Reply With Quotewill tow that no probs but will be a little thirsty on the fuel thats about all.
cheers Lee
Can anybody give some informed opinions of the Challenger (2000 - 2005), in particular how it would go towing a 2t boat? I'm looking for a tow/family vehicle and the challenger ticks all the boxes for me.
will tow that no probs but will be a little thirsty on the fuel thats about all.
cheers Lee
i agree about the fuel.
my last work vehicle was a 2005 challanger. got traded last july on new triton.
it had 180000 on clock. all was good except for a sensor on the transfer case.
get that checked.i had it up the beach few times.
I thiink Ausfish member Levinge has one. Try him.
G'day,Originally Posted by LoungeLizard
The Challenger of that vintage was a Mitsubishi Triton with a wagon body. It was also the platform for the Pajero up to the NM series.
All of these vehicles had a good durability and reliability reputation.
The paint and trim was excellent and, if garaged, could easily outlast the driveline. The major mechanical bits are good for about 250,000Km but after that transmissions seals (and other seals) are breaking down and the engine valve gear is pretty much worn out. Rebuilds are feasible if the rest of the car is pretty much good for another 10 years.
The early Challengers had the Tritons rear suspension and were a bit harsh and fidgety on road without a load. The second series had the Pajero coil sprung rear end and were much better.
The 3.0Lt V6 will be very thirsty hauling all that weight amd might be S--L--O--W and have to be driven sedately. Do you have far to go? Also, as you want a wagon, I assume that you have family to take on board. Be careful about overloading the Challenger with people, their stuff plus the downforce load of the BMT. It's easy to overload.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
White Pointer
Just to chuck another question on this thread, are they capable off road???
Thanks WP,
Your remarks about reliability confirms what I've read elsewhere. That's what attracted me to the challenger.
I was worried that the boat and family might be too much. I will be towing some distance up/down the coast from Gladstone to 1770, Yeppoon etc. Tow capacity is about 2200kg (auto) but it is still a medium 4wd.
I might have to consider some other options.
Had one for 6 years, used to use it on railway jobs, up the beach, outback, towing a boat and anything else I could throw at it. The sensors were replaced a few times but couldn't kill it. I traded it in on a Outlander, she had 245,00 on the clock.
Have an 05 Challenger, good tow vehicle but would like 1 extra gear.
Towing a 580 Formosa Centre Cab on Tandem Trailer
Pro's - good tow vehicle around town, strong on the ramp
- Good on the beach, actually snatched a few bigger 4wd that got bogged
- Good accelleration
Con's - long trips, no wind good speed, any wind and you find it hard to sit on 90kph.
- Thirsty when towing
Overall a solid vehicle if your not towing too much weight, good height and driver visibility, good power and a very safe feeling vehicle, even when cornering.
Unfortunately for me, I will be looking at another vehicle for the towing (still keeping the Challenger though, Missus likes driving it), considering a Jeep Grand Cherokee in either the 3ltr Deisel or the 4.7 petrol - 3500kg tow capacity.
Fillet and Release Squad
I love mine - a little thirsty but better than the Rodeo Dual cab petrol I had!!! I have the Luxury pack with leather seats etc which is an import from memory. Running gear is mainly Pajero and coil overs in the rear. Good all round mid-tier 4WD........I have 190k on the clock and still going strong.
For me, good value for money.
Chris
Thanks. The boat I'm thinking of buying will be just on 2t (6m) so it's looking like the mitsu will struggle. Pity as they have a good reputation and represents value for money.
I was also looking at the Jeep and went for drive in the 2004 cherokee TD (2.8) the other day. The engine has got some poke but 2 things bother me:
1. Dealer network & parts. Closest dealer is over 100k's away, also not sure how easy/cheap it is to get parts
2. On-road ride wasn't too flash. It's really feels like a truck and is very bouncy/harsh. Maybe the newer ones are OK but I can't afford that
Talk to a mechanic before getting the jeep because they had a problem with the wiring. If one thing went wrong with the wiring it was a total wiring loom replacement. Cost my dad over 3 grand.
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