[macjohnw]

If I go for the Blister (and I like the difflock option) I will have to spend R8000 more to buy it (compared to R65K for the older one) and then another R10,000 to fit new tyres as the current ones are shot.
That means having to spend R18,000 more compared to the older model I mentioned above which has new BFGs.
That means R73K + R10K for tyres = R83K
Don't you guys think that is too much for a vechile with 230K on the clock and no real warrantees?
At 230K something is bound to go at some stage. While if I buy the one for R65K and something goes south I have the diffrence of R18,000 to play with.
Not sure if a difflock is worth that much...Confused

My previous Pajero was a 1999 LWB 3.5V6 Blister, until it got written off in an accident. Yes, you pay R8000 more, but have a car that is 4 years younger, face lifted and a diff lock. They are solid cars and gave me little hassle the short time that I had it. The ride was comfortable and the engine solid.

I had mine checked out by the AA beforehand (+/-R750), flew down to East London to collect without seeing it at all, bought it and drove it back to Nelspruit. It may make sense now to buy the 1995, but in the long run I think the 1999 is the better buy - depending on the condition of the car.

M2CW

[Freshman]

I tried - this Dealer is sticky - I only got him down from 75 to 73
This will be my everyday car as well as my weekend car - so no heavy offroading stuff.

One last thing I might ask:
I spoke to the Seller of the cheap one just now about the oil use. He told me that the value stem seals were done along with the cam belt and major service between 5K and 10K ago.
For the first while the car used no oil at all and then it started again, so he took it back and was told that the value guides are shot and needs to be fixed. So he was upset as they should have noticed that when they did the stem seals.
Anyway - he is having the compression test done to make sure the oil use it not from the rings.
Any comment on this story - what would it cost to do the value guides it that is the problem then?

Thanks again!

PS: But I must say - you guys are starting to swing me
If I go for the Blister and fit new tyres I just hope nothing else goes for a long while...then I will be very happy indeed
Will sleep on this

[tonton]

Freshman,

A fiew pointers to consider:

1. The dealer has a responsibility to give you a working product - and (hopefully) a name to sustain.
2. The Blister has difflock (worth R10k+), cruise control (worth about R5k), split rear seats, a facelift and 4 years younger. R18k is not much to pay extra for all of that, and you are more likely to get your money back on that car - with all due respect for the older one - they're all great!
3. I would seriously consider the Blister, even if I have to put on second hand tyres until I can afford new ones. Someone JUST sold a set of Duelers with 65% thread on for R1000!
4. The fact that the valve guides were not picked up when the seals were replaced makes the quality of that whole service suspect in my mind...

Good luck with your purchase.

Anton

PS - You probably do not have an idea whether the Blister is also using oil?

[Freshman]

PS - You probably do not have an idea whether the Blister is also using oil?

You are correct - I don't know.
I'm planning on flying to CT this afternoon to go and check both out personally.
If anyone knows of any other good buys in CT please let me know so I can check them out whilst there.

Thanks again for all your help
Pierre
zero8three378551two

[tonton]

...If anyone knows of any other good buys in CT please let me know so I can check them out whilst there....

Check Gumtree & Autotrader, and take a drive down Voortrekker Rd (Goodwood, Parow, Bellville) and Koeberg Rd (Milnerton).

Good luck!

Anton

[macjohnw]

When in doubt about the engine's condition/working - take it to SAC and have them put it on their machines. They will quickly tell you if it is working up to spec etc. I did it when I bought my 3.2DID and just sleep a whole lot better at night knowing that it fuels and boosts etc correctly. It was R750 well spent.

Obviously, make your choice and then have the car tested before signing.

PS: I did my V6's valve stem seals at around 200,000km and the oil usage did go down noticeably. Also, no more Smoky Joe either. Man, I hated the smoke when pulling away at traffic lights/stops after idling for prolonged times.
Embarrassing

[macjohnw]

When in doubt about the engine's condition/working - take it to SAC and have them put it on their machines. They will quickly tell you if it is working up to spec etc. I did it when I bought my 3.2DID and just sleep a whole lot better at night knowing that it fuels and boosts etc correctly. It was R750 well spent.

Obviously, make your choice and then have the car tested before signing.

PS: I did my V6's valve stem seals at around 200,000km and the oil usage did go down noticeably. Also, no more Smoky Joe either. Man, I hated the smoke when pulling away at traffic lights/stops after idling for prolonged times.
Embarrassing

[Freshman]

Hi guys,
OK - you won
I drove back from the Cape (to Durban) in the 1999 Pajero 3.5
The Seller fitted secondhand tyres to sweeten the deal (but kept the price the same).
VERY long drive but the Pajero drove like a dream.
Did not use a drop of oil and the water and heat gaudge remained on level.

I set the speedo cruise to 100km/h from CT to Knysna and got 8.96km/liter.
I know that is slow driving but I wanted to see how low she can go

From there I did mostly 120km/h and got 8.4km/h which is still aceptable in my book.
Town driving with aircon use will take it up I know - will see in the coming weeks.

Thanks again for all your input in helping me make the decision.

See you around
Pierre

[tonton]

Congratulations!

And that consumption is good at any speed. You got yourself a gem!

Anton

[macjohnw]

Nice one freshman! Enjoy your Gen2.5.