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I am looking to purchase a 1999 Mitsubishi Mirage Dingo (Japanese used import) and have heard that it should only take 98 fuel (which I believe is not available in NZ). Is this true?

I have also been advised not to purchase this vehicle as Mitsubishi did not import it new and it is not made for NZ use.

Should I keep away from this vehicle.

Helen

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 30 October 2009

The Dingo has been a reasonably popular used import over the last few years. You are correct in saying Mitsubishi NZ did not sell this vehicle in NZ new, and do not support the model like they would a vehicle they did sell, but this is not an unusual scenario. There are a number of different makes and models of vehicles sold in NZ as used imports, which were never available new in NZ.

In the case of the Dingo, Mitsubishi NZ may not carry some specific technical information and the odd non fast moving parts may be a little difficult to procure.

This is one of the risks of buying a used import however, and for many motorists it does not cause a major problem provided they stick to the mainstream brands.

Regarding the fuel, 98 is available in NZ, in fact BP only sell the lower grade 91 or 98 at their super sites. The Dingo will run fine on the 95 Octane which is also readily available from stations around NZ