Ask an expert

I'm looking at purchasing a ute but am torn between a petrol or diesel model and are unsure exactly what to look for in terms of reliability.

My basic understanding is that a petrol ute, much like a petrol car is considered 'long in the tooth' when the 200,000km roll around, where as a diesel model should be good for closer to 500,000km before the same wear and tear issues arise.

Is this correct?

The 1997-1999 Mitsubishi L200 is one model I'm looking at, but am getting conflicting reports on a few things, one being whether it uses a cam-belt or a cam-chain.

Can you clarify this for me, as I thought only the Nissan's used the chains?

Also what would a service schedule be for a mid- to late '90's diesel ute that is used just as a daily runner (e.g.) no off road usage at all.

Rodney

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 14 December 2009

You are correct in regards to a petrol vehicle being high risk at around the 200,000km mark but that can depend on its service history. A well maintained petrol ute with receipts for all work done throughout its life should not be completely ignored.

I suggest a diesel that has no service history to be a just a greater risk at a similar mileage.

What many people don't understand is the high cost of some diesel repairs. To overhaul an engine can be double that of a petrol and a recondition of an injector pump for example can be over a $1,000.

Servicing on a diesel can be as low as 3 months or 5,000kms although as the vehicles get older, most get stretched out to every 6 months and up to 10,000kms depending on the environment the vehicle is being driven in.

Costs to service an older diesel are normally higher than a petrol.

The reason for the confusion around belts and chain driven engines is because there are variances depending on engine size. The 2.4 litre petrol I believe runs a belt while the 2.6 has a chain. The 2.8 litre diesel should also have a chain.

I guess in summary, vehicles with high kms are a risk regardless of whether they are petrol or diesel.

Buying these types of vehicles through a reputable dealer can have massive benefits also as they must be fit for purpose at time of sale.

Buying privately may seem cheaper, but you have no comebacks if a problem was to develop soon after purchase.