1995 L300 LWB van, NZ new. 2.5 diesel (non-turbo). 5-speed column change. 250,000km. Regular oil and filter changes, doesn't seem to be excessively smoky. Cambelt done on time previously. Drivetrain seems in reasonable condition and the bodywork is sound. How reliable are the 2.5 diesel engines at this mileage! What should I be paying attention to when inspecting the vehicle! Thanks in advance.
elvis58,
Mar 19, 9:44am
Cooling system, make sure it's been looked after. Radiator removed, stripped and cleaned and refitted with new antifreeze.They have a bad rep, normally down to cracking heads and poor maintenance.
franc123,
Mar 19, 9:50am
Also ask about oil consumption, Mitsubishi seem to think that an engine that chomps 1L/1000km is still acceptable these days, even when it is new.They have a rep as being a bit of a grenade but in the main they are OK as long as they are maintained by the book.If the price is right and you aren't going to ask too much of it, it might be worth a punt.
phillip.weston,
Mar 19, 9:52am
I think it's more the petrols (specifically the sirius family) which have the oil consumption issue, the diesels tend to be ok until they start getting worn out. Being a '95 it will be the roller rocker head which is much better in terms of reliability over the previous examples.
200sx,
Mar 19, 7:23pm
Cheers. Actually looks pretty straight, but I figured with that mileage oil usage might be an issue. With regards to the cooling system, how often should it be serviced so I have a reference to discuss with! As often as an oil and filter change! I won't be doing huge mileage in it, but I always try and service my vehicles by the book, even if higher mileage or older etc.
elvis58,
Mar 19, 10:43pm
Best speak to a radiator specialist. I have a estima diesel and get mine done every two years as they suffer the same problem.I believe antifreeze should be changed every two years so do it all in one hit. I have a number of contacts who run 4d56 engines, most have suffered no problems when making sure the maintenance is done right and the cooling system good.
200sx,
Mar 20, 3:21am
Being a column change is there much difference in things like the gear linkages, and gearbox reliability!
elvis58,
Mar 20, 4:32am
No. One of my friends uses them in his concrete cutting business, they are full of gear and get hammered from job to job by a numberof drivers with no issues as yet.
fordcrzy,
Mar 21, 3:13am
they absolute crap! having experienced one of these masterpieces in ancient technology i can say this.
they are slower than paris hilton at a math contest. they drink oil like its going out of fashion. (mine used about 2 liters per 5000 kays) they are about as safe as a wet cardboard box.oh and they have a 4 speed gearbox! (the 5th gear is just for looks, you can't actually use it.) the place i worked at got a heap of them.a whole heap of complaints and a few resignations later, they finally admitted the ****ED up.
franc123,
Mar 21, 3:26am
You can still get them new you know, although it seems they have finally retired the 4D56 engine, you are stuck with the gutless and thirsty petrol engine instead. http://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.nz/vehicles/vans/l300/ MMC clearly don't think there is anything wrong with selling a 1986 vehicle in 2011. There must have been something wrong with the gear linkage or something if there was no 5th gear, IIRC it was only the pre 86 that had 4 speed gearboxes.
elvis58,
Mar 21, 5:30am
LOL by your own admission you experienced one.They sure have their faults but gove me a example on the same platform that's so much better!Fifth gear has existed in all i have dealt with when it is infact fitted, if some egg wants to install a 5 speed knob on a 4 speed box it cazn hardly be the manufacturers fault, if it were there are many actions availble to get the "misrepresentation" fixed.People resigning over the choice of work vehicle.mmmmmmmmmmm!
fordcrzy,
Mar 23, 7:11am
it DID have a fifth gear.you just couldn't use it because the van was soo gutless! foot flat to the floor in 5th was slower than 4th! when you do 70000 kays a year on the open road and the coromandel.the choice of work vehicle is an important factor to job satisfaction.Getting ****ed off everyday because the vehicle you drive isn't up to the job and is unsafe is a sure fire way to have you looking elsewhere for a job.
it cracks me up how at work we have to do all this stuff for "health and safety" reasons,yet they are happy to let you loose on the road in a vehicle that will chop off your legs if you crash it. how Mitsi are allowed to sell those unsafe vehicles in 2011 is beyond me.
franc123,
Aug 18, 2:53am
So how much weight was actually in it!Having driven both extensively I wouldn't consider that a 4D56 L300 was any slower than a 2L diesel Hiace under the same conditions.
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