3 Years of Mitsubishi Xpander Ownership: Astonishing Revelations Revealed!

Being one of the first 5,000 Xpanders sold in Vietnam, Mr. Hieu’s car is perhaps the oldest Mitsubishi Xpander in the country. Used for business purposes, this Xpander has surpassed the average mileage of a regular user.

After more than 3 years of being a taxi, the car has covered over 216,000 km. That’s an average of over 70,000 km per year. However, this distance is not enough for the Xpander.

In addition to the scheduled timing belt replacement, Mr. Hieu mentioned that the Xpander can be described as “just fill it with gas and go.” All other engine components remain completely original without any repairs. Of course, regular maintenance such as engine oil, oil filter, air filter, etc. are strictly followed by Mr. Hieu.

This means that as long as the owner provides basic care and maintenance for the Xpander, the car will serve faithfully and resiliently even after a remarkable 216,000 km. The car has never experienced a breakdown during this period, which is crucial for business-service vehicle users.

Vehicle breakdowns on the road can lead to various consequences such as towing costs, repair costs, costs of arranging alternative transportation to fulfill contracts, or even contract compensation. The number of days the car spends being repaired also results in financial loss, as the car cannot be used for business during this period, while the owner still has to bear the daily interest payments to the bank.

In addition to maintaining the original engine for durability, Mr. Hieu has also customized some other accessories for the car. Notably, the “angel eye” headlight set has been added, providing improved visibility for night driving and personalizing the car to the owner’s taste.

Furthermore, the grille, logo, and front underbody panel have also been customized according to the owner’s preferences. These decorative details add a touch of color and reflect Mr. Hieu’s personal style.

Speaking of the car’s body, the wheels have undergone important upgrades. Although the design still features a double-spoke design, they have been modified with eye-catching yellow and red accents compared to the original wheels. The tires have also been replaced with Bridgestone Turanza tires to reduce noise and ensure a smooth ride for passengers.

The unique pair of side mirrors on this Xpander has been upgraded to power-folding mirrors, adding convenience when parking. Meanwhile, the rear of the car has seen minimal modifications, except for the upgraded rear underbody panel, which matches the design of the front of the car.

Stepping inside the car, Mr. Hieu has further upgraded the Mitsubishi Xpander with additional useful features, ensuring passenger satisfaction.

Upon opening the car doors, passengers will notice the rubber padding attached in various positions, making the opening and closing of the doors smoother. The inside of the doors has been reinforced with adhesive and rubber materials to prevent any unusual or squeaky noises while operating, particularly when driving on rough roads.

Similar to the door panels, the interior plastic of the dashboard has also been reinforced to reduce noise while driving. The top of the dashboard is covered with a heat-resistant carpet to extend the lifespan of the plastic parts. Certain areas are adorned with carbon fiber-like decals based on the owner’s personal taste.

A noteworthy feature in the middle of the dashboard is the central infotainment screen, which can play music, stream YouTube videos, search routes on Google Maps, and display the reverse camera. Next to it is a phone holder for the front passenger.

Additionally, although not directly visible, the entertainment speaker system has been replaced with custom JBL speakers. Mr. Hieu purchased the speakers himself and installed them. While the DIY speaker system in this Xpander may not match the finished quality of professionally installed audio systems, it is hidden beneath the door and performs exceptionally well, fully meeting the basic entertainment needs of passengers.

The driver’s seat area has also received several upgrades. Firstly, the original steering wheel has been replaced with a higher-end version, equipping the car with automatic Cruise Control, even though this Xpander is a manual transmission version. Above the steering wheel, an additional small clock has been installed, displaying the time and outside temperature.

Beneath the steering wheel, the car is equipped with power-adjustable folding switches for the side mirrors, an additional charging port for a dashcam, and a large fan with a cushion pad, personally modified by Mr. Hieu for his own comfort.

All power outlets from the cigarette lighter are fully utilized to charge phones, run air purifiers, and power two fans. The storage space around the driver’s seat is almost full, prompting Mr. Hieu to add convenient hanging hooks for the convenience of other passengers in the car.

The second and third-row seats in the car remain in their original condition. When the last row of seats is folded, the trunk space becomes extremely spacious, accommodating the luggage of five adults for a week. This is a great advantage of a typical MPV like the Mitsubishi Xpander.

After 3 years of operation, covering a distance of 216,000 km, it seems that Mr. Hieu’s Mitsubishi Xpander is unstoppable. With five adults and about 200 kg of luggage, the car can still accelerate smoothly and provide a comfortable ride. It does not show any signs of slowing down or hesitation, highlighting the strong performance of Japanese-origin cars in general, and the Mitsubishi brand in particular.

Most impressively, Mr. Hieu proudly boasts that this manual Xpander only consumes about 5L/100 km under normal driving conditions on spacious roads without traffic congestion. Even with a full load and when the driver controls the throttle properly, the car achieves slightly over 6L/100 km of fuel consumption on mixed roads.

Prior to deciding to buy a vehicle for his transportation business, Mr. Hieu carefully considered various factors, with durability and fuel efficiency being the most important. It was only after owning the Mitsubishi Xpander that he was genuinely surprised and satisfied with its fuel efficiency. This advantage is significant for transportation businesses, especially in the face of rising fuel prices.

In summary, after 3 years of use and over 216,000 km, Mr. Hieu’s Mitsubishi Xpander continues to perform reliably and meet the owner’s expectations. Its fuel efficiency has allowed Mr. Hieu to recoup his investment and start making a profit from the Xpander. The owner has added various conveniences to the original car to enhance passenger comfort.

By Phan (Tuoitrethudo)