hi guys,

i'm planning to get a 2nd hand 4wd. mainly for city driving sometimes will be on harsh road driving too. so far i survey so many 4wd, i think hilux and triton will be out from my list due to the price is above 60k.

so i need to know all about the 3 models pro's and con's

so i need to know what are the stuff that i need to keep an eye for a 4WD cause i'm 1st timer for 4WD vehicles. is their maintenance high?

some very basic stuff i know is:

ford ranger (new model)
comes with commonrail, which have better f.c
if i not mistaken, the power of this car is kinda amazing.

frontier
not very sure anything about this model. but read some reviews over here saying that this car is good. but i want to know what sort of tech. they are using for their engine. cause if i not mistaken. commonrail is kinda basic tech. in hilux and triton..even D-Max 3.0

D-Max 2.5
only the look is 4WD, but actually is 2WD. good FC, power not sure got or not. using timing chain.

Triton 4WD(please don't ask me get the Lite)
i need more feedback on this car..read some of the feedback over here..some claim to have big interior space, some said suspension kinda lousy..need more feedback

hope you guys will be able to provide as much info.


thanks in advance.

edited..adding triton into my list since i've glans through at mudah.my, 2nd triton around 3 years old cost around 65k above..i might consider to put triton in my buying list as well..

This post has been edited by wepwep: Aug 24 2010, 12:52 PM

Trition lite is about RM60K
http://www.mitsubishi-motors.com.my/showro...lite-prices.php

forget to mention that triton lite is totally out from my list..if i would get triton lite, i rather go for D-Max

New Ford ranger : Kinda good power, but the rear seat is cramp. The ride is abit bumpy for me. FC not sure. But sure above 60k for the new model.

Nissan Frontier : Very powerful, Not commonrail, Interior plastic not so good quality. FC 6xx+- per full tank. Price 4xk to 5xk for 2nd hand.

Isuzu D-max 2.5 : Timing Gear engine which will last u forever. Very good FC, Mine city drive full tank can reach 870kms. Underpower and no 4WD.

Been test out all the ride above as my friend own both and i own an Isuzu D-max 2.5.

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Added on August 18, 2010, 1:00 pmi have the same thinking before i bought my d-max. At first i tot to take the triton lite. But end up with d-max 2.5L.

This post has been edited by hkh_88: Aug 18 2010, 01:00 PM

i hate Frontier's back seat.

D-max: as stated from above seriously underpowered, not suitable for heavy load/jungle trekking. Good FC , RM100 can last 900km++ depending ur driving style (possible achieve 1k km if u drive smoothly). Sparepart is... alittle bit of expensive, car itself is bumpy but still comfortable (rear passengers definitely suffer d most due to bumpy suspension)

if u opt for all rounded then better go for triton bro

all model of Ts mention is same.

well, i have spot this lonely ranger at mudah for 1 month+. 07 made, with the canopy. best part is manual, which is what i'm totally looking for. but base on the 07 model, i think this might be the 1st batch of this new model ranger. what i'm afraid is if there is screw ups, this is the 1st batch which the screw ups will be damn serious case. if not this 1st batch is kinda better quality compare with the 2nd batch. which i have no idea.

here check this out
http://www.mudah.my/Ford+Ranger+TDCI+Commo...+07-6870541.htm

some photo


any reason why? i visited and kinda look see look see ford ranger, the back seat is kinda cramp, but again i'm getting this car for my usage. not to make other comfortable. all i need is that the car serve me well.

in terms of parts, accessories, maintenance & etc

if you are saying D-Max is under power, meaning no pick up at all or the car totally no power even if there is a long up hill journey?

All Toyota's backseat are fine.

The legroom is fine in the Frontier but the floor is too high up when you seat in it its like squatting down like the old Isuzu Invader (Rodeo). Not good for after eating heavy meals & people with bad back.

loan or cash???

well..i personally think that most of the 4wd back seat is kinda uncomfortable compare with a normal car.

i have no idea on Hilux seat cause i haven't get to look see look see that car yet.

also there is no point for me looking at Hilux cause the price is totally out of my budget. i'm looking at maximum 3 years old car with the price range around 60k++

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Added on August 18, 2010, 2:59 pmloan..any recommendation??

This post has been edited by wepwep: Aug 18 2010, 02:59 PM

I'm not endorsing Toyota, I'm saying Frontier's back seat sucks.

Try sit in back seat of it then you'll understand the problem. Fortunately for Navara, they fix it.

Triton is the most comfortable of them all.

