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Buying a Gen 2 Paj
Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 8:54 pm
by dcsmax
I am looking at purchasing a 1996 3.5 V6 GLS A/T with 243000 kms.
My question is NOT how reliable these pajjies are, I know the answer.
I would like to know what items in particular to look and listen for, in order to save potential future spending on repairs. "Tell tale" signs of imminent failure.
Which are the items that one could expect to fail and would be at the top of the expenditure list (highest costs).
I understand the timing belt should be replaced every 100 000 kms.
When would one replace the plugs?
How would one test/check the auto box?
Hoping the members could help me with drawing up a checklist that should give oneself peace of mind when purchasing a 10+ year old vehicle.
Re: Buying a Gen 2 Paj
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 9:30 am
by 4ePikanini
cv boots
take it for a long drive and test the box thoroughly
go on a gravel strip and check the 4x4
check shocks
check play in pitman and idler arm
go through the sticky section regarding the workings of the 4x4 and then with that knowledge check the front hub engagement
look for leaks
check oil condition - dark oil is a sign of neglect
check coolant condition - brown coolant is a sign of neglect
check body panel alignments all over
lie under neath the car to listen for 'clunks' while someone else is rocking the suspention from side to side.
Operate all electrics and make sure they work
Have a couple of mitsu friends go with you to scrutinise
Re: Buying a Gen 2 Paj
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:45 pm
by Gerrit Loubser
To add to Marius' extensive list:
Listen for ticking noises in the engine. It might be the Mitsu signature tune (hydraulic valve lash adjusters), which need not be serious, or it could be the variable intake manifold butterfly valve shaft rattling around due to worn/lost bushes.
Check that there is no brake shudder. These Pajies sometimes warp their rear discs if they work hard (e.g. towing unbraked trailers).
Check for rattles in the steering over corrugations. It could indicate worn splines in the steering extension shaft.
Listen for worn front wheel bearings: steer from left to right while travelling at speed in a straight line and listen for changes in the sound from the wheels. Worn bearings will rumble or hum.
The autobox should shift smoothly into all gears and also when kicking down. Check the colour of the transmission oil and smell it. It should be clear, red and should not smell burnt, although ATF does have an almost sulphurry smell.
Re: Buying a Gen 2 Paj
Posted: Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:50 pm
by Gerrit Loubser
One more thing: if platinum tipped plugs are fitted and lead free fuel is used mostly, the plugs should last 90000 to 100000 km.
Re: Buying a Gen 2 Paj
Posted: Tue Oct 27, 2009 5:34 pm
by Mcnoogle
Hi,
I' m no expert so couldn't tell you about valves and stuff, all I can tell you is my experience.
2 months ago, I bought the same Pajero, 3.6 V6 auto, LWB, it has 260,000 on the clock.
It was in good condition, I would strongly agree - take it off road to test the transfer - better yet, find someone who has the same model, and take him with you.
I'm in Somerset West, if your here, I can make myself available - Check your indicators for the transfer all work properly.
The transfer controls seem to go on these, (New one is about R850)
Its not been mentioned, so I'll mention it just in case - Climb under the vehicle and check the undercarriage especially if its been used for offroad.
Test drive it on a stretch of road that has an incline, let it run through all the gears, go up to 4th then down to second, then slowly up to 4th again (on the incline)
When the vehicle has load (loaded or on incline) the clutch will (if its has a slip in it) slip at that point.
It might not be noticable (you might only notice by seeing the rev counter drop abit) If the clutch does slip, its not the end of the world, but it means worst case that youll have to re-do the gearbox. So, depending on what you spend on the vehicle, you could replace the gearbox and STILL have a bargain.
I paid R50,000 for mine, its now slipping when it goes into 3rd, but thats no problem when offroading so far, I'll have to replace it or get it fixed, but at R50K for the vehicle, its still a bargain.
Good luck.