Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

I am looking at purchasing a Pajero to do some trails (up to grade 4) and visit our neighboring countries. I found a nice Pajero (http://capetown.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Ve ... Z250106821) that I am quite keen on and asked on the 4x4community website a few questions regarding it's reliability, maintenance and servicing and use as an overlander/explorer.

Most of the replies to my questions were reasonably favourable , except that lots of members thought that the Pajero will be too "soft" for true overlanding into Africa. They stated that the Pajero's loading capacity is limited and that parts will be very scarce over the border.

Who has done some overlanding in their Pajero's ? Any comments or advice ?

Oliver,

Firstly, a warm welcome to the club!

The one that claims that the car that is based on the 10-times Dakar winner is a "softie" must have smoked something.

There are differences in the suspension, such as an independent front suspension that may limit articulation somewhat, and gives a much better ride on roads (including rough terrain) on the other hand. The one you are looking at is a 3.0l, and does not have a difflock. If you get a blister fender one that is 4-6 years newer, you will get the 3.5l engine that delivers more power at similar economy rates, and get a difflock, as well as a cruise control. You should be able to get one in a good condition for around R90K. Personally, I'd rather recondition an engine than try to find and fit a difflock.

Mitsu's super select 4x4 system is tops.

If the concern is packing space, have a look for yourself. The LR, Patrol and Cruizer certainly have more space. But that comes at a premium of fuel economy - up to 50% extra fuel! (this will be heavily argued, because fuel economy relates to other variables as well - espacially weight of right foot!)

I am not aware of anyone who'se overlanding trip in a Pajero was limited by the car's abilities!

There has been discussions on this board about availability of spares, which you may want to look up. You will find mixed opinions on this with every brand ov vehicle. Maybe some of our members can share their experiences w.r.t. spares with you here...

Regards,
Anton

PS: Please also look here:

Top Guns
https://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/view ... =55&t=1590

Official Coverage in Africa: Mitsu vs Toyota vs Others?
https://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/view ... =55&t=1254

If you get a blister fender one that is 4-6 years newer, you will get the 3.5l engine that delivers more power at similar economy rates, and get a difflock, as well as a cruise control.

Would this be a typical example ?

http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehi ... Z252917344

Is this referred to as a GEN3 ?

oliver wrote:

If you get a blister fender one that is 4-6 years newer, you will get the 3.5l engine that delivers more power at similar economy rates, and get a difflock, as well as a cruise control.

Would this be a typical example ?

http://durban.gumtree.co.za/c-Cars-Vehi ... Z252917344

Is this referred to as a GEN3 ?

No, that is the same as the one you looked at, except that it has the 3.5 engine. It is a Gen 2.

The blister fender is known as the "Gen 2.5", which was a face-lift of the Gen 2. It looke like this (note the flared fenders): Here's an example of one for sale: http://www.willowcrestmotors.co.za/car_ ... _index.php.

Anton

BTW, this is a Gen 3, and it is available from one of our members for a VERY good price:

https://www.pajeroclub.co.za/forum/view ... 06&start=0


You will be able to trace some history on the car on the forum. Maybe the seller can update you on those, if interested.

Regards,
Anton

Jy roer met 'n groot lepel