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Mitsubishi

Triton

MK· 1996-2006 ute
Price (AUD)
$6-15k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Japan
Built in
Thailand

Overview

Long-running mid-90s Triton. The 4M40 (also used in early Pajero) is the tougher engine and is chain-driven — no timing belt service. The 4D56 IDI is gutless and has a 100k km timing belt that bends valves on failure. Both pre-electronic-injection, easy to work on with basic tools. Build quality typical of late-90s Thai-built utes — rust on coastal examples is the main worry.

Engines & variants

2.8L 4M40 (turbo IDI diesel)

Engine
IDI diesel turbo
Config
I4
Displacement
2.8L
Power
92kW
Torque
294Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~14s
Economy
~9-10 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 250,000km+

Pros

  • Tough 4M40 (Pajero-shared)
  • Chain-driven — no timing belt
  • Mechanical injection — no electronics
  • Easy DIY work
  • Decent parts supply still

Cons

  • Auto trans weak
  • Some rust issues
  • Slow by modern standards
  • Body cab basic

Known problems

medium
4M40 injector pump issues
Mechanical injection pump can develop timing drift and leaking.
Fix: Pump rebuild or replacement by diesel specialist.
From 250k+ km · ~$800-1500
medium
Body and chassis rust
Rust on rear wheel arches, chassis rails.
Fix: Inspect carefully. Coastal examples often unsellable.
From Any · ~Varies

2.5L 4D56 (turbo IDI diesel)

Engine
IDI diesel turbo
Config
I4
Displacement
2.5L
Power
72kW
Torque
240Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~16s
Economy
~9-10 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
2500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
5MT, 4AT
Timing chain / belt / gear
Belt-driven, 100,000km / 5-year (mandatory)

Pros

  • Cheap to buy
  • Simple mechanical injection
  • Decent fuel economy
  • Common engine — parts everywhere

Cons

  • Gutless — 72kW
  • Timing belt at 100k = bent valves if missed
  • Slow
  • Mediocre durability vs 4M40

Known problems

high
4D56 timing belt failure
Timing belt MUST be replaced at 100k. Failure = bent valves on the 4D56.
Fix: Replace on schedule with belt kit. Non-negotiable maintenance item.
From 100k km interval · ~$3000+ (if snaps)
medium
Body and chassis rust
Rust on rear wheel arches, chassis rails.
Fix: Inspect carefully. Coastal examples often unsellable.
From Any · ~Varies