Mitsubishi Challenger or keep my Suzuki Vitara?

Hi Smokey,
In regards to fuel economy towing with a Challenger, we tow our Jayco Flamingo with 2001 Challenger no problems and averaged around 13l/100kms. It was always a comfortable ride and never a struggle for the vehicle. If you are in the market I currently have mine up for sale in the trader section. The only reason I am selling is due to buying a 2010 model.
Michelle

Hey SmokeyD,

I own a Mitsubishi Challenger, I have had this now 4 years, and I cant say anything bad about it. Its been the best 4wd Ive had so far. I have been on some serious 4wd tracks and the Challenger has never missed a beat, not once. I tow a camper trailer comfortably, and the fuel economy only increases slightly. I do more off road than on, so there is the difference.
On average, I get 420kms out of a tank. (no trailer) I have put a lift kit on and two drawers and fridge slide, larger 4wd tyres, this adds approx (60kgs more) which is far more comfortable that just jamming stuff in the rear, I get approx 380kms out of the tank now. this is around town, On long trips you can add around 40kms which should get you 420kms per tank
Having read your question, I would not hesitate to buy a Challenger, I dont think the Vitar will be enough for your needs, let alone have the room, to carry your personal items in. You will be jammed in, room will become an issue in the Vitara!. I bought mine with 150,000kms and had never been offroad for under $15K. But the bigger battery, this helps.
Let me know if I can help any further.

Paul

Its interesting that the two replies so far are from Challenger owners.

Arguably the Vitara is a more capable off road vehicle than the Challenger (power to weight and suspension) but will it tow?

I would suggest that your 400 KG trailer with 40 liters of fuel and 40 liters of water (say 80 kgs so far), gas bottle and assorted camping gear will end up at about 600 KG.
That's actually not a lot of weight to be honest. Most CT's are around that BEFORE you pack your stuff in them.

So I would further suggest that you get the CT and load it up 1st and THEN decide.

By the way (in my opinion) that old Mitsubishi 3 litre V6 isn't anything to get too excited about.

Another vote for the Challenger. My 2004 V6 Auto tows our 18ft. (1700 kg loaded) poptop caravan quite well. Towing capacity 2250, ball weight limit 225kg. Very well geared for towing. We averaged 16L/100Km towing the van on a 16,000km trip. Touch wood it has been faultless so far. Haven't used it much for 4wd'ing but from all accounts they are very capable.

KenD
bris

Have a look under each vehicle.

With some of the small 4WDs suspension components are made out of steel not much thicker than coat hanger wire.

The Mitsubishi drive train is bullet proof. The old 3 L donk is no road burner but will be having a much easier time than the 2 L Suzi.

Both are great cars but for entirely different purposes. I'd sell the Suzi to someone who will use it for its intended purpose.

Hey Smokey,

We have a 2005 V6 automatic 2.7 L Vitara towing a Cub tare 580 kg about 800kg loaded with electric brakes and have absolutely no problems. Fuel consumption obviously varies depending on conditions and speed. Tank is 65L get between 450 and 600 Kms. SWMBO often panics when the petrol low alert light comes on but still have at least 10 L left and have never run out.

Just back from 3 months on the big island and the Vitara gave us no problems towing the camper.

Vitaras are great little 4WDs.

Thommo

Hi Smokey,

We had a Challenger for 4 years in the Middle East (called a Nativa there) and it never put a foot wrong. It would sit very comfortably at 120 on the freeways but had no problems getting us up some pretty extreme tracks in the mountains and into the desert.

I only managed to get bogged once,and that's only because I listened to SWMBO who said she wanted to camp "over there" where she could see the sea with the tailgate open. Hmmm.

We used to sleep in the back on camping trips as it had more flat space than our old (92) Pajero wagon (I don't like sharing my bed with scorpions or camel spiders).

Sorry I can't help with towing, but I suspect a camper trailer wouldn't cause any problems. However, 400kgs does seem a bit optimistic. :-)

Cheers,
Chris

I'd agree with the bear eater (above) - if you're getting the camper trailer anyway, waint until you've tried it behind the Zuke and you'll know whether it is coping acceptably.

It may also be worth considering how often you'll actually be towing the camper - if only for a two-week holiday once a year, it seems a bit excessive to upgrade the car only for the once-a-year towing if the Zuke will manage it. But we all know it's nice to get into a newer car too!