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By
EWAN KENNEDY
21 June 2004
The recent introduction of the Mitsubishi Grandis is likely
to spark interest in the Mitsubishi Nimbus people mover.
Though the name has been changed for marketing reasons, the
Grandis can be regarded as the latest model in the
long-running Nimbus series. A series dating all the way back
to December 1985.
At a time when most people movers were simply vans with
windows and seats, Mitsubishi introduced its new Nimbus, a
vehicle better described as a tall station wagon than a van.
That original Nimbus received a substantial reworking in
January 1992. From November 1998 Nimbus was all-new, larger
inside and out, even more refinement. That model got a
makeover in July 2002, this added minor appearance changes
and decent changes in overall refinement.
Build quality is high and Nimbus is highly regarded on the
used-car scene by Australian buyers.
Though Nimbus can carry seven adults, it’s better suited
to four adults and three children. As is generally the way
in this class, it’s a bit of a struggle to climb into the
rearmost seats. With the rear seats occupied there's not a
lot of room left for luggage, though later models are
better. There are a huge number of other seating/luggage
permutations depending on which seats you fold down.
Mitsubishi Nimbus is easy to drive and park, with big glass
areas. Many imported before 1991 didn't have power steering
and their steering can be pretty heavy at parking speeds.
Ride comfort is good, even on rougher than average roads,
though it’s not really suited to corrugated dirt and the
like.
All Nimbus have four cylinders. These opened with a
1.8-litre in the older models before a 2.0-litre was
introduced, first in the Nimbus with automatic transmission,
later in all versions. A 2.4-litre engine arrived with the
1992 model. That engine was improved in 1994, then again
with the new model of 1998.
Five-speed manual gearboxes were sold at all times in the
Nimbus. The automatic transmission originally only had three
speeds but was uprated to a four-speed from 1992.
If you live in a hilly area you may find its performance is
marginal. It makes sense to recruit some extra people as
part of your test drive.
Servicing costs are about average for a vehicle in this
class. Nimbus is reasonably easy to work on but some
underbonnet components can be hard to reach. Spare parts are
moderately expensive, but no more so than those for other
Japanese imports. Less common parts for the 1980s’ models
may be becoming scarce, though specialist Japanese car
recyclers will often be able to help.
Insurance premiums are usually set at the bottom half of the
scale.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Engines that are slow to start, idle roughly or blow
smoke when worked hard could be due for an expensive
overhaul. Carburettor engines aren't as smooth as injected
ones but shouldn’t be too rough, either.
Automatic transmissions that hunt from gear to gear when
they shouldn’t may suffer from Mitsubishi ongoing problems
with self-shifting gearboxes.
Uneven front tyre wear may be caused by a suspension
alignment problems, this perhaps needs nothing more than a
simple adjustment, it could also mean the body has been
twisted in a crash. Don't forget to check the spare in case
someone has something to hide.
Look for previous crash repairs, checking for signs like
ripples in the panels, paint colours that don't match
correctly or overspray on non-painted parts.
Interiors are sometimes knocked around by rough and ready
kids. Also inspect the boot in case heavy loads have been
thumped around in there.
CAR BUYING TIP
People movers often suffer a harsher life in the
passenger area than any other form of passenger car.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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