This post has been edited by alpha0201: Aug 18 2010, 03:06 PM

but all the one you mention price is super expensive leh..

D-Max is not that bad.

lack of power and pick up. could u tell me ur purpose of getting pick-up truck?

just a remainder 2nd hand loan interest is higher compare to a new car loan.

well you can't have both good fc & powerful truck is it?

D-Max will be my 2nd choice. i still looking up high at ford ranger the new model. price is fair enough for the look and performance itself..frontier will be the last choice because i don't really like their inside

i'm getting it for a daily harsh driving purpose. the trunk behind is totally useless, i'm getting 4wd is also because i love to get some off road activities if i have the time..

any idea how much is the interest rates now ah??4.X%??

then u should not get the d-max 2.5 if u love to get some off road activities lol.

well, thinking of that too..but not sure a 2WD can do some off road stuff or not, since i'm not a regular person that look for off road stuff..

D-Max is going to be my 2nd in my list..

first got maymay, now got wepwep,

okay here is the pro and con

Ranger (latest model) -> The engine output is almost as good as frontier, but better interior, suspension and etc

Frontier -> good engine, but lousy interior, suspension hard like mad (you will need to work on it), wheel alignment very easy to go off

D-max -> I never driven 1 before

Personal analysis -> Frontier is good if you know what to replace (which will cost money), I have climbed slopes where other dare not with a Frontier, some people just love good engine, some people wants a good balance, but is your choice. Common rail or not, it is just a name to describe the diesel injector, actually all these 4x4 have the modern injector that is similar to common rail.

For 2nd hand just check the mileage, diesel engine with big mileage with poor maintanance is totally useless.

How about getting Mit Storm ? sure less than rm60k

errr..what maymay lah.. i'm wepwep..not maymay..maymay is buntut's gf ok..and i ain't buntut's gf

back to the topic..

meaning Frontier have better engine compare with New Ranger even they got commonrail? actually i know a little about commonrail only..they compress the fuel to don't know how many psi and so there comes your better fuel burning which leads to better FC and better performance. so to me if an engine without commonrail is kinda old engine/tech already wor.

well, about the mileage. what will be the proper mileage for a 3 years car?is there such thing also ah?

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Added on August 18, 2010, 4:35 pmwell, that model is all very old already. i think in the market is around 2006 model. so old, i scare there is lots of wear and tear on the car leh

This post has been edited by wepwep: Aug 18 2010, 04:35 PM

These are work horses so expect the mileage no less than 80k for a 3 year old. Look out at their suspension condition especially the front. rear leafspring is quite durable but need to check it too.

by checking..how do i check??i have no idea..just shake the car??cause if i not mistaken, i called up and ask a few 2nd hand car dealer, they said you can drive nearby only..(some don't even allow) to do some testing on the car..cause the car got no insurance..

between the 3 cars, my first choice will be the ranger, last one will be the frontier. reason for choosing the ranger, the 4wd will come in handy in unexpected time. it also use commonrail engine. i don't think the other two truck have commonrail system though. and i agree with previous replies that the frontier rear seat sucks.

Check the engine condition carefully bro. Diesel engine can be very costly to repair. Don't look at the mileage on the meter, most of the used unit at dealer is already adjust so don't trust them. Look carefully under the car see got alot of mud stain or not, coz most of 4x4 is use by those contractor and offroader. Jacking up the car is the best way. Not to forget to check all those front and rear gearbox if it is 4WD. Also check the interior espeacially those under carpet part c got mud onot. Make sure u didn't bought those off road 4WD.

that is what i think too..that's why i have ranger 1st in my list, D-Max will be 2nd and 3rd goes to frontier..

are we allow to jack up the car?i have no experience in getting 2nd hand car..

2nd hand dealer smart ass. All mud would hv been washed away.
How to determine whether it has been offroad or not goes like this,
1. If possible, drive it up a ramp in petrol station, walk underneath it, see if there is any sign of scratches, especially on the sump guard. Any thing that is covered with new paint, haha....u've spotted that 2nd dealer trying to cover up something.

2. Front arm will also get scratches if go offroad.

3. Drive with windows down on uneven road, with pot holes, listen with your ears wide open. Any metal clanking sound means worn suspension bushes, which will cost a considerable amount to replace.

4. If possible, drive it offroad, say sandy road, engage 4wd check if it's working, try to turn with full lock, any abused 4wd will hv klak klak sound on it's front drive shafts.


Make sure the engine is running well. Otherwise, it cost a bomb to repair.
1. Before u start engine, check oil, n coolant level. Note the level in spare coolant tank. Start the engine, it should start up immediately upon cranking. Prolong cranking to starts means problems. Drive at least 15km or more, to ensure that the engine is fully warmed up. Ford Ranger is famous for cracked engine head if abused.

Recheck engine oil level, and coolant in radiator. There must not be any drop in coolant level in radiator n spare tank. Coolant goes missing means trouble.

Check bolts on engine, c if it has been opened before.

If u hv no experience with 2nd hand car, maybe u can drive it to your mech for better evaluation.

I would vote for ford ranger tdci here.

thanks for the useful tips..really helpful. 1 big problem..are we allow to drive out the car from the 2nd Car Dealer Compound? according to them, the car got no insurance, if anything happened..is going to be a serious case..not sure how can i do the full checking when i'm really getting a 2nd car.

finally when and which u r buying?

abt common rail or not, it is actually a standard, from chatting with technicians, frontier do have a "nissan commonrail", which is why it is possible to pump out all the torque and hp.

seriously, buy the one that you like most, unless you are an extreme driver, it makes not much difference, the frontier guys that I know, only love the engine, suspension gone through a major re-do. the ranger guys that I know, goes for overall performance (e.g. all rounder type)

I just sold the frontier, and now I am driving the pajero sports (no regrets!)

Why don't want go for DMAX 3.0? Power is all there maa... But not as powerful as the mothertrucker 2.5 Navara.

I do have one DMAX 3.0, good FC, powerful.. Going up genting can smoke alot of merc, etc..

Not to mention the DMAX 3.0 can be even more powerful if it's chipped !
2.5 cannot install tuning chip since it's not common rail engine.

Just make sure u got the 4WD ones... You will find it useful when going downhill or going off road. Mine 2WD stuck on mud and it just won't climb back

yup..i'm looking for 4wd..for Dmax 3.0 2nd hand over my budget already..mine is around 60k++ only..also i'm looking at the maximum of the car age is 3 years old..any older, i scare the car might have lots of problem..again it depends if i know the owner or not la..if i'm getting from 2nd car dealer, i think age does matter

btw, as i survey, i think triton also might be in my budget range..2nd hand for 3 years car cost around 60k to 70k..i think can be nego until 65k..not sure how triton feedback

that would be a good choice too

any idea how does triton perform on the road??is the car reliable? in term of parts or often breakdown??

i think all of the off-road truck is made to be tough , never driven it thou so cant comment much on this car, but mitsubishi produces one hell of reliable car, been owning 2 generation of pajero, i can say that they never failed on ur command.

ya..lots of old folks do say mit. 4wd is good..but if they start to give up on you..is going to cost a bomb to make the car running back..but seldom happen la..

Triton (not the Lite) is a good choice if u want easy maintenance. The engine for 2.5 is an old engine tech, the infamous 4D56 which is used on many Mitsubishi lorries. Parts easy to find and quite affordable.

Only the DOHC head and electronics are difficult and expensive to find.

I have 2 units of Triton (2007 and 2008) and have done some basic mods for it. The 2008 is left untouched.

In terms of FC, the A/T model is quite thirsty if u always burn rubber or speeding 140kph all the time. And yes, with a common rail interceptor, u can increase the power from 136hp to 160hp easily. Truck will now accelerate up to 175kph (reading from GPS). However, u will need to add some stabilizers for the rear end or put 200kg of weight to keep the truck down.

2nd hand will go for RM 70k below for A/T 2007 model but watch out for blown or leaking turbo chargers. Except mileage for 2007 to be around 60000 km.

Some 2008/2009 models have tilting problem where the truck is slightly tilted to the right - probably bad batch or manufacturing as 2006/2007 do not have this issue.

For accessories, plenty for Triton from originals to imitation copies.

The ride for a Triton is medium comfort, way better than Hilux or DMAX. The rear seats are angled slightly for maximum comfort. Even has a rear armrest to boot.

wow..thanks for your review on the Triton..really helpful to me..i'm looking for manual unit..so the price will be around 65k to 69k for 3 years old car..

how did you increase the power from 136hp to 160hp??you add those electronic board thingy ah??will that like kinda damage your car engine??

about the engine, you mean the build is from the 2.5 mitsubishi lorries and they have enhance here and there a bit also adding in the commonrail ah??

Yes, DMAX is very very very bumpy for my ass in the rear seat. Even going over bumper on 15kph, it's still very bumpy. (at least for me)

Triton is so far the best for least bumpy pickup truck.

