Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Hi all

I have been offered a 1996 LWB Pajero 3.5 V6 360000 KM on the clock for R35000.
The vehicle has been look over buy a Pajero mechanic and he has found the following faults.

Car smoking needs valve stem seals replaced.
Clutch has a slight slip.

I test drove it last night and could not feel the clutch slipping but did see some smoke once the car got warmed up.

The mechanic ( who also works from home in the evenings and weekend) will repair/replace all of the above and suggested that while the head is off to change the piston rings. All this for another R12000.

The windscreen has some chips on the drivers side and will not pass COR unless replaced will cost another R4500.

In total I will be paying R51500. Is this a good price????
I will not be using it for serious 4X4 but found I need a 4X4 sometimes for the places I go to hike.(Cederberg mountains) A normal Bakkie would be adequate till one day it rains and I am stuck.

I am a bit clueless when it comes to second hand vehicles.

Please assist

Thanks
Alistair Keppler

Alistair,

Welcome here.

The price (at 51000) is reasonable - assuming the body and 4x4 technology is in a very good condition.

Those engines are hardy, and you may find that the valve stem seals will sort out the smoking. I am concerned that the smoke appears once warming up. My (limited) understanding is that valve stem seals lets oil through while standing or when the engine is not under pressure, leaving bursts of smoke when you start up or accellerate after lifting your foor from the accellerator. So I think you may need to redo the rings... I would do a compression test before buying - that should give you assurance.

Search "smoke" on the search enging - quite a bit has been said about the topic.

Good luck,
Anton

Hi Anton
Thanks for the reply.The guy I am buying it from works as a mechanic for Pajero\ Mitsubishi in CapeTown and I suppose I should trust his word. (hard to do these days).
How would one test the 4X4 technology? Is there some thing I can check or would I have to take it on a 4X4 trail?

Alistair

Hi Alistair,

Give the guys at ANG a call , they are in Montague Gardens , they are honest mechanics and have looked after r the pajero crew . Many of us have used them.

Call them and tell them that you were referred by a member of the pajero club , explain what you have explained. if they give any hint that it would be a negative to buying the vehicle and suggest rather looking for something else then that is what i would do.

If you decide against it , there are always for sale on gumtree and i think i can speak for the rest .. we will assist you where ever we can. If it turns out to be a good deal then great , we look forward to seeing you with your PAJ at our get togethers ... even though i missed the last one

Call them at
Tel : 021 556 2424
021 556 3030
021 557 9759
Fax : 021 556 2424
Email : angservicecentre@mweb.co.za
Physical Address : 1 Rainbow Pk Silverstone Rd
Killarney Gardens
Milnerton
7441

I agree with Aiden (NightFighter).

It is always good to get an objective opinion - both you and the seller is biased - and unfortunately this usually counts in the seller's favour, as you probably already "lost your heart" to the car!

Allan at ANG will really be able to advise you - and tell him you were referred by the club!

Anton