[idk786]

I need advice, I am planning to drive 2 hours to go see this pajero:
Its a 2003 model with 288K on the clock, the owner says he has only used it on long distance trips, he's had all major services done with agents and smaller services done by an independent mechanic but it is all logged and stamped in his service book. Is this mileage too high? I saw slightly older models with less mileage in a similar condition, should i rather consider those?

[dwinter]

based on what I've seen you can find a car with much lower mileage - 150 - 200k range for a 2003 model.

[idk786]

ok, i'll give this one a miss then

[idk786]

Unfortunately I haven't got my pajero yet and i need more advice as I will be able to purchase one soon. My circumstances have changed a little bit, as I have decided to keep my run around toyota and use this car for family trips and on weekends. I have decided on the 5 dr but am not sure if i should go for a newer model 07 with approx 150k on the clock or an older model 04 with 130k for about R30k less. What's the main difference with the old spec and the new?

[4ePikanini]

Take a knowledgeable guy with you and trust your gut.

If it feels good it usually is. It it feels too good to be true it usually is as well.

I personally prefer buying a higher mileage car that has been looked after than a lower mileage that has seen better days.

Look at everything on the car, if he looked after the interior, tyres etc. the chances are that he looked after the engine and mechanics as well.

[idk786]

is there any significant differences between the old spec and the new gen 3?

[JohanV]

IMHO, between the Gen3 and Gen4 its mostly cosmetics with a few more electronic gadgets in the cab like satnav. i dont know all of them. as for the mechanics it might be stuff like the EBD system and traction control.

but dont go by me, i got mine to do off road ding and overland trips and didnt want to stain my pants if by any change a branch will scratch my car (i try to avoid that) but it happens. i wouldnt do it with a newer model. but thats my opinion.

[RoelfleRoux]

2004 was a bit of a water shed for the Pajero models. That was when traction control replaced diff lock.

You do not specify GLS or GLX or V6 or DiD.

1)If the 2004 has the traction and stability control, then the difference between the 2004 and 2007 is not that big. Only real difference (except for the significant body design) is the DiD motor in the Gen 4 has common rail injection.

2)The petrol engine also changed significantly during 2004, from a 3.5 to a 3.8MIVEC. The 3.8 is the same in the Gen 3 and Gen 4 models.

4ePikanini has sound advice, as usual. Drive both, make sure you determine engine and appointment specs, diff lock vs traction and stability control and GLS or GLX models and then come back to the forum with follow-up questions.

Enjoy
Roelf

[idk786]

the 04 is a gls 3.2 did. didn't check if it had diff lock or traction control. thanks for the advice should i take it for any tests before i buy? i drove it and looks and goes really nice but thats where my knowledge stops

[tonton]

the 04 is a gls 3.2 did. didn't check if it had diff lock or traction control. thanks for the advice should i take it for any tests before i buy? i drove it and looks and goes really nice but thats where my knowledge stops

DEKRA does a thourough check. I understand that they are in an alliance of some sort with AA. Their price is reasonable. You can search "DEKRA" on this forum to find members' experience with DEKRA.

Otherwise you need to listen to the engine (you do not want to hear "clacking" noises or pressurised air escaping - listen under the hood), check for any smoke, check the 4x4 technology, feel the gear shifting, check the oil (dark is OK, but check for any milkiness (water), ideally you should (have someone) check the diff- and gearbox oils as well - a brown sludge may indicate rust and water. Look for oil leaks. Look for any indications of radiator leak(s), make sure the cooling system is green (i.e. it is lubricated), and check for rust in the reservoir - indicates poor maintenance and lack of coolant in water. If you are at the coast, look for RUST - especially around windscreen, and under door rubbers (especially rear door - pull the rubber in the bottom corners off the frame and check). Check the under-body for rust, bumps and damage (4x4 abuse).

Normally a well kept car (good, clean and maintained inner) indicates the right attitude to maintenance - and probablly well maintained technically.

Hope this helps!

Happy hunting,
Anton