Those are not electronic board thingy, those are commonrail tuning box. They're use to tune the common rail by over writting/control over the common rail sensors to inject more fuel accurately & sufficiently for giving better FC and power.. Doesn't did any damage to the ECU and can be revert back to original once u unplug the tuning box.

Hitting 185km/h with my stock 4x2 3.0 DMAX is no problem, but any mistakes you're gone case !

ello
pinjam thread

I'm looking into Triton Lite or Triton Standard
Will load up few hundred kgs of goods sometime,
mostly on road drive.

my loading is not so frequent also la. around around 10days in a month will be loaded up to that weight and space.

Shd go for Lite or Standard?

Alikato

can i know mistake you said is referring to what sort of mistake??and gone case meaning engine will spoil??

if you are just doing some carrying stuff here and there no off road and don't seek for power, lite will do the job..

Increasing the power is merely a 5 mins job of installing the interceptor between the common rail sensor and ECU. And nah, it won't kill the truck for as long u service regularly. Remember, diesel engines are build tough unlike their petrol counterpart. Only think u have to worry is the turbo and electronics.

The basic 4D56 block remain the same from many generations. Only the head is different. In fact, u can take the head from a Triton and install onto a Mitsubishi lorry (can't recall which model) together with the electronics and she will fire up nicely. Now, due to the commercial nature of lorries, u can't modify it and expect Puspakom to approve it.

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Added on September 8, 2010, 5:56 pmThe Standard comes with manual gearbox and less accessories only.

The Lite is a waste of time. First, it has no turbo and not even an tachometer. Plus, road tax for Lite and Standard are the same. So, what is the point?

Brand new Lite is around RM 61k but 2nd hand 2007 full-spec manual is around RM 65k (if u look harder).

The only good point for Lite is that it can use rims from Evo and Airtrek (5 lug, PCD 114.3). With no turbo, u better not add heavy canopy or boot lid otherwise the FC will increase and u end up with a slow truck.

This post has been edited by acbc: Sep 8 2010, 05:56 PM

i ever though of getting an second hand triton
but a friend of mine who worked in garage told me :
"japanese car owner who usually sell their car in less than 3 years are either:
"Bang-ed their car" or
"earned alot of $ and wnated to change better one"
he said the second one normally is very rare while the first one, which can be seen almost every second hand car reseller.

For Triton, different case as many only use on roads rather than off road. So, buying one used is OK. Remember to check the turbo for signs of leakage or tilting body. Accident on Triton is easy to spot so don't worry. Remember, a truck is using ladder chassis and everything is replaceable.

can i ask..how to check the signs of turbo leakage??can be seen??or must drive for very long time only can notice this problem??

Disconnect the rubber hose at turbo intake, see if there's any oil stain there. If there's oil, it's leaking.

Turbo will leak after certain time or mileage.

Of course, since u can choose, choose the best possible.

Quite simple. Look out for turbo intake hose, if it is dirty and oily, it is leaking.

meaning the hose need to be clean and not oily inside out huh?

so what if the hose inside out is oily or dirty, but they change the new hose with that old hose..consider problem solved or not? or need to change the whole turbo thingy?

so sorry if i ask silly question..didn't encounter any turbo stuff in my life..

thanks for the info

test drived the Triton Lite, and felt the power is so far acceptable
Bank loan approved one day after submited the document, and now waiting for the rest

Oily on the hose indicates the seal for turbo is faulty and your lub oil is sipping into the intake. Another indication Which you can observe is on the exhaust.

how to see the exhaust?? i'm seriously dumb in terms of looking at this turbo thingy

Owned a triton 2.5A/T in my family. Had test drive both M/T and A/T, A/T feels more powerful than M/T... I have no idea why. This truck is meant for on-road purpose + makan angin, comfort is good as rear cabin has a good design, not straight like hilux or narvara. Fitted in 22'inch and still can accelerate fast

auto feels more powerful than manual?? sure or not??

go for triton standard , you will feel the power of the turbo + can offroad + can load things at the back...btw im a triton 2010 model ( 2.5 turbo ) owner

Feels powerful after 2200 rpm yes. Below that, manual will cream the sucker.

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Added on October 14, 2010, 8:22 amRemember to add a common rail interceptor to increase hp from 136 to 160 or more depending on budget.

I'm using one for my '07 auto. Wheel spin on L at stand still. Hehe... scare all those Wiralutions away from my truck.

This post has been edited by acbc: Oct 14 2010, 08:22 AM

i owned triton 2.5 turbo automatic , in terms of power fantastic ! but i dont have any chance to test the manual version yet