Mitsubishi Triton MK (1996-2006)

Excellent all bar fuel economy – I love my 96 mk v6 petrol but it uses way too much fuel I have no idea why like I get 400k to a tank it has the standard tank in it , but other then that best vehicle I have ever owned Show details

Good for the price – I bought the Mitsubishi 05 model Ute second hand and for a cheap price (10k) with 112k on the clock - I didn’t expect too much from it. The old beast is a V6 so it’s get very thirsty when driving around town (14L/100) However on the freeway I can get around 10-11L/100. Driving a Ute this old you get you expect things creeking and falling apart… Read more

but that’s what you expect.

I was though surprised how it still goes off road, plenty of guts and competent enough when selecting the 4x4 gears.

The only complain is the electrics, reverse lights was playing up and then the air con switches so make sure you check the electrical components before buying a second hand MK model. Overall I’m happy with her, it’s been 8 months since purchased and I’ve loaded the beast with camping / fishing gear and family with a trip to Kakadu with no drama.

The best, simplest workhorse – Yes, this I now officially 21 years old, so it is allowed to drink and vote and is pretty much an adult. But on the serious side, the MK Triton is a tireless workhorse. With a powerful yet economic V6 engine, 5 speed manual gearbox, the MK Triton is no slouch at the lights, even with a load. I carry a slide on camper most of the time, and do… Read more

not have an issue.

Comfort-wise, the MK Triton is sparse. Nothing overly technical, heck it came with a tape deck! But all the button, switches and other controls are within handy reach.

Maybe 2-3 inches more leg room, but then I am over 6 feet. The advantage of old school 4WD (get out and change the hubs), both high and low range, you can get to most places with relative ease.

I love technology, but with the MK Triton, this is kept to an absolute minimum. No computer to fail, no electric windows or locks. Just the good old feel of quality and strength.

Simply put, the MK Triton is a reliable, comfortable, powerful, yet easy to run work horse that will get the job done, both in the city and off road.

Like a donkey, just keeps going – Work truck is a 2004 Triton 4cyl diesel with no turbo, and should never have been allowed. It's really not enough power for a big truck. Forget overtaking. We got it with 80,000km on the clock, now over 250,000 and still driving pretty well. The biggest problem we have had was the oil pressure switch constantly blowing out which puts the engine… Read more

light on. It can be a dicey situation as you don't know if it's just the switch, or the pump that has failed, so continuing to drive is a hell of a risk. After the 3rd time it went we keep one in the glove box. It's a $30 part you can replace yourself. It has survived pretty much everything we have thrown at it, including mine site work, and we have kept it regularly serviced. It was blowing smoke after 150,000km, but new glow plugs fixed the problem. It is a more comfortable seating position than the Ford Ranger. Im expecting it will continue on for another couple hundred thousand kms with no real hassles.

Good general 4x4 – -Basic diesel injection (easy to work with and reliable) -Drives well for what it is with torsion bar suspension -Easy to modify and quite a few spares out there to make your 4x4 different -Not a super swamper (not designed for it) but will certainly get you off road. It is a good mix for an on and off road vehicle Pros: -Drives well on the… Read more

road (and off). Gets around 12lt/100km (I have snorkel / 3" exhaust)

-Tows well (stick to 100km/h of you will burn loads of fuel)

-Interior is quiet even when at highway speed

Cons:

-Driver seat too high (or I am too tall 5'10") and not comfortable over long distance

-Drivers side leg room is a little cramped (knee hits gear stick when resting and foot clashes with clutch pedal / transmission tunnel)

-Centre console (or lack of it)

-Cup holders cover up the stereo (what idiot thought of that idea??)

-Two very weak 4" speakers under the dash (will look at wiring to install 6" door speakers)

2005 MK Triton – Best car I have owned to date. It's got a perfect combination of comfort and utilitarian function. Design is basic but built to last and it has all the features you might expect. Except cruise control which is a bit annoying but you can get by without it. In terms of 4WD capability it's approach angle and ground clearance is exceptional, get some good tires and this car will go anywhere.  Show details

10 years of great motoring – I have the 2004 MK 2.8 intercooled turbo single cab 4 X 4 ute. I have owned it since it was 6 months old and am always towing a boat or carrying gear. I hardly lift the bonnet. In the time I have only recently replaced the clutch master cylinder and serviced it. These are not the most ergonomic vehicles as the design dates back to 1996 but very… Read more ·  1

reliable basic trucks. Last year I drove mine from Brisbane to Karumba then Burketown and to Townsville and hopped and fished my way back to Brisbane without a problem. I was loaded to the hilt and towing a tinnie.

As mentioned the truck has a large turning circle and is basic as far as seating etc... although still OK.

One major improvement was a 2 inch lift kit which made it ride and handle better than new. I plan to keep it for at least another 6 - 8 years. I was never a Mitsubishi fan but now also own a Colt and love it too. Reliable. Great fuel economy 10/100Km, cheap to service and own. Basic and tough. Plenty of power. Big turning circle. Basic seating.

