Mitsubishi Challenger

A friend had one and found it quite good offroad but he foung the biggest turn off was the high revving motor amd associated high fuel use, this was much worse under heavy sand etc, But in saying that he did like it there are some very good run out deals at the moment as the model is about to finish and not likely to return at all, I've seen them advertised at 34000 dollars drive away which is pretty good buying for a pretty solid 4wd. I think that any petrol 4wd of that size is going to use a lot more fuel than a turbo diesel. Good luck I dont think you can go wrong at that price
Darren Rerdshaw
prado td

Hey there,
I own a 2002 challenger and love it. The reving is not to bad at all let alone off road, and as for fuel consumption off road, it's lot better then the 4.8ltr and 4.5ltre in the larger models. I've found fuel consumption to be extremely economical in mine off road included, but I would need to work out the exact figures for you and get back. As for beach, sand hills and heavy mud, no problem, as with most vehicle right tyre presure, and go for it, no problem. I know mine carves up the sand, and with the 2000 onward models, coil suspension all round, great for hills. The 3ltre petrol engine is a definate proven, hardy performer. As for the deals around, definalty get a model after 2000, as they have LSD standard. There weight to power ratio is what makes them such a great versatile vehicle. I've taken mine to Frazer a few times, no problem at all, in fact had to tow some of the lerger vehicles out of the really soft sand........Changed a few peoples optinions on that trip. They are having a run out sale at the moment for the 2003 models about $35k - great value. I also read in 4WD Monthly that they thought Mitsubishi was removing this model at the end of this year, however from some insider information this is incorrect. They are bringing out a 2004 model definaltly at this stage, but removing the 3 & 5 door Pajero Io's. They have also advised me that they depending on what sales are like in this following year by 2005 they are looking at adding a 3ltr TD in the Challenger, and the 3.5ltre petrol. But not untill 2005. I live in Brisbane if your interested in viewing mine, if it will give you a better idea off what your after.

And before anyone asks, no I'm not being paid by Mitsubishi.....Sorry Toyota, and Nissan guy's.

:) :)

Hey there,
I own a 2002 challenger and love it. The reving is not to bad at all let alone off road, and as for fuel consumption off road, it's lot better then the 4.8ltr and 4.5ltre in the larger models. I've found fuel consumption to be extremely economical in mine off road included, but I would need to work out the exact figures for you and get back. As for beach, sand hills and heavy mud, no problem, as with most vehicle right tyre presure, and go for it, no problem. I know mine carves up the sand, and with the 2000 onward models, coil suspension all round, great for hills. The 3ltre petrol engine is a definate proven, hardy performer. As for the deals around, definalty get a model after 2000, as they have LSD standard. There weight to power ratio is what makes them such a great versatile vehicle. I've taken mine to Frazer a few times, no problem at all, in fact had to tow some of the lerger vehicles out of the really soft sand........Changed a few peoples optinions on that trip. They are having a run out sale at the moment for the 2003 models about $35k - great value. I also read in 4WD Monthly that they thought Mitsubishi was removing this model at the end of this year, however from some insider information this is incorrect. They are bringing out a 2004 model definaltly at this stage, but removing the 3 & 5 door Pajero Io's. They have also advised me that they depending on what sales are like in this following year by 2005 they are looking at adding a 3ltr TD in the Challenger, and the 3.5ltre petrol. But not untill 2005. I live in Brisbane if your interested in viewing mine, if it will give you a better idea off what your after.

And before anyone asks, no I'm not being paid by Mitsubishi.....Sorry Toyota, and Nissan guy's.

:) :)

My first 4X4 was a 1998 Challengerwith rear leafs was a bit of a problem unless loaded up. The next year they put in springs which I suspect made a big difference. I found it a reasonably capable vehicle offroad although never used it for towing. Did Deua and Stockton with no problems.

Hi There,
We bought a 1998 Challenger with 117k on the clock which had not been used at all for 4wd and it is great.
Comfortable to drive, tows our 4wd camper trailer like it is not there, good in sand, not bad in mud (all terrain tyres would improve this out of sight), good clearance , and it feels solid.
What high revving motor? the motor is like any petrol motor, 2000 revs in fourth equals 60ks per hr. but it pulls well from 1000 revs and is quite flexible. There is plenty of power and with 5 speed box it meets all demands we have put upon it.
Fuel economy? I read on the forum the other day that one of the guys is getting 27 mpg out of a diesel disco. I get that out of the Challenger
my oil changes are fewer and I buy fuel cheaper on most occaisions. Those places I can't get diesel I guess I'm not going to. Australia is a big place there are plenty of other places to go.
We have driven across the Coorong without deflating the tyres - Challengers are good in sand if you keep up the momentum. Goolwa beach is easy
We have done the 4wd tracks at Arkaroola and she was no problem at all over rutted ascents of about 45 degrees or fording small creeks which had washed out where we even had to remake the road by chucking in rocks.
On the highway she is a breeze and tows the camper superbly.
I'd rather have a turbo diesel for better engine braking when towing the trailer down brick walls; and forget about engine layout which means I can't work on it. And electric windows are convenient but I bet one day they'll break down in the bush. A bit lower low ratio would be good too for rock crawling. But apart from those gripes $21000 has given us a good fourby. I have been very pleasantly surprised. No vehicle is going to give us everything in the one package
Ours has leaf springs which are better for load carrying and towing anyway, but if you put the power on in the city around a corner you do get schreechies, but at my age I don't want to be boy racer and anyway it is a 4wd not a sports car!
Considering the value for money I think these beasts are damn good!

Hi,

Have a 2000 Challeneger and tow a 17ft pop-top GVM 1675 no problems.
Weight distribution hitch rated at 250 is used to level the rig.

Have fun
MSM

My Triton has similar rear suspension to Challenger & I find the rear end chirp on corners is most likely coming from the rear inside shocker bottoming out when the truck leans, therefore lifting the inside rear wheel.
When its laden this is not a problem, so I believe fitting longer travel shocks is the fix & probably giving you greater axle articulation.
Hope this helps.