High mileage 200 or low mileage Mits Challenger

[Formulaonehd]

Hi all,

Currently proud owner of an 80s which is going great guns. I also have a 2012 Mitsubishi challenger (Montero sport in the USA i think) in top condition with 60000kms (37000miles). worth about $25000 or so.
I have a mate who is looking to sell his 2009 VX LC sahara which has 260000kms (160000miles) in great condition for about $30000 or so.

My question is (and please lets not be biased toyota folk with this) which is the better car to have if you were in the balance of choosing between the two with very little difference in purchase value? i know toyota have legendary status for engine reliability etc but 260000kms is pretty high in my opinion compared to a mitsubishi turbo diesel with only 60000kms (i am original owner).

Thoughts?

 

[speyrod]

We don't have the Mits (diesel) here so hard from me to comment. But I can't think of seeing very many new mits on the road. 260K on an 80 that has been maintained is nothing. I have over 250K miles and drove my daughter almost 1,900 miles to college with out thinking twice.

 

[crikeymike]

I'd say it depends on what you plan to do with the vehicle, and if the load capacities inside are everything you need, or if you need something bigger or different, since the Challenger is a bit smaller than a 200.

Do you already own the Mitsubishi? I'd say just stick with that since you already have money in it and it's low mileage. That model has been around for a long time now so I think they know exactly what they're doing with the vehicle and it should be worry-free. I have 2 cousins in Oz with Mitsubishi's and they love them.

Not that there's anything wrong with a 200 either, they're just a lot more expensive to start with.

 

[Formulaonehd]

Yeh i hear what you are saying... It really is a personal choice, can't pretend that i wouldnt prefer the 200 its just like you said they are more expensive to have. might regret it one day though but so far the mitsubishi has not missed a beat though

 

[NC237]

I'd stay with less miles and years. At the end of the day these are just cars that are designed to fail and sink in value.
At some point each person just has to say enough is enough... Have to say what I have is enough and spending more doesn't make sense.

The appeal of the 200 for me lies in the intangible. The belief, and dare I say hype, of the reliability and quality caused me to value the 200.
But if I'm honest- those beliefs are intangible and fueled by marketing and forums/communities like these. Places like this give positive reinforcement around product choices- in this case the 200.

Yea the 200 is reliable in the numbers but so are many other less expensive cars. Especially if they are taken care of. IMO I really don't think the 200 is worth the price being charged. I think legacy, belief, and branding has allowed Toyota to get away with the price vs. what they offer. Also the idea of exclusivity can play a part too. Some buyers pay a high price for a feeling of exclusivity or superiority in some way.

Most of the other manufacturers aren't any different. They charge, IMO, too much for SUVs. But they get away with it because people keep paying it for their own reasons.

I like the 200- but if I'm honest it's emotional. From a dollars and economic stand point... There are better choices than the 200. But if we're honest with ourselves- emotion plays a role in what we choose to buy.

All that philosophy aside... I think it's smarter to stick with less miles and years. Based on the fact that you were hesitant in the first place and came here- That means you may have been thinking along these lines already but weren't sure.

Speaking as one of the nuts on here... if it was pure emotion and lust over a 200 ( to be honest that describes many of us on here) it would have been bought already. Good on you for thinking it through and staying level headed. Not all of us do.

 

[Formulaonehd]

I like your thoughts mate and now that i think about it i couldnt agree more. The extra $$$ will probably be spent on the 80 anyway haha