Mitsubishi L200 as a workhorse
#1
Chasing Radders
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Mitsubishi L200 as a workhorse
Who has had one and used it as a work horse??
Just thinking out loud really..... Could I use one as a van for my plumbing business.... As I can get big stuff delivered ect....
Just thinking out loud really..... Could I use one as a van for my plumbing business.... As I can get big stuff delivered ect....
#2
Lucifer II - 666
My mate got one and sold it after 6 months as he's a chippy and said he couldn't get any materials on it etc
#4
Team HOTHOT!
Good motors if you look after them, they do have some common faults tho (Do a search on here as I did a wriote up when someone else asked about using one for work)
Heres mine, but it is more of a weekend toy
Heres mine, but it is more of a weekend toy
#6
Ben
My old man had one, turning circle of a limo, also couldn't get anything in the back, but he did have the stainless hard top on the back, which left around a foot and a half deep to put anything in, definitely worth getting the open back. Good engines though, would pull a house down
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My mates got one but it isn't that big tbh however another mate of mine has a Nissan Navara(?) he uses it for his plumbing business and has no probs.
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#8
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I've drove a few though work and dont think much of them or the 2.5 td engine as me and one of my mates both had shoguns with 2.5 td in them, mine had a valve snap and the valve head was bouncing around the bore for the 1/2 mile trip home before it wedged its self back in the head and my mates had a main bearing cap come off the put its self throught the sump. may be just bad luck.
#9
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changing the subject slighly I'm also looking for a new 4x4 as i tow a 3.5 ton trailer, so a nice 2001 Nissan Navara with lowish miles that i liked the look of do you know what they are like is the turning circle better than the l200, i've also heard stores about the engines in them so not too sure about it.
#17
competant bodger
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I've drove a few though work and dont think much of them or the 2.5 td engine as me and one of my mates both had shoguns with 2.5 td in them, mine had a valve snap and the valve head was bouncing around the bore for the 1/2 mile trip home before it wedged its self back in the head and my mates had a main bearing cap come off the put its self throught the sump. may be just bad luck.
#19
PassionFord Post Troll
don't for the love of god get a navara, all the 4x4 forums say they are shit and have major engine faults.
i think 52 plate l200's had some issues and in general the bonded crank pulley can cause problems but easily converted to solid and if looked after engines are fine. occasional few cracked heads though.
best thing to do is get onto l200.org.uk. once your a paid member (Ł15 one off payment) you get access to the whole site with top advice and every problem has been covered.
i think 52 plate l200's had some issues and in general the bonded crank pulley can cause problems but easily converted to solid and if looked after engines are fine. occasional few cracked heads though.
best thing to do is get onto l200.org.uk. once your a paid member (Ł15 one off payment) you get access to the whole site with top advice and every problem has been covered.
#20
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
there shit end of borrowed one, gutless, crap to tow with, cant fit anything in them cheaply made plastic shit turning circle of a river barge uncomfotable in the front and back
my mate in the passenger seat lent fowad abit quick and snapped the lock on the seat belt
for a 4x4 get a landrover but tbh a transit has 8x4 loading area so are perfect
my mate in the passenger seat lent fowad abit quick and snapped the lock on the seat belt
for a 4x4 get a landrover but tbh a transit has 8x4 loading area so are perfect
#21
ELASTIC BAND
the navara engine issues are the older pre 2005 d22sm
cant fault my 07 d40, on 67k and currently no issues, makes 200bhp when tweaked and a shit load of torque
cant fault my 07 d40, on 67k and currently no issues, makes 200bhp when tweaked and a shit load of torque
#22
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Heres mine Tiff, got it to replace the V8 and car and just have one, mind you mines proberly alot dearer than you want to pay at around 25k pounds new, most tradesmen over here use a ute of some type, i will try and take a couple of photos of some set ups that they have.
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#26
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Not quick (even with the 'extra power' option) and very poor on fuel, but then it is a 3.0td 4x4 with an auto box.
As far as I remember, it's never had a mechanical failing in 80k or so.
Big boot/bed and rear seats are decent too.
Turning circle is noticeably larger than my parents 110 Defender.
Second hand prices seem quite low, we were going to sell the truck but decided with the value of it now, it wasn't worth it.
If you're interested in off-road ability, it's not great, but ours is auto.
#27
RS nutta
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got an 05 warrior im 6,2 the drivers area is a bit small for me ,it does about 130 miles to 20 litres of fuel space in the rear is ok but dont carry much around ,done about 30k in it regular oil changes every 6k i have only had to replace the belts aux power steering where one just broke then took all the others with them but its been great turning circle is a pain but yeah go for it ,hope for the snow which these do come into there own then great fun ..
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changing the subject slighly I'm also looking for a new 4x4 as i tow a 3.5 ton trailer, so a nice 2001 Nissan Navara with lowish miles that i liked the look of do you know what they are like is the turning circle better than the l200, i've also heard stores about the engines in them so not too sure about it.
Stick to a proper 4x4 like your rangey.
#32
I've found that life I needed.. It's HERE!!
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had an old shape 53 plater, and it was a real backbreaker. the steering lock was shite and its no good having an open back if your gonna put tools in as they will get stolen overnight.
changed it for a 57 plate animal, and that had a better lock, and more room in it, but a smaller bed on the back!!
changed that and now got a new hi lux! much better truck matey!!
changed it for a 57 plate animal, and that had a better lock, and more room in it, but a smaller bed on the back!!
changed that and now got a new hi lux! much better truck matey!!
#33
ELASTIC BAND
changing the subject slighly I'm also looking for a new 4x4 as i tow a 3.5 ton trailer, so a nice 2001 Nissan Navara with lowish miles that i liked the look of do you know what they are like is the turning circle better than the l200, i've also heard stores about the engines in them so not too sure about it.
And its not 4x4, well it can be but ive never used it, 100% rwd driving with mine
Last edited by Fil; 06-11-2010 at 12:18 PM.
#34
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ive got a 54 plate warrior had it for 3 years now done 30000 trouble free miles
as said there not very quick and the turning circle is shite!
I use it as my workhorse carrying ton bags of sand etc and then my family wagon/taking the dogs out, not many vehicles can do both with ease.i find it comfortable with the leather and has plenty of toys etc and with the snow the last two years i never once got stuck and i went everywere was good fun in rwd!!
Im due a new work truck /van in january and want another truck but not being able to carry 8x4 sheets is a pain in the arse and the only thing making me want a van!!
as said there not very quick and the turning circle is shite!
I use it as my workhorse carrying ton bags of sand etc and then my family wagon/taking the dogs out, not many vehicles can do both with ease.i find it comfortable with the leather and has plenty of toys etc and with the snow the last two years i never once got stuck and i went everywere was good fun in rwd!!
Im due a new work truck /van in january and want another truck but not being able to carry 8x4 sheets is a pain in the arse and the only thing making me want a van!!
#35
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i have a 52 plate l200 animal mate and i think its awesome.
ive had it 4 years,never had any probs with it.its so reliable,looks good,full leathers,powerfull engine as the animal is the chipped top of the range version.pisses on warriors etc,
i have a caterinf bussiness and tow a variety of trailers everyday and its awesome at towing.we do shows and events and we often have to tow across muddy fields etc and its bloody great.
bit light at the back ,especially in winter when snowing,but with some tools in back or some bags of sand when its snowing its great.
dont know why so many people left neg about them,they obviously havent had one,its all my mate this and my mate that,dont be put off mate.
i got the box on back of mine so i get the dog in aswell (10stone rottie),and i can get loads of gear in.
my carp gear goes in no probs including my 12 foot carp rods,obviously broke into 2 6 foot sections.
bit thirsty on diesel,turning circle is poor but can be modified easily to make it turn better,i did mine,you just turn the rack stoppers in a bit without any probs.
you have to have commercial insurance wheter its for commercial or domestic,overall a great tank of a motor,great drivin position,heating hot within 1 minute of drivin which is awesome in winter.
love it mate,buy one
ive had it 4 years,never had any probs with it.its so reliable,looks good,full leathers,powerfull engine as the animal is the chipped top of the range version.pisses on warriors etc,
i have a caterinf bussiness and tow a variety of trailers everyday and its awesome at towing.we do shows and events and we often have to tow across muddy fields etc and its bloody great.
bit light at the back ,especially in winter when snowing,but with some tools in back or some bags of sand when its snowing its great.
dont know why so many people left neg about them,they obviously havent had one,its all my mate this and my mate that,dont be put off mate.
i got the box on back of mine so i get the dog in aswell (10stone rottie),and i can get loads of gear in.
my carp gear goes in no probs including my 12 foot carp rods,obviously broke into 2 6 foot sections.
bit thirsty on diesel,turning circle is poor but can be modified easily to make it turn better,i did mine,you just turn the rack stoppers in a bit without any probs.
you have to have commercial insurance wheter its for commercial or domestic,overall a great tank of a motor,great drivin position,heating hot within 1 minute of drivin which is awesome in winter.
love it mate,buy one
#36
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Heres one that lives down the road from me tiff, used by a chippie. plumbers on that i have seen have slightly shorter boxes for room for gas bottles and big tubes on top for pipes.
#37
Engine Machinist
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as far as engine problems go, L200's suffer from cracked heads. probably 90% of the heads we see are leaking from PCC's or in the ports.
Navara's though are well known for having conrods that love to escape from the block had a few cracked heads on these too, but mainly see them because of the bottom end problems.
Navara's though are well known for having conrods that love to escape from the block had a few cracked heads on these too, but mainly see them because of the bottom end problems.
#38
PassionFord Post Troll
from what i've read the l200 suffers from cracked heads if it gets a bit hot (so regular coolant system checks and cleaning should help prevent this) and the 2 piece (rubber sandwiched) crank pulley regularly delaminates causing vibrations and can fuck the crank. so do the timing belt early or preferably convert to a solid crank pulley as soon as you buy and that ones sorted.
navara engines just shit themselves whenever theres a day in the week so wouldnt touch them.
landrovers for the same money as the l200 are going to be quite a lot older that the l200 and are well known for braking cv's calliper brakckets etc all the time 9not to mention beig rustier and the new stuff if anything brakes its a body off job so unless you have shed loads of cash (meaning a few grand to throw at it whenever it wants) its not fucking worth it.
one of my mates has bought a discovery recently, modified for off roading, and has already smached a brake calliper mount and fucked a clutch within a few weeks and although he's off roaded it its not had much abuse compared with most!
i've been looking into 4x4's for a while now as where i live the roads are awfull and its hilly so i'd rather have a 4x4 and the l200 seems to make sence. mind so does the hilux but they only seem to be availible in the surf model which is fully enclosed so if you want that then fine.
unfortunately single cab or crew cab (2 doors but slightly bigger than singel cab to allow a rear bench seat) l200 are fairly rare, most are double cabs and some come with tops on the back. as far as off roading goes with minimal mods the l200 seems to hold its own against the ladrovers and seems to be no different than landrovers of equal length. obviously there is no short wheel base version of the l200 so turning circle aint great but can be forgiven easily.
if you want something like an l200 then its either pre 2002 to save money and have reliability or post 2003 to have something reliable and a bit newer. they can suffer from a bit of rust especially when abused like any 4x4 so best thing is to take the tub off (easy job aparently) search for any rust and fix it and then go for a full rust proofing. you can buy kits or get the job done by rust.co.uk and is higly recomended. if it gets off roaded and waided then its worth doing every 2 or 3 years in my opinion.
having said all that if you need to transport BIG pannels and dont need to tow a huge trailer (l200 is awsome at towing, loads have said disco's etc are shit at towing) then a van is the best bet. just remember, NOTHING in this day and age is secure and if scum want tools out of your van they will EASILY get into the van and nick it. only takes a few min and they;ve fucked off with all your tools.
hopefully all that is legable as i;ve just got in from the pub and i'm a bit pissed.
fuck this must be one of my longest posts
navara engines just shit themselves whenever theres a day in the week so wouldnt touch them.
landrovers for the same money as the l200 are going to be quite a lot older that the l200 and are well known for braking cv's calliper brakckets etc all the time 9not to mention beig rustier and the new stuff if anything brakes its a body off job so unless you have shed loads of cash (meaning a few grand to throw at it whenever it wants) its not fucking worth it.
one of my mates has bought a discovery recently, modified for off roading, and has already smached a brake calliper mount and fucked a clutch within a few weeks and although he's off roaded it its not had much abuse compared with most!
i've been looking into 4x4's for a while now as where i live the roads are awfull and its hilly so i'd rather have a 4x4 and the l200 seems to make sence. mind so does the hilux but they only seem to be availible in the surf model which is fully enclosed so if you want that then fine.
unfortunately single cab or crew cab (2 doors but slightly bigger than singel cab to allow a rear bench seat) l200 are fairly rare, most are double cabs and some come with tops on the back. as far as off roading goes with minimal mods the l200 seems to hold its own against the ladrovers and seems to be no different than landrovers of equal length. obviously there is no short wheel base version of the l200 so turning circle aint great but can be forgiven easily.
if you want something like an l200 then its either pre 2002 to save money and have reliability or post 2003 to have something reliable and a bit newer. they can suffer from a bit of rust especially when abused like any 4x4 so best thing is to take the tub off (easy job aparently) search for any rust and fix it and then go for a full rust proofing. you can buy kits or get the job done by rust.co.uk and is higly recomended. if it gets off roaded and waided then its worth doing every 2 or 3 years in my opinion.
having said all that if you need to transport BIG pannels and dont need to tow a huge trailer (l200 is awsome at towing, loads have said disco's etc are shit at towing) then a van is the best bet. just remember, NOTHING in this day and age is secure and if scum want tools out of your van they will EASILY get into the van and nick it. only takes a few min and they;ve fucked off with all your tools.
hopefully all that is legable as i;ve just got in from the pub and i'm a bit pissed.
fuck this must be one of my longest posts
#39
Chasing Radders
Thread Starter
Cheers for all the input guys......
I think im going to look for a nice L200 and see how i get on using it for work BEFORE i sell my van. If i can work out of it and get on with it then thats fine, if not i will sell it and sell the transit then get a nice new van......
I think im going to look for a nice L200 and see how i get on using it for work BEFORE i sell my van. If i can work out of it and get on with it then thats fine, if not i will sell it and sell the transit then get a nice new van......