Twelve months ago my wife and I met with friends at a wine tasting. They were fresh back from their 2nd trip to the Kgalagadi, and were keen to go again the following year. They asked if we were keen to join them, to which we immediately replied "for sure", (we had done some tasting by then). We were advised that they wanted to do the 4x4 trail on their 3rd visit, so we would need a 4x4, to which I replied "I've got 12 months to find one"
(Plan B was a 'loaner' fully kitted 80 series 4.5 EFI LC from a very good friend, and Plan C was a 'rental' from Upington)So the search started. As this friend was a happy Pajero owner (Gen 3, '04/'05 3.2 diesel GLX), the brand/model was high on my 'think about' list. My research led me to believe that the 'sweet spot' for acquiring these pricy vehicles was at about the 4-year-old mark, when their value had stopped dropping and started to flatten out.
Then just 4 months after the fateful wine tasting, in late 2013, over lunch another friend just happens to mention that he is thinking of trading in his 4 year old Pajero, as the mileage is now getting a bit high (125 000km at the time)
. It had been used as a daily runner, and had never been offroad (HT tyres). Now was that fate, or what? I immediately asked for 'first dibs' on it, and had to wait a loooong 5 months for him to find his next vehicle.So, as of 3 months ago, I am now the very proud owner of my first Pajero, a 'pre-owned' 2009 Gen 4, 3.2 DiD LWB A/T GLS with 140 000km on the clock (when I got it in late Apr '14). I bought it because it kind of fell into my lap, at the right price, and only discovered this POCSA forum (which I have since been scanning feverishly for info) after I already owned it. Needless to say, my eyes have been opened by all of you, and only now do I realize how lucky I am, and what a gem of a vehicle I have found
.1. Name: Ian
2. Birthday and Age: Aug '60, 53yo.
3. Town & Country Of Residence: Cape Town, S/Suburbs
4. Home Language: English
5. Occupation/Business: Fixed wing Comm Pilot & Flt Ops Manager, currently taking a sabbatical after 18 years of touring all the 'non-tourist-destinations' of Africa.
6. Family Status: Married to Shelan, a married daughter of 25, a student son of 22, one x ridgeback/lab 9 month old pup.
7. Membership Of Other 4X4 Clubs & Forums: Nil
8. Current 4x4: 2009 Gen 4 Paj, 3.2 DiD LWB A/T GLS
9. Current Modifications: None when I got it, de-cat 2 months ago, fitted temp DIY packing board with cargo rails after rear seats removed (copied from my friend with the other Paj), Hannibal roof rack a week ago, spending tonight in the shop having dual battery system fitted.
10. Modifications On The Wish List: New AT shoes in next 2 days (recommendations welcome), OME in 5 days time, wanted bash plates urgently, but Stofpad out of stock due the metal industry strike.
11. Vehicle(s) On The Wish List: Have just found it
Not changing for a loooooong time.12. Previous 4x4s: None
13. Last 3 Offroad Trips: driving a 6-wheeled vehicle in a sandy area on the far northern part of the west coast back in the late '80's, and a 3 day trip from Maun to the Moremi in a 'borrowed' V8 defender (belonged to her dad) in '97. Lots of pot-holed roads/mud/sand in deepest/darkest/wildest while on tour for work. Nothing since.
14. Favourite Destination: About to find out.... Leaving for Kgalagadi in 7 days time...
15. Other Hobbies: Sailing, mountain biking, running, light helicopter
16. GPSr & Map Data Used: Garmin 96C (flying & road), Garmin Aera 500 (flying & road), Garmin Nuvi 1410 (road), just bought T4A.
17. Rate Your 4X4 & Overlanding Experience: Beginner
18. Photos Of Yourself & Your Vehicle:
