the same time does the work I require of it ie towing a 20' Van, Off road fun and all sorts of camping.
Just make sure it has coil rear springs and not leaf as that was one of the major weekness's before.
AnswerID: 30211

Reply By: Murfa - Friday, Sep 05, 2003 at 19:26

Friday, Sep 05, 2003 at 19:26
I run a 2002 challenger as well. I would have to agree, to get the coil not leaf sprung model. I have taken my challenger off road a bit, and have found the only minor limitation may be clearance. But by saying this, the under body of challengers and tritons are extremly hardy, and can handle alot more then competitors underbody. I can also say that the challenger can go everywhere the hilux's, navara's, parthy's can go. The fuel consumption is great, and the 3lt v6 is extremely economical. If your friend is going to take it off road, he will need to make sure he has the LSD in the front. As for weaknessess, or faults. Only the leaf rear springs on the earlier models, and I have been advised that even though they can run on gas, they don't like it.
AnswerID: 30217

Reply By: Martin - Saturday, Sep 06, 2003 at 23:40

Saturday, Sep 06, 2003 at 23:40
The Challenger is very much a small player in a field dominated by Toyota. It's not even Mitsubishi's flagship. Therfore your friend should not consider buying one if it's important to him to have a vehicle that is well regarded by other four wheel drivers and also will hold its value. Owning one would be something akin to owning a Landrover - you would have to be prepared to be the butt of jokes constantly ....
AnswerID: 30295

Follow Up By: Member - Tim Nivo - Monday, Sep 08, 2003 at 21:55

Monday, Sep 08, 2003 at 21:55
Are you for real??????
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FollowupID: 21532

Follow Up By: Member - Scotti - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2003 at 00:05

Tuesday, Sep 16, 2003 at 00:05
So what is it when a Challenger has to snatch 80 series from beach before the tides claims the car as in recent trip to Kalbarri....I got the impression the cruiser owners were very gratefull..and probably embarressed.LOLGregory Rock on the _Kalbarri.aspx.
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Reply By: Member - Scotti - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2003 at 00:01

Tuesday, Sep 16, 2003 at 00:01
No fair Martin.

I own a 2000 challenger that does have leaf spring rear and have been more than happy with it.Travelled all over Australia towing c'van and numourous 4wdriving on all types of terrain.Had mine raised approx. 40mm for a little extra clearance.The only downfall I found is water croosings.Twice after crossing water at grille height had to replace pulleys(but i'm sure a tarp over bonnet would have been the way to go).The first was the alternater pulley bearing and the second was alternater belt adjust pulley.That is the only problem I have with the car.

Rocky terrain,mud,sand,beaches,dunes,etc.Hasn't let me down yet and on another note have not even had so much as a puncture in my scorpion tyres.

My 2c worthGregory Rock on the _Kalbarri.aspx.
AnswerID: 31189

Reply By: Bitsumishin - Tuesday, Sep 16, 2003 at 22:01

Tuesday, Sep 16, 2003 at 22:01
See my reply on NU2OZ as well about Challengers. I've had a 99 Chall & yes the 95000k service was expensive but you only have to svs every 15000ks instead of 10000. I had mine raised about 40mm & got all terrains instead of soft street tyres & I'll put my Challenger up against a stock Pathfinder anyday. Yes, I did get plenty of jibes from the club about a Challenger but I don't here much from them anymore, I think we've passed muster. Anyway, that all part of the fun.
AnswerID: 31278

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