Tango Zulu
New member
Hello all,
I am trying to decide whether I should get a M1078 or a used manual trans 5 speed 4x4 Mitsubishi FUSO as a project platform on which to build an off road camper. After lurking and researching most of the relevant information on M1078s I could find I think I am now getting research fatigued so I thought I'd ask for people's opinions.
Basically, I am weighing the pros and cons of the M1078 against the 4x4 FUSO. Please add to the list what you can think of or elaborate on other aspects I should consider.
M1078
PROS
* Better off road capabilities than the FUSO (I presume)
* No aftermarket upgrades needed to make it off-road capable.
* Lower initial purchase price.
* 7 gears
* Much more power/torque than the FUSO.
CONS
* Perceived reliability (from what I have read here so far)
* Spare parts cost (I think?)
* Automatic trans (I prefer manual)
* Highway cruising speed compared to the FUSO
* Fuel consumption
* Lower pay load capacity than the FUSO
4x4 FUSO - manual trans (pre-2007)
PROS
* Reliability.
* Highway cruising speed.
* Fuel consumption.
* Ease of maintenance.
* Low operating cost.
* Manual transmission.
* Higher pay load capacity than the M1078
CONS
* Under-powered.
* Weak off road performance (compared to the M1078)
* Initial purchase price higher than M1078
* Cabin space. (I have read if you are over 6'3" it gets cramped. I am 6'3")
Now, just because there are more bullet points in one area than the other does not mean it is better or worse. Not all points are weighed equally.
Any input is much appreciated.
I am trying to decide whether I should get a M1078 or a used manual trans 5 speed 4x4 Mitsubishi FUSO as a project platform on which to build an off road camper. After lurking and researching most of the relevant information on M1078s I could find I think I am now getting research fatigued so I thought I'd ask for people's opinions.
Basically, I am weighing the pros and cons of the M1078 against the 4x4 FUSO. Please add to the list what you can think of or elaborate on other aspects I should consider.
M1078
PROS
* Better off road capabilities than the FUSO (I presume)
* No aftermarket upgrades needed to make it off-road capable.
* Lower initial purchase price.
* 7 gears
* Much more power/torque than the FUSO.
CONS
* Perceived reliability (from what I have read here so far)
* Spare parts cost (I think?)
* Automatic trans (I prefer manual)
* Highway cruising speed compared to the FUSO
* Fuel consumption
* Lower pay load capacity than the FUSO
4x4 FUSO - manual trans (pre-2007)
PROS
* Reliability.
* Highway cruising speed.
* Fuel consumption.
* Ease of maintenance.
* Low operating cost.
* Manual transmission.
* Higher pay load capacity than the M1078
CONS
* Under-powered.
* Weak off road performance (compared to the M1078)
* Initial purchase price higher than M1078
* Cabin space. (I have read if you are over 6'3" it gets cramped. I am 6'3")
Now, just because there are more bullet points in one area than the other does not mean it is better or worse. Not all points are weighed equally.
Any input is much appreciated.