Mitsubishi Grandis
Solid 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine with MIVEC valve control and timing belt drive. No hydraulic lifters — valve clearance must be checked manually every 40,000–50,000 km. Very long-lived with regular maintenance.
Family-friendly van
The 2.4 MIVEC moves the 7-seater adequately. Not exciting, but functional — enough space for the whole family.
Engine Weaknesses 2
Timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km or 6 years. If it breaks, catastrophic engine damage is unavoidable — interference engine with valve collision.
Symptoms: Engine suddenly won't start, loud metallic noise, engine damage
No hydraulic lifters — valve clearance must be checked and adjusted every 40,000–50,000 km. Many workshops ignore this. Tight valve clearance burns valve seats.
Symptoms: Ticking from the valvetrain, power loss, increased fuel consumption, rough running
Vehicle Weaknesses 3
The brake light switch fails, causing the brake lights not to illuminate. Affects isolated vehicles from model year 2004 onwards and was the subject of a recall.
The heater flap actuator fails and delivers only cold air from the front vents. Common from 80,000 km onwards; the servo motor in the dashboard must be replaced.
Under heavy load (7-seater operation) the rear shock absorbers wear at an accelerated rate. Typically from 60,000 km with regular full loads.