Nate

Makes sense thanks - there is a fuel smell when running and switched off. I have not emptied the tank yet to check pressure release, I will let you know when I try that.

Following up, the smell is from the front of the car, engine,as we drive (quite strong if we roll down the windows). I was reading some old threads which recommended a gent called Dhammika in Cotta Road borella, does anyone know if he is still around?

Interesting! TIL

Something important you touched on here is your father's age and the difficulty of driving in the night (and any time really) in Colombo. I would focus on comfort and ease of driving. Also is there any way he could hire/try whatever vehicle he wants to buy first, that way he would know if it works for him? I know Sri Lanka has a few places to hire vehicles, though I don't know if they have those vehicles available.

Thank you JC. I'm a little reluctant to follow recommendations as that thread is over a decade old. A related example: when I got the car, my first trip was to my favourite garage for Toyotas - when I got there I found out that the owner had passed away. I let them do some of the work - the staff are OK with suspension work but not engine work alas. Right now, I'm a bit stuck as there's a significant performance issue with overtaking and climbing hills - the engine seems to lug and the car vibrates but doesn't go*.. even in a lower gear. I am not certain if it's the auto gearbox or engine or both even, I suspect it's the engine. I'm thinking about taking the car to that repair place created as a subsidiary of the agent - pit and something. Has anyone tried them? Edit: car vibrates but doesn't speed up. It seems to struggle and i have to crawl up the hill.

Happy to be of help, all the best with restoration.

My biggest regret in not buying a wagon is this. I would put a sticker in the back that said something florists, tint the rear windows and drive at a somber pace.

For what it's worth, I have spent at least 400 or 500k on the 110 I purchased, and there's more to do - I expected this, even though the car was (by Sri Lankan standards) "nothing to do, buy and drive" but the benefit is I end up with (what I feel is) a good car which can be used and enjoyed long term. I feel a budget of at least 10-20% minimum may be good to set aside for repairing the vehicle (I could be wrong). I also second @iRage suggestion of considering a corolla/nissan AD wagon (van) - I was going to buy one but I didn't find a good one. If I had I would definitely have got one. You would also get things like ABS etc. As for fun to drive, I test drove a few and they are delightful - great performance and the space is fantastic. You can carry anything, even a coffin 😎

Question for you: how do you hope to use the vehicle? Office daily driver? Outstation, long distance? So these are my experiences (could be different for each person/vehicle). Performance - it may be difficult to overtake in a truck, particularly in busy roads, and possibly more in outstation / mountain areas (if you go there) I have not driven a Hilux, probably the performance may be good. In general, if you enjoy a quiet drive and are not in a hurry, I think you'll be fine. Handling Definitely not a car, so mountain roads, bends etc needs a fair bit of slowing down. Stopping distance More than a car. Cops So, for some reason, I find cops out of Colombo love trucks. In Colombo, they don't care much. People/other vehicles They respect trucks more - which is awesome. Particularly in Colombo, if you are feeling lazy you can just amble along and nobody will bother you. Is there a way you can borrow or rent a truck from someone for a weekend or something and see what you feel?

Following up, so I was able to get the crank pulley replaced as well as the belts and other stuff. I will write up about that The main problems I have now are: - engine idle up doesnt work properly, for AC, engaging a gear, the vehicle starts to rattle. I increased the idle a bit to compensate but something is wrong. - there's a fuel smell when the car is running. I suspect this could be connected to the idle issue. Is there any garage that can do a careful check or the ECU and sensors and clean or replace as needed, and also do a proper tuneup? The two garages I went to, they gave it a try but don't seem to know what they are doing. Does anyone have suggestions 🙏🏿😇

Off topic somewhat but what is it with mitsubishi cars and rust? Obviously I'm not blaming them as they are 20 years past their expiry date but I had one and I swear it rusted in places you didn't think a car could rust.

Disclaimer, I know next to nothing about anything, that said, I'd ask two things: 1. How is parts availability? In the case of my car (110) body parts are rather rare. Even engine parts are starting to look rare. The Hilux is older (I think) so are parts, spares, engine components available? 2. By falling under the lorry category, could they be less demand? (Resale may not be a big issue for you), but all the same. Regarding trucks (I used one for a decade) there are a few challenges which may or may not matter to you - but are you very familiar with that category of vehicle - the pros and cons of day to day life with one? On parking, I don't think it's much of a problem. Yes ,you won't fit in a spot a Maruti can squeeze in, but you should do fine. You might also love the elevated driving position and how people scurry out of the way and don't want to mess with you 🤩

Thanks so much! Alas, don't think these were done, but next time for sure, I'll remember when we open it up next!

It seems better! Still has a few issues but I think we are on the right track. I look forward to sharing my adventures 😇

I thought I'll talk about what it's like to visit a garage In Sri Lanka. Interestingly, like most experiences here, there's a way things are done. The test drive Where the owner of the garage identifies what problems exist, and how to mask them while maximizing his earnings. Pole position Depending on how screwed you are, you'll be asked to sandwich your car in a corner of a garage. Between the wrecked insurance write-offs usually. If it's a serious issue, you are parked deep inside so you can't escape. Kota uda phase Here, they disable the car. It is symbolic to remove a tire and or a part of the engine. Ostensibly to remove the part to be fixed or find spares, but mostly to prevent the customer from escaping. Spares You'll be given a few unidentified components and asked to go find them. If the owner feels charitable, he will take the spares on his morning drive. The other work phase Here, everyone forgets your car, and works on other things. Your engine remains open. Crows defecate on your cam shaft, thereby ensuring better lubrication. 4:45pm If your vehicle is a day job, at 4:45 PM, the tired staff will suddenly remember it. Grease monkeys will put everything together at warp speed. What's an extra nut between friends? Something old, something new broken When everything is put together, you will discover one extra nut. You know your engine needs that nut. You'll discover what that nut did, 3 months later, on the highway at 7:54PM It is tradition at this late stage to break something. Cynical people say it's so you return to the garage, but it's actually to remind you of how everything is impermanent (and so you can drive home with a broken AC) and remind yourself to feel gratitude.