Turning circle – I was finishing up my time as a Mitsubishi tech when the turbos first came out. Some customers used to complain about the turning circle, the turning circle is adjustable just take it to your local Mitsubishi dealer to have them do it. The acceleration was a massive improvement on its naturally aspirated predecessor.

Good – Good load capacity, 8.7 lt/100km. Plenty of power with the 2.8 lt turbo diesel. Runs the pants off my old hilux normally aspirated diesel but some how not as tough. Plenty of leg room, A/C works well, gear box smooth and easy to operate. Climbs rough rocky terrain very well with adequate clearance. Very light in the rear and will lock the back… Read more ·  3

brakes extreemly easily. LSD combined with turbo breaks traction at the touch of the pedal but that is to be expected in a ute but still a little disconcerting. The split bench seat for three people a bit sqeezy for three but comfortable for two. tough truck. 8.7L high way driving turning circle, safety rating.

Excellent – Our 2005 GLX-R 2.8 Turbo Diesel 4x4 has been a great vehicle. It is fantastic for our family camping trips, carries a large load, tows well, economy great(towed a 4 motorcycle trailer + Gear + full heavy load in tray + 4 people on mixed terrain = 10.8l/100km - excellent (Even better unladen). Simple 4x4 system with auto locking hubs is perfect (no… Read more

electronic buttons on dash to go wrong (Rodeo anyone??)). These vehicles are very underated. Definitely worth a look if you are in the market for a no-nonsense, reliable dual cab 4x4 that can do the job.

Have no hesitation in reccomending. Practical, tough, reliable, looks good, 2.8 Turbo Diesel fuel economy, tows well. 2.8 TD motor is proven & bulletproof (old Pajero engine). Very good value & well equipped for the price (Twin airbags,abs,ebd,a/c). Turning circle a bit large, space a bit tight in the drivers footwell. A bit rough if you need a 100% city car (but no different to other utes!)

Good – I bought an ex Mitsubishi Parts delivery vehicle (2000 model, 2.4L petrol) that had done approx. 50,000km. I have now done 90,000km with no problems. Doesn't use oil, starts every time. On second set of tyres from new, second battery - std stuff. I drove it 1,700km in one day and was surprised by the bench seat - I could stand up and walk at… Read more

the end of the day, more than I can say for some buckets. Not that it was bought for it, but it is a sporty little ute. Cheap to run, torquey motor, light to steer. Good on open road, overtakes well. Revs out easily to redline. A bit on small side (but manageable) for me - 6'5".Light on back end with ali tray (1280kg, 98kW), interesting in the wet. Clunk from front suspension at low speed full lock when going over speedbumps/up steep driveway. Lost a key - not cheap to replace ($120) as it contains the immobiliser chip.

Good – Not the same standard as Hilux, but much cheaper. Contrary to other reviews, economy is good as long as driven properly.Doesn't seem as tough as my old Hilux but I don't push it these days. Not a good vehicle for shopping centres( turning circle)or tight spots in bush. Good warranty if genuine coolant/brake fluid used. GLX-R 2.8TD.Comfortable,… Read more

quiet with windows up,excellent economy(best 8.8L/100K with lite load, worst 10.6 when towing.Good looks with canopy & bull bar. No rattles ( 60,000k). Good low end grunt. Bad turning circle, driver legroom, convex pass side mirror. 1st gear low range not low enough ( aka old Hilux). Short servicing cycle.

Excellent – Good vehicle that has been reliable. Factory scheduled services are well priced and affordable comp[ared to Holden and Toyota. Very comfortable driver and front passenger seating. Instrument cluster well laid out and very bright at night. Steering column tilt is excellent option to use on kong trips. Visibility all around very good when windows… Read more

are clean. Body panels take a fair bit of bush travelling. Long trips are a breaze as the seats are very comfortable. Rear passengers do not complain about being cramped. Cleaning underside has many areas for dirt and mud to reside. Limited towing capacity reduces the appeal. Turning circle is very wide compared to Range Rover or Toyota RAV4. Very thirsty on ULP and LP.

Excellent – i got diesel with 80000k's on clock and put another 220000 on it, did a gasket a centre bearing and 1`set of glow plugs, thats it! not bad for that many k's. if you service them the go and go and go. taken off road heaps of times, run around town, on beach trips, and carted just over a ton of wood at times (oops) highly recommend. i've had a few… Read more

hilux & patrol drivers drive it and all commented and how nice it was to drive, and doesn't feel like a 4wd on the road. i'm picking up another one this week! looked after lasts forever, turning circle

Bad – Would have been a reasonably good 4wd ute except for the economy.I may as well own a fully worked v8 petrol.Have now got 30000kms on the clock and no improvment since new. A lot cheaper to buy than the hi-lux to do the same job.The turbo diesel does a good job for a 2.8.I like the seats,tough for a work ute. Gets uncomfortable on long trips,left… Read more

leg lays against gear stick in overdrive,very annoying.Not enough leg room.Factory shockies are just a joke for a 4wd.But the worst,13.5 lt per 100km.Hang your head in shame mitsubishi!