[MR2-Blue]

I was looking at the vehicle today ...I'll drop you a separate note later this evening with some detail photos...the sales guy probably didn't like

[Gerrit Loubser]

From the photos above, is it possible to tell whether this vehicle has rear diff lock or traction control?

It's a 2003 model.

Unfortunately I am unable to tell from the pictures. The rear diff lock switch would be mounted with the seat heater and aerial controls just in front of the gear lever, but the version with traction control has the switch to turn the vehicle stability control off in just about the same location. You will have to ask the salesman to read the switch labels for you:

RD Lock = Rear diff lock
VSC Off = Vehicle stability control off

Being a 2003 model, it could have either a rear diff lock or traction control, but I must say that I have never seen a 2003 SWB with a rear diff lock...

[MR2-Blue]

Sorry - but needed to stay longer in the office - but here is my summary including some pictures. I publish it in the forum rather then dropping a PM as it might be of interest for more...

Overall:
The Pajero seems to be in good condition and had acc. to the dealer only 1 owner before, 166,625 km on the clock. I took 2 fotos from the engine which was steamed and properly clean - so impossible to detect any leakages or oil on the block. The interior is in marvelous condition, black leather, no tears and dents. It has front fog lights, electric drivers seat, seat heating for the front seats (mösenstövchen), traction control, 6-CD changer, 2-H, 4-H, central diff-lock and 4LLC - so all you need for our desert trip...

Details:
Looking a bit more into the details - I found the following issues:
- Ashtray for the back passengers in the middle box missing,
- no cover for the boot (the dealer told me it's in the shop - I doubt this because the side holders are not mounted in the car...
- no dents outside, nice blue metallic colour,
- no toe bar...
- a few scratches at the front and back bumper (it's plastic - I had on mine the same)
- a serious scratch at the right back window, already rusting (see foto).
- it is a smokers car

My personal conclusion:

I would not buy this car for 2 reasons:

1. The scratch at the right back window is a serious one and with metallic colour not properly to fix,
2. I consider the price for the age and the mileage far to high.

Just to compare: My Pajero is an April-2004 model, it was sold with a frontrunner roofrack, dual battery system incl. monitor, toe bar, jerry can holders for 6 cans and a Thule bike carrier in October 2008 for only 172,500 ZAR at a mileage at that time of 142.000 km....with the same base equipment as it is also the GLS version.

They want 179.900 ZAR... ....so I should get at least still 150,000 ZAR for mine

I hope this is of any help....

[dwinter]

Wow! - thank you so much for taking the time to look at the vehicle for me! I think you've picked up more than I would have, even if I'd been there... Are you available to look at cars in Cape Town...

I did some scouting around today and the general consensus was that the vehicle is at least 25 - 30k over-priced.

If the car was priced correctly do you think you'd buy it?

The superficial scratches don't really bother me - it's a 4x4 and this is to be expected. The bad scratch on the back window, where exactly is that - it's hard to tell from the photo? So you think this can't be prepared properly?

The fact that it's a smokers car is a shame - is the smell very strong? Can you even smell the leather? As silly as it sounds that might be deal breaker for me... I wonder if there are products that can remedy that?

The AA and compression tests come back on Friday - I'll have to weigh it all up and make the call. Of course, not at that price.

Thanks again for your help with this - it is much appreciated!

Let me know when you're in Cape Town and we can have a beer at the Brauhaus!

[MR2-Blue]

Sorry - no plans to come to CT anymore before leaving RSA.

The scratch on the back window is at the "frame" of the window. I've marked it on the pic attached.

The didn't smell much - it was just a "side"-observation. For around 150.000 ZAR I would consider to buy it, but not for the current price. My concern is a bit the missing cover in the boot and the fact that it comes w/o any extras...(toe bar, etc).

I think, you will find a better deal from "private" - check http://www.autotrader.co.za first (if not already done) - I found mine there...

[4ePikanini]

just put in an offer and see what the dealer says. Times are tough and dealers are "dealing".

[dwinter]

I have the results for the compression test:

Piston 1 – 2.4 bar
Piston 2 – 2.2 bar
Piston 3 - 2.3 bar
Piston 4 - 2.1 bar

The sales person says this is a good result - frankly I wouldn't know - any ideas?

The AA test will be back on Monday.