1990 Mitsubishi Chariot GLX 1.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Best car ever

Faults:

Drive shaft had to be replaced because of dodgy Mitsubishi registered mechanics.

CV joint destroyed because of the same mechanics.

CV boots replaced due to wear and tear.

Front suspension struts replaced due to mechanic putting on warped tyres. Over time the shake wore out the suspension struts and CV joints.

The Mitsubishi registered mechanic broke the splines of the drive shaft, and knowingly fitted a new CV joint, destroying that as well..

General Comments:

I admittedly got two very bad services on this car. I had a Mitsubishi Spacewagon manual petrol.

When I eventually changed mechanics, I spent a little time and money on the car, and it turned out to be the best car I ever owned. It being an import in Ireland, it was a nightmare on parts. Mitsubishi like to rub it in when ordering parts; they don't like dealing with Japanese imported cars.

I drove this car in all kinds of conditions, and practically lived in this car due to the job I was in at the time. It started on the button every time; it just wanted to start. Yes, it did need regular servicing, but it got me there when bigger more expensive cars hadn't a breeze of a chance. I wish I still had it; I miss it everyday.

If you ever get the chance to own one, don't hesitate. They look like the styling was an after thought, they are not that pretty, but god they have everything. The more modern Mitsubishi Spacewagons look good, but they are way too expensive to run; the older ones were the best! They are not sports cars, so yes they do float around corners a bit, and the brakes are not very effective, and will not stop you on a dime.

The seats in the front have not got a lot of leg room, that is true, but you can arch the chair to compensate. There is ample space in the back seats, the boot is not huge when the rear seats are in use, but all people carriers are like that!

It's a one of a kind car to own, and I loved it while I owned it. Best car ever!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th May, 2012

1998 Mitsubishi Chariot Grandis 2.4 from Botswana

Summary:

It's a wonderful car

Faults:

At 145000km, the control unit blue like capacitors broke, leading to power failure.

It was smoking heavily, especially in the morning.

General Comments:

It's a very comfortable car, especially on long distances.

I like the interior noise reduction. It's quite quiet; that adds to its comfort.

The cabin is pretty good.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2010

1986 Mitsubishi Chariot GLX 1.8L from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

The real MPV that started the trend

Faults:

Gearbox, gear stick broke 3x.

Power steering rack replaced.

Head gasket blew at 165K.

Rust in rear hatch.

Radiator.

Non-fixable oil leak at 210K.

Several clutch replacements.

Roof-rack whistled at speed on motorway.

General Comments:

Officially my third car, initially to replace my aging Lancer. Used this car for delivery of KFC. And for camping out in during my holidays.

In 2000 bought a second Chariot for $500 simply for the parts and the power steering rack.

Car came with standard Cheviot Mag wheels, often the standard mag for Mitsubishi's at least here down-under.

Although I broke a lot on the car it was an excellent run about town. It had a snappy performance and often got pulled over for speeding.

I changed jobs in 2001 and would've still had this wonderful 7-seater if they weren't so fussy at work about the non-fixable oil leak.

Replaced it with a younger version, a 1991 Chariot GLX. Slightly different setup with gearbox, instead of rods it used cables, therefore less possibility of me breaking the stick like with the '86.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th August, 2008

23rd Jan 2014, 10:49

I have owned my 1986 Chariot for 7 years, and yes, it has the Cheviots. It has never broken down and left me in despair on the side of the road. It is coming up to 300,000km and I have no plans to move it along. It did have the oil leak. It was a seal, hidden behind a cover. I had it fixed when they did the cam belts. I love this car.

18th Jul 2022, 04:29

I have had my 1986 1.8 manual Chariot since 2007 and still have it. It has never broken down and left me trapped in some gosh darned remote place. Still working brilliantly so it shall continue to serve me.