Buying a used Mitsubishi Triton ML (2006-2010)

Back in 1990 when Mitsubishi added a V6 to its Triton range, the muscular ute exposed some long-term complacency down at Toyota, Holden and Nissan. It quickly captured a useful chunk of the commercial and 4x4 markets but rivals in these profitable segments weren't going to lie down for long.

By 2006 Mitsubishi was obliged to take a long hard look at how its contender was faring against rivals and their advances in style, space and performance. Enter the Triton ML.

The ML series took a proven design and broadened its appeal to both commercial and private buyers. Of particular interest were people looking for a family hold-all that could spend its weekends on the beach or in the bush. Bodies came as single-cab pickup or tray-backs but the four-door Double Cab remained a winner. Three equipment levels were on offer, culminating the GLS at more than $50,000.

The petrol V6 that attracted so many to Triton ownership remained on the books, now in 3.5 litre, 135kW form. Power climbed just a little and the real story lay in the 22 per cent torque gain that made for easier towing and faster overtaking without hurting fuel economy.

Best news for private and commercial buyers was introduction of a 3.2-litre common-rail turbo-diesel with Euro 4 emission compliance and a modest 118kW but loads of low-end grunt.

If you just wanted a bare-bones work truck then the 2WD, single-cab/chassis GL came with 'air and steer' at an appealing $19,990. Lots of people went for the Double Cab as well; choosing between the smooth V6 or frugal but rowdy diesel.

The GLX Double Cab 4x4 proved a winner with buyers who wanted to blend commercial and recreational use and keep the Fringe Benefits Tax bill to a minimum. The high-sided cargo space would take more than a tonne and towing capacity reached 2300kg.

The GLX interior wasn't plush but there was enough inside to satisfy families looking for a practical off-roader. Air-conditioning, power steering and a CD player were among the initial inclusions but ABS brakes and cruise control were options.

Plenty of well-priced stock in the used market has made the GLS relatively affordable and worth the extra spend if you can manage it. The ML version came only in Double Cab form with four-wheel drive, metal or styleside tray and the choice of petrol or diesel power.

Opening the door on a GLS should liberate the tang of recently-fed leather and a cabin that's packed with interesting objects and systems. The air-conditioning has climate control and the seats adjust electrically. Outside, your gear is kept safe by a hard tonneau cover, there are fog lights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Slow-mo video of a Triton undergoing crash-tests showed minimal passenger-cell deformation and the car scored an impressive 16/16 rating in side-impact tests. For curtain air bags and standard stability control you had to wait for the MN model, however the ML did include dual air bags and seatbelt tensioners , with ABS standard or available.

ON THE ROAD
The reason for buying a Triton in preference to some other utes of similar specification probably won't become apparent during the standard 'twice around the block' test drive.

It takes some exposure to bumpy roads or some off-road exploration to feel why Mitsubishi went to the trouble of replacing the old torsion bar front suspension with a more supple upper and lower wishbone layout.

Down the back there's still an ancient but durable leaf-spring arrangement that allows commercial users to pack plenty into the optional alloy tray. It means also that family buyers can sling a hefty boat or caravan on behind and expect the Triton to drive with minimal strain on its driver.

People who buy these as commuter cars probably won't want manual transmission. The clutch and gear-shift are both a bit truck-like but with the V6 or turbo-diesel you can skip gears when accelerating from rest. The manual is also going to provide greater control in tough off-road situations. In the auto's favour is significantly reduced effort while still delivering decent acceleration.

If you choose the dual-cab then be prepared for pleasant responses from those obliged to travel in the rear seat. Especially if you're trading up from an older Triton, HiLux or Navara. Extra length in the body and a re-shaped rear wall allowed the seat to be reclined 24 degrees without impacting on legroom or cushion length. Headroom is excellent and the standard cloth trim in early MLs seems to be holding up well.

Due to all the low-slung plastics up front, some original owners spent money in the dealership accessory shop and fitted an alloy nudge bar or full-blown 'roo deflector. That won't stop the floors and transmission components being belted and bashed by clumsy off-roaders, so use the 4x4’s plentiful clearance to have a good look underneath.

For smooth highway cruising there's not much to rival the V6 but once you start slinging things into the tray or towing, fuel consumption soars from the unladen average of 12.2L/100km to a nasty 18-20L/100. Mitsubishi claimed 9.1L/100km from the diesel, so even pushing hard shouldn't send consumption much beyond 13L/100km.

The 4x4 versions have selectable all-wheel drive that can be engaged on the move and at up to 100km/h. For rough going, there's a diff lock but no hill descent or stability assistance.

>> Vehicles less than a decade old should not be showing significant rust or damage to external panels. However the tray innards and under body may tell a different tale. Scrapes caused by ambitious off-roading and dents due to unrestrained cargo cause paint perforation and rust will follow.

>> Diesels that surge at constant throttle may be suffering electronic gremlins or just be unhappy with the brand of fuel it's being fed. If you experience this condition while test driving, best leave that particular vehicle alone. If it manifests after purchase, look to a diesel specialist for help rather than a regular workshop or dealer.

>> A diesel that blows noticeable amounts of black smoke or won’t rev, should be avoided. Carbon deposits adhere to manifolds and EGR (gas return) valve, affecting performance and costing sizeable amounts for a professional de-coke. Some owners claim that switching to different brands of diesel fuel can reduce the build-up, so ask around.
>> Rear springs subject to constant heavy loads will sag, producing a rough ride when unladen and potentially dangerous bottoming. Look for at least 100mm of clearance between tyres and the wheel-arch and that the vehicle sits squarely on its springs.
>> Check that the door rubbers are secure and undamaged and that windows operate without binding or shuddering. Also check that seats in cars with electric controls aren't jammed in the position the previous owner preferred

USED VEHICLE GRADING
Design and Function: 12/20
Safety: 12/20
Practicality: 15/20
Value for Money: 12/20
Wow Factor: 10/20
SCORE: 61/100

ALSO CONSIDER: Toyota HiLux, Nissan Navara, Holden Rodeo