Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Hi Guys.

I know there is probably another thread on this topic is probly somewhere in the forum, but I was hoping to start a new one for first time buyers.

I am looking at getting a pajero, as it seems to suit what I am looking for in a 4 x 4(Comfort, relaibilty, longlevity), but I have no idea what to look out for if I find one I am inerested in buying? I am looking at spending about R 110k and a LWB, and would like the petrol v6 3.5 motor as someone once said to me they are very reliable motors, but I have no first hand experiance on that. What sort of fuel econmy could I expect? I am driving a 2.7 vvti hilux now, and I get about 7.2km/litre of petrol, would it be the same or better?

I am looking now as I would like to do a trip into Botwana, Namibia over december. Any tips regarding things to look out for, rust, engine issues etc, would be most welcome, as I dont want to buy a dud...

Thanks, Nick Gibson (Cape Town)

Hi Nick,

Welcome and you have come to the right place.

Myself drive a 2001 3.2 DiD so cant really help you with the 3.5 V6. You'll soon have all the answers you want about your buy, just stick around

Hi Nick,

Welcome here.

You will in all probability be looking at a 2000 to 2003 Gen 3 Pajero. Those are the 3.5V6 single cam 24valve motors. They have a very good reliability reputation, but are not light on fuel. You will battle to match the 7.2km/l of your Toyota. My advice is to not write off the 3.2DiD (9 - 10km/l) option. Do some more research and ask around before you commit to the petrol.

The 4x4 system on these cars are actuated via vacuum and electricity. The switches are known to give a bit of a problem on some older cars, most likely through lack of use. My buddy recently bought a 2003 DiD and had all the switches replaced at the dealer in George for R1 800 - so it isn't a big deal in any case. Interestingly, the error on his system only showed up after about 30km of non-stop driving. In the end his problem wasn't the switching, but the vacuum pump. They repaired that free of charge because they felt guilty about the switches they replaced.

Remember, if the previous owner looked after the interior of his car, why would he abuse the mechanicals. AND of course if he abused the interior, why look after the mechanicals.

Good luck and keep us posted.
Roelf.

I recently bought a 2002 SWB 3.2 DiD Gen 3 only because I fell in love with the car long time ago and I was lucky to come across this one the day the dealer got it, by daily scanning Autotrader and Carfind. It has done 178k km. and according to the boffins here it is just run in. This is definately, to my mind, the model you should get.

Do your homework and persevere - you will for sure get what you are lookoing for.

Good luck!

Hi Nick and welcome!

Those early Gen 3 3.5 V6's are bulletproof (says he with a car in the workshop today ... busted clutch slave cylinder).

You'll find all you're looking for and more in this car. Including burning more fuel ... fortunately not a heck of a lot heavier than your bakkie. My Stannic fleet management report shows a national average of 15.46 l/100km, which sounds about right. For a LWB Gen 3 your money will probably buy something with 200 000km plus, but not a train smash as these cars are built strong and last long. Having said that I've seen early Gen 3's under R 100k ....

What to look out for has been covered in a fair bit of depth on this forum and 4x4community, not least when I rejoined the Paj family a year ago. An hour or two searching the forums will be well worth the effort. When you've shortlisted a car see if you can get an experienced Paj owner to go along for a second opinion.

Happy hunting!

Francois