Faults:

Some rust around welds in the rear tray. Fixed by the dealer.

General Comments:

Plenty of grunt from the 2.5 turbo, and when you put your foot down on the open road, she really motors, but has some serious lag from a standing start.

Handles and holds the road OK with ASC, but the ride is fairly harsh, which is understandable as it is what it is, a ute with a dated suspension setup.

Terrible turning circle. Have got a power knob on the steering wheel as it's such hard work sometimes, especially in the nature of the work I require it to do occasionally (courier deliveries).

Interior quite basic, with hard plastic trim that is ill fitted in some places, but again, it is a work ute and the plastics do seem fairly durable.

Exterior paint seems a bit thin.

Basically, I purchased this vehicle as I couldn't justify the prices being asked for by other manufacturers (bar Great Wall and SsangYong) for a dual cab 4WD turbo diesel. Though I haven't racked up many K's, it does give me the impression that it is a good sturdy vehicle and will give good service as a workhorse, but I wouldn't recommend a Triton if you plan to do long distances. A recent round trip of 2500 K's was a bit painful, especially the return with no load in the rear due to the harsh ride.

One annoying thing is that the rear windows don't go all the way down, due to the scalloped shape of the doors, and my dogs can't hang their heads out.

Faults:

Worn front tyres had to be replaced.

Possibly a worn bearing on A/C compressor.

General Comments:

This ute has lots of torque, but it revs high at highway speeds, even in fifth gear. I find myself wishing I had a sixth gear.

I am concerned about fuel economy, even though it is a newer ute and has a 3.0 liter engine. Great features in and out though, and seems tough. Lots of interior space too.

I like the factory-standard side impact beams, but cannot believe they didn't have airbags as standard on a 2002 model vehicle. It is an option to look out for.

Faults:

Well I have only had the car for about 2 weeks, but (touch wood) nothing so far.

The man I bought it off had had it for around 8 years and before that it was a CALM (Conservation and Land Management) vehicle.

Before I got it the only major thing that was wrong with it was a the radiator had to be replaced.

It has been serviced regularly and still runs well.

General Comments:

Inside it has a brown theme and has worn well for it's age. A split on the side of each seat is the only real wear on the interior.

It drives quite well, but is a bit squeaky over bumps and sharp turns. If you go over a speed hump, you'll find yourself bouncy 20 meters down the road.

Compared to a '96 Hilux I drove the acceleration is noticebally better, and it cruises on 100km/h at about 3000rpm.

All in all I think it is a very sturdy and reliable vehicle that should be considered for anyone buying a light pick up.

Faults:

The body work dented easily.

Overhead cabin light and front parking lights were very faulty (cabin light now dead).

Front manual diff-lockers 'dry out' fast.

Drivers side window came off its rail.

The stereo lost power after deep water crossings. As did the rev counter.

Oil leak from gearbox.

Rear universal on the rear drive-shaft wore out.

General Comments:

For off road use, the bearings and intakes are badly exposed, but last well - all things considered.

The electronics seem a little 'touchy'.

All up though, this is one great family car - and a serious off road truck. It has the practicality of a "work area" and family area, tows well, works hard, and has never let me down.

With a few added extras - this is one good-looking, hard-working, practical machine.