Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

'lo all

I'm about to buy a 2001 Pajero 3.5 GLS 5dr from a non-Mitsu dealer. I was wondering if you can assist me with the following qeuries I have
* the vehicle does not have a engine cover (as a 2003 model would have) According to the dealer, the 2001 model never had one. is this true?
* the LCD display, which indicates stuff like temp, radio station detail, etc, has some of its lettering missing, e.g. the "leg" of the figure "2" does not display. Are these displays repairable? Would it be expensive to repair/replace?
* The vehicle has a FSH, but being me being rather technically/mechanically challenged, how does one know the vehicle is technicall/mechanically in good nic? From doing testdrives on tar, all seems to be fine.

Many thanks

where are you situated? Best to have someone that knows it well ( or someone that owned/owns one ) go with you.

Most of the time check the basics

look for re-spray or panels that don't line up indicating a crash repair.
listen to noises from the engine & gearbox - this is where an owner will have a trained ear for the engine
an owner will also recognise irregular shifting patterns if it's an auto

the cars are built tough and the engines are close to indestructible - just check the last cambelt change on those engines. They must be changed every 60k-80k

Other than that, if you buy it change the filters and oils ( engine, gearbox, transfer case, rear diff & front diff )

Enjoy a comfortable capable SUV!

I live in Brackenfell, WC, the dealer is in the Strand

Your display panel could be an expensive item to replace and repair is seldom an option on these units. being a non essential item it is not critical to have working but looking at it and seeing only half would drive you dilly very quickly. I would suggest you get the dealer to repair the panel before you buy it.

With a decent service history it should be fine and I would suggest you take it on an open piece of un tarred ground and select 4hlc and 4llc and then drive it in circles and listen for slippage of the tyres, this would indicate that the 4wd is working as it should and would further reveal damaged front universals. See that the correct lights come on on the dash and that the 4wd engages and disengages smoothly. DO NOT DO THIS ON TAR you could damage the drive train. When selecting 4hlc or 4llc (center diff lock) the vehicle should be at stand still. 4h Could be selected while traveling up to 100k/h and can be used on tar without any side effects other than improved handling.

The display that starts missing letters is unfortunately a trade mark of those models. All Gen 3 Models fitted with the black on grey/brown lcd display showing time etc will eventually loose some of the lettering of the time/clock. If you tap it slightly it might return to normal for a short period. I have lived with this for some time and have seen plenty that do the same. I have never tried repair but might make this a new year resolution. From my experience the dealers will ask too much to replace to make it a feasable option.

On the rest I can't help as my experience is with diesels, but can tell you that my 2001 Did is fitted with an engine cover.

CATS

Thanks guys for all your invaluable input into my buying decision.

I've taken the vehicle for a number of test drives now, and followed up on all your tips and tricks. I'm starting to have that warm and comfy feeling this buy should all turn out to be OK.

I spoke to a Misthu dealer around the corner from me, and according to the VIM number of the vehicle, this model does not have engine cover.

The LCD display (above the radio) in indeed expensive, R2600 incl installation. But, then not having this fixed will most probably just raise some level of nuisance driving one up-the-tree. Negotiated with the dealer some discount around this.

So, within the next 48 hours or so, I hope to be an owner of a Pajero!!

That's great news! Pictures better follow shortly after you bought it.

4ePikanini wrote:just check the last cambelt change on those engines. They must be changed every 60k-80k

I think the recommended timing belt change interval on the 6G74 motor was 90000 km.

As a matter of interest, in California the interval was something like 100000 MILES due to the fact that emissions laws require emissions critical parts and systems to be maintenance free for 100k miles.

HBannink wrote:When selecting 4hlc or 4llc (center diff lock) the vehicle should be at stand still.

Actually, 4HLc can be selected on the fly with all Super Select transfer cases. Just ensure that the vehicle is going in a straight line and that there is no wheel spin.

Not aware of that one Gerrit, have always played it safe but that little bit of info could possibly help if I saw drama looming.. Tx

I used to drive Land Rovers