2007 — 2014
2.4L I4 (4B12)
Petrol
Drive the vehicle up a steep hill at moderate acceleration, then cruise at 80-100 km/h, listening closely for any high-pitched whining or feeling for transmission shudders. | Note: The Mitsubishi-sourced INVECS-III CVT is highly sensitive to fluid degradation. Whining or sluggish response indicates overheating or imminent transmission failure.
Drive over speed bumps or rough road surfaces at 20-30 km/h and listen for distinct clunking or knocking noises from the front suspension. | Note: The front lower control arm bushings and sway bar link pins wear out prematurely on this platform, which will lead to a New Zealand Warrant of Fitness (WoF) failure.
Turn the steering wheel fully from lock-to-lock at a standstill while observing if the steering feels heavy, notches, or makes a loud groaning sound from the engine bay. | Note: High-pressure power steering hoses on the 4007 are prone to slow leaks, which starves the power steering pump of fluid and leads to pump failure.
Cycle the climate control through all vent positions and sweep the temperature control from full cold to full hot, listening for a clicking sound behind the dashboard. | Note: The plastic gears in the HVAC blend door actuator are known to strip, preventing proper cabin heating/cooling adjustments and requiring dashboard disassembly to fix.
Minor service including engine oil and filter change. Inspect cabin air filter, rotate tyres, and measure front brake pad wear, which can be accelerated in hilly NZ driving conditions.
Major CVT service milestone. Perform a full CVT fluid flush and replace both the internal pan filter and the external cartridge filter. Replace the spark plugs and engine air filter.
Critical service milestone. Replace the accessory drive belt and its tensioner pulley (prone to squeaking). Flush the engine coolant, inspect the water pump for leaks, and check all engine mounts for sagging.
CVT Fluid Quality: Inspect the CVT fluid color and smell every 30,000km. It should be light green/amber; if dark or smelling burnt, service immediately to protect the transmission.
Transfer Case & Rear Diff Fluid: For 4WD models, change the gear oil in the transfer case and rear differential every 45,000km to protect the Mitsubishi-derived selectable 4WD system.
Throttle Body Cleaning: Clean the electronic throttle body every 50,000km to prevent rough idling, stalling, or hesitation common to the Mitsubishi 4B12 engine.
Underbody Rust Inspection: Inspect the rear subframe and suspension mounting points for surface rust, particularly on Japanese imports that may have been exposed to salted winter roads.
Valve Clearance Inspection: The 2.4L 4B12 engine uses solid valve lifters. Check and adjust valve clearances every 90,000km to maintain optimal engine efficiency and quiet operation.
Estimated repair costs if issues arise
If the INVECS-III CVT fails due to poor servicing, sourcing a reconditioned unit in New Zealand is difficult and expensive.
The 2.4L petrol engine can suffer from hairline cracks in the integrated exhaust manifold/catalytic converter, causing exhaust leaks that fail WoF tests.
Replacing worn front control arm assemblies (easier than replacing bushings alone) along with front shock absorbers to restore ride quality and pass WoF.
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Disclaimer: This report is generated with the assistance of AI analysis based on verified automotive data. While we strive for 100% accuracy, enthusiasts should always conduct physical inspections and consult service records. View Full Disclaimer