Overview of the Mitsubishi Triton
This Japanese workhorse ute is one of the segment's longest servers, having existed since the late 1970s.
2006's fourth-generation (ML) Triton caused a stir with curvy styling that was polarising in a category renowned for tough looks. Mitsubishi, however, was simply acknowledging the potential lifestyle appeal of dual-cab utes beyond construction sites, and the unusually room rear cabin made the Triton the segment's first proper family 'car'.
The latest-generation Triton continued the theme when it was released in 2015.
MITSUBISHI TRITON GENERATIONS (SINCE 2006)
2006-2015
2015-present
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
2.4L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 7.6 litres per 100km
2.4L 4-cylinder petrol: 10.9 litres per 100km
Pre-2015: 8.0-12.8 litres per 100km, depending on model
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $250 and $550. Mitsubishi Triton parts and equipment can be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO MITSUBISHI TRITON
Toyota HiLux
Nissan Navara
Ford Ranger
Isuzu
D-Max
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: MITSUBISHI TRITON (2009-2015 MODELS)
Like any of these vehicles, towing ability was a big selling point, so make sure the Triton you're looking at hasn't been worked to death hauling huge trailers or caravans.
Unburned diesel which manifests as soot and carbon deposits can build up in the inlet manifold and turbo-boost pipe of the diesel Triton, leading to a loss of power and poor economy. The quick fix is to give the vehicle a good run down a highway at highway speeds and effectively clear its throat.
The EGR valve can also block up with soot leading to a loss of performance and the check-engine light illuminating. If that's the case, the valve needs to be removed and cleaned.
A few Tritons have also experienced head-gasket failures. Mitsubishi changed its machining processes to fix this, so a post-2013 build-date is preferable.
Among several recalls was one to check poor welds in the front suspension which could fail at speed with predictable results.
