Hi, Thank you very much for the add. Over the last couple of - TopicsExpress

Hi, Thank you very much for the add. Over the last couple of weeks my wife and I have been trying to choose what our next vehicle will be. We will be replacing a 2002 AU3 falcon wagon. We live in Hervey Bay and love camping, so Im sure our reason for looking into four wheel drives is quite self explanatory. Being on a budget of $7800 maximum (excluding stamp duty etc) and not wanting something with more than 200,000km on it our options narrowed down fairly quickly to either the mitsubishi challenger or nissan pathfinder. That in fact is also our order of preference. I looked at this one today, even though compared to many others within a 5 hours drive seems quite highly priced. - countrycars.au/widebay/hervey+bay/private/used-car/2001/mitsubishi/challenger/1524573 After taking it for a test drive the following was observed: One owner since new 145,750km~ No visible rust Interior in decent condition for age though had not been detailed, steam cleaned or coated in armour all (so looked more worn than others that are advertised, but in reality there might not be much In it) Decent tyres on all 4 corners with heaps of tread + an excellent spare Car started from stone cold within a couple of seconds No smoke when car was first started No fresh oil leaks detected from above or whilst lying on my back under the car. Oil diptstick showed correct level Transmission dipstick showed correct level and fluid did not have any metalic particles or funny smells. CV boots and joints all appear OK based on visual inspection and full lock turns on test drive. Exhaust does not appear to have any leaks. Aircon, power windows etc all appear to work just fine. Seat leather in decent condition Suspension does not make any noise, even when going on an angle over/through a reverse speed bump, over gravel or on poor quality roads Brakes feel direct and not spongy Transmission shifted smoothly Tow bar Electric brake controller Shock absorbers did not appear to be leaking Bad points: Service book only stamped to 100,000km. No other paperwork for maintenance/repairs available. Its bone stock. No accessories ie: bull bar, stereo, roof racks and so forth that others tend to come with. Oil is a bit dark. It didn’t smell burnt, but definitely due for a change. Evidence of previous oil leaks underneath engine bay as evident by some old black sludge built up here and there. I wouldnt call it excessive though. 10c or just under sized chip in paint work at the front lip of the bonnet on drivers side. Has been hit with rust converter or some such, so does blend in pretty well. Head light protector plastic cracked on drivers side at the bottom. Interior/exterior not detailed prior to sale as mentioned, unlike most others – Just makes it a bit harder to compare apples to apples Interior condition – Reasonably good. Wear to door handles, crack in leather on top of centre console in an X shape around 5c piece sized. Possible wheel alignment issue. Pulling to the left and outer of one front tyre was feathering a bit. Steering felt a bit strange – I read that it might just be because this car has recirculating ball steering in more than one article/review of the vehicle Upon returning from test drive the car was left at idle for a few minutes before high revs were applied. My wife witnessed some smoke at this time. (after speaking to my mechanic – David at carsplus mechanical - he said it could well indicate issues with the valve stem seals and it would require a leak down test to verify) Note: Concerned that pulling to one side plus steering feeling a bit odd could point to ball joint issues. But lack of suspension noises likely eliminates that concern The following cars are what Im using as a comparison. gumtree.au/s-ad/coolangatta/cars-vans-utes/2002-mitsubishi-challenger-wagon/1039224949 - This one is a 2002 LS model with a few thousand less KM. Has new brakes, service history with receipts and roof racks. - $6250 asking carsales.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Challenger-2005/SSE-AD-2699582/?Cr=0&sdmvc=1 – 4 years newer, 30,000 less km. Looks very neat and tidy. $7900 asking. gumtree.au/s-ad/gold-coast-region/cars-vans-utes/2000-mitsubishi-challenger-4x4-wagon-137-000km-s/1040843450 - A year older, however less km. $6999 asking. gumtree.au/s-ad/redcliffe/cars-vans-utes/2000-mitsubishi-challenger-wagon-automatic-with-lpg-tank-99500km/1037510893 - A year older, however a lot less in the way of KM and comes with an LPG conversion all ready done. $6500 asking. gumtree.au/s-ad/carrara/cars-vans-utes/2002-mitsubishi-challenger-pamy01-green-4-speed-automatic-wagon/1041437275 - A year newer, less km and from a dealer so comes with stat warranty (1000km. Not much but it’s enough to notice any major issues immediately after purchase). $6999 asking. *_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_* Ive contacted the seller and have asked them what they would realistically take for it.. In the meantime any thoughts, advice, anything, would be greatly appreciated. I dont suppose anyone has opinions on pathfinders of the same age? lol Thanks very much :) Matt.