Work hard, play hard. That has become the mantra of pick-up truck manufacturers over the past decade or so, as their vehicles have become associated not only with the manual labour market, but also with the burgeoning leisure arena.
The Mitsubishi L200 is one such pick-up, and is aimed very much at those who need a robust working vehicle, but also want to get out into the back of beyond when time permits. In other words, caravanners. The best pick-up for towing will be heavy and have a high legal towing limit. So does a used Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab stack up as a wise buy?
What’s a used Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab like inside?
When this generation of Mitsubishi L200 pick-up was launched back in 2015, it was pitched to potential customers as being more luxurious and comfortable than its predecessor. And to a large extent, it is.
There’s plenty of space up front for two adults, and three adults behind will have enough legroom and headroom to feel reasonably comfortable. That said, one of the larger best SUVs for towing will offer more space. This is because the L200 also needs to be a working vehicle, with a large load bay, so rear passenger space is sacrificed.
The days of trucks being basic vehicles are gone, and even the entry-level 4Life trim comes with a Bluetooth audio system, air conditioning, cruise control and electric windows. Titan models also have dual-zone climate control, auto lights and wipers, and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors.
Warrior models come with leather trim, heated front seats and a rear-view camera, while the top-spec Barbarian versions bring you an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, along with a soft-opening tailgate.
The Double Cab model’s load bed is 1470mm long, so can carry European-sized pallets. This makes it more than capable of carrying all your caravan essentials, although you’ll want to add the security of a lockable sliding loadbay cover at the very least.
How does a used Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab drive?
Caravanners looking for the best used car for towing a caravan will be after a reliable, practical and stable option. However, the problem with pick-ups is that strong suspension, handling heavy loads all week at work, is often too firm and bouncy when the truck is driven empty at weekends.
The L200 isn’t fidgety on smooth roads, but bumpier ones can cause it to bounce around a little when unladen. It’s confident when towing, with hill starts no problem, and both truck and van stable at speed.
Even rapid lane-change manoeuvres don’t unsettle it. The four-wheel-drive system helps with traction on slippery surfaces, but the L200 has no locking rear differential, which could limit your progress off-road, if that’s a concern.
There’s only the one engine, a 2.4-litre turbodiesel, producing 151bhp in 4Life trim, and 177bhp in the higher-spec models. The higher-power model is more than capable of towing a larger caravan, and will give an average economy figure in the mid-30s.
What will it tow?
- Kerb weight: 1935kg
- Towing limit: 3100kg
- Noseweight limit: 125kg
- 85% match: 1645kg
Running costs
- Insurance group: 42
- Annual VED: £320
- Average economy: 42.8mpg
- Full service: £200
Servicing price supplied by Servicing Stop, 0844 324 5262
Trouble spots
In 2015, 43,699 models were recalled to have faulty airbags replaced. Then, faulty fixing rivets for the side steps caused 10,564 L200s to be recalled.
The door-latching mechanism on 4676 Double Cab vehicles was found to unlatch in higher temperatures, necessitating another recall.
However, that’s it as far as recalls are concerned, so just make sure
that everything’s been done.
A full list of the L200’s recall details can be found at www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk.
What to pay for a Mitsubishi L200 Double Cab
- High: price: £38,900; model: 2021 2.4 DI-D Barbarian; miles: 24,000
- Sweet spot: price: £17,400; model: 2018 2.4 DI-D Barbarian; miles: 39,000
- Low: price: £7200; model: 2016 2.4 DI-D Double Cab 4Life; miles: 163,000
Verdict
The Mitsubishi L200 is certainly a rugged working truck, and will tow capably, so it would fit the bill if those were your needs. But if you don’t have such demands, a used SUV might better suit your requirements.
Alternatives to consider
Used Ford Ranger
More Rangers are sold than any other pick-ups – it’s a cracker. It has two engine options: a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel or a 3.2-litre five-cylinder diesel. Both are strong, although economy isn’t great. The Ranger rides and handles better than rivals. Standard kit is comprehensive, and its load bay is deeper than most, as is its wading depth.
Toyota Hilux
If all you need is a vehicle that will run, no matter how hard you work it, the Hilux is that truck; its reliability is renowned. But you’ll know how hard it’s working, as the engine is quite loud. Relatively low power output means you’ll have to rev it hard. That said, models have a kerb weight of 1875kg and up, so are suitable for towing heavier caravans.
Take a look at the tasks you can do to prepare your tow car for the new season of touring.
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