Greetings...

[Firegod]

G'day to all. Just on board for the first time.

Me, just a run o' the mill Aussie. Love beer, love the bush.
I Drive:
City - '99 Corolla, (Hey, somebody else paid for it, now it's going...)
Country - '99 Pajero 7seater. Mostly used for its towing and transport capabilities around NSW and Vic.

That's the important stuff outta the way...

Been a while since I've thrown some money away, lookin to upgrade vehicles. Very interested in the Triton, and the $ benefit as I have a ABN is very attractive. (My preference so far: GLX-R/2.8L TD so far).

I have driven 4WD's of all types, Isuzu, Mercedes Mogs, Toyota, Nissan, Suzuki... ( Part of my previous work and as an ES worker).

But the old Pajero has always been the most reliable and, well, the most fun. I cannot recall it ever putting a wheel wrong, and trust me I've given it some effort.

I'd be interested in some independent reviews, possible downsides, our even opinions on options.

Anyway, I gonna go off and check out the many posts around here.

Cheers,

[-Scott-]

OK, the "Love it" option may be a little strong, but I think you could do worse, so that's the closest option IMHO.

Australian 4wd Monthly absolutely bagged it when it was released, but you must take into account that it doesn't have Toyota badges.

The engine is good, strong and reliable. You'll hear horror stories from some about cracked heads, but I believe they're typically due to poor maintenance and/or abuse.

I don't know if they beefed up the Triton drivetrain behind the 2.8 itd - they did for the Pajeros. In the Pajero the drivetrain is close to bulletproof.

The only Triton I've seen offroad didn't have much suspension travel, which I put down to stiff springs for load carrying. I don't know what the load capacity is on the GLX-R - have they downgraded it?

A friend of mine had two Challengers (essentially a Triton wagon) and had no end of trouble with them - particularly the clutch/gearbox. But he did drive them hard, and I don't know of others having as much trouble as he had.

If a 4wd ute was on my shopping list I'd be looking long and hard at the Triton - not that I'm at all biassed.

Scott

[Firegod]

Love the Toyota comment, their dealers seem of a similar opinion, not to mention the prices!

Yeah, I suppose 'Love it' maybe a bit strong, but I am going to want to after I fork over the $'s! (At least for now)...

Anybody else out wish to pass on a bit of experience?
Technical info or life experience?

[swaddo]

OK, the "Love it" option may be a little strong, but I think you could do worse, so that's the closest option IMHO.

Australian 4wd Monthly absolutely bagged it when it was released, but you must take into account that it doesn't have Toyota badges.

They didnt even drive one in their 4wd ute of the year round up.


I have an '03 MK GLS double cab and I do love it.

The good bits ...

It's comfy, handles well on and off road , is not too bad on juice (about 12 - 13L/100km) and has quite a bit of go. It is also far sexier (IMHO) than the lux, deo, and navara.

also when i got mine it was $10K cheaper than the lux SR5.

the bad bits ...
If you want to modify it down the track you will find that your options are a little limited, but there are still plenty of things out there if you look hard enough. (like this for example)

As was mentioned before the rear springs are stiff and can get a bit uncomfortable (my kids hate it when i go over speed humps). Tough dog make a "comfort ride" leaf for the rear so that could be an option. I think they are around $400 a pair. the IFS in the front means that travel at that end is a bit limited too. I think that most of the utes now are IFS anyway so it isnt purely a triton thing.

I do find the drivers foot room is a little cramped, and I'm no giant. Of course, i then proceeded to make it worse by mounting the UHF radio next to me left leg .

the damn cup holder obscures the cd player and you cant eject the CD if you have a drink in there.

They aren't the most capable 4wd ute on the market, but iut suits what I want and I would certainly buy one again.

Cheers
Blake

[badger]

i have a 98 petrol gls

absolutly sh1ts on mates ifs hiluxes and navaras around town and off road well they still have no chance.................... only gripe i have is the cost of the 100000km service and the fuel usage. both of these are alot cheaper with a diesel.

so go 4 it

[swaddo]

Forgot to mention that mine is 3.0 petrol too.

It is worth remembering that the service interval for diesels is only 7,500km though (as opposed to 15,000km for petrols) so long term diesel service costs are higher if you want to keep your warranty.

Cheers
Blake

[Firegod]

Thanks for the replies and tips.

Good news is I am going out to test one tomorrow.....
More to come on that....


I also note what you say about price comparisons, even the lux with all the run out specials going at the moment, the toy would still would make a serious dent in the back pocket. Overall 'Bang for ya Buck' goes the Tritons way at the moment.

Having an ABN I discovered helps as well, Mitsu are offering a great commercial discount, others are yet to come to the party.

Not bagging Toyo much, they do make a very reliable vehicle, but hey, with their popularity you'd think they would be willing to cut a better deal and throw on a few more extras for the extra $10K+ ...

[-Scott-]

Not bagging Toyo much, they do make a very reliable vehicle, but hey, with their popularity you'd think they would be willing to cut a better deal and throw on a few more extras for the extra $10K+ ...

They don't need to discount because way too many people are silly enough to pay full tote odds for anything with a Toyota badge on the bonnet.

Yes, they're good vehicles; but they're not good enough to justify the premium they charge, and they're starting to believe their own marketing hype. Excluding the Ute/Troopy range, current models are less capable offroad than their predecessors. And the 100 Series certainly appears less reliable.

Scott

[Firegod]

Well, the bullet has been bit!

After some shocking treatment at an unamed dealer today, (Toyo), we went away not happy. The sales guy, (or should I say 'don't want to deal guy'), offered us a crap trade in for our existing Pajero and didn't even listen to the fact we were hunting 2 vehicles, if he opened his ears and put some thought into it, he might have had us and got himself a good sale....

So after much deliberation over the passed months, we went back to Mitsubishi and signed the orders. Got a great trade in on our 2 and a business deal on the Triton GLX-R, (Gunmetal), got the h/duty t/bar thrown in. And the missus got herself a new Outlander XLS, (Black) to run around in. (Came with $1000 free fuel too, that's good incentive these days!).

I have to wait for the new run in October for the GLX-R, but there was an Outlander in the yard, we pick it up next week.

Thanks for the input, needless to say I will be hanging around, maybe see you around the tracks....

Roll on summer and the bush! I gots me a new play thing!

[Firegod]

Talk about heading into a brilliant weekend.....

The dealer called, my new Triton will be ready to pick up on Friday...

Then I also cash in an overdue B-Day pressie....

5 hot laps around Oran Park in a V8 supercar!
(Ford of course, as is my leaning when it comes to the Supercars).

Am I a happy lad or what!