REDLINE ALLEYMitsubishi Triton MQ buying guide
2015 to 2018. An MQ Triton suits a buyer who wants a value ute and checks the valve clearance records and chassis.
Big jobs
- Intake and EGR carbon. Carbon builds up in the intake manifold and EGR valve of the 2.4 diesel, causing a check engine light, rough running, hard starting and loss of power. Black smoke or an engine that will not rev is a reason to walk away.
- Valve clearances. The shim and bucket valve train needs its clearances measured every 30,000 km, and wrong clearances can damage the valves without an obvious noise.
- Chassis bending and cracking. Overloading, aftermarket airbags that load unsupported sections and towing heavy vans fast over rough roads can bend and crack the chassis, especially between the rear spring hangers.
Workshop jobs
- Manual jumping out of third. Manual Tritons can jump out of gear, usually third, and a retrofit was available through Mitsubishi.
- Rear spring sag and shocks. Rear springs sag under constant heavy loads, and the front shocks tend to go first, then the rears go mushy.
- Tray rust and damage. Dents from loose loads let rust into the tray, and there should be no rust on an MQ.
Small jobs
- Accessory recalls. Recalls covered the towbar wiring harness, towbar mounting bolts on 2015 to 2016 utes, side step cover rivets and soft tonneau cover rivets.
Questions for the seller
- When were the valve clearances last measured?
- Has the EGR valve or intake been cleaned or replaced?
- What has it towed or carried, and has it got airbag suspension?
- On a manual, has the third gear retrofit been done?
- Have the towbar recalls been done?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-04. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.