[jwitherow]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and could use some help!

I am looking at a 1999 Pajero 3.5 LWB from Top Gear motors in Byranston. The vehicle has "143K" with a service history. I've looked at the history and the book is not full, but am told there are invoices to back up the missing intervals. it has been serviced at several places and the 120K at Mitspro with Freek ( saw this invoice, July 2010)cambelt tensioner, valves were also done). I was ready to move on this vehicle but in looking at pictures posted on the website a few weeks back (since taken off), I saw an auto excellence spare tyre cover on the vehicle. When I questioned the current lot about the vehicle they said they got it from Fury Midrand. The 120 K service says it was done by Mitspro for Auto excellence.

Then this morning I was looking at this site and saw a member of this forum (sainoz) complaining about a problem with a 2000 Pajero 3.5 that was giving even Freek fits (eventually fixed fuel regulator with a poor wiring job). This was June 2011

I then clicked on the picture of the vehicle and it looks like a dead ringer of the car I am looking at. Unfortunately the picture doesn't show the plates so I can't be sure (reg of current vehicle is YZS153GP)but it does make me suspicious.

So the service history is spotty, has been at three lots in less than two years which seems abnormal for a Pajero (auto excellence, Fury Midrand and Top Gear) and it is possibly the same vehicle that gave a member of this forum fits and he may have gotten rid of it?

I had planned to have Freek look at the vehicle anyway, but need wiser and more experienced Pajero owners to give me any advice they may have. I'd love to have a Pajero, but not one that maybe was manufactured on a monday

Should I call it a day on the Paj, or move forward and see what Freek says?

regards and thanks,
John

[RoelfleRoux]

Get the Vin No and ask Mitspro to check if it is the one they had during late Jun 2011.

[jwitherow]

Talked to Mitspro today and got enough history with the registration number to know that this vehicle has had some serious issues with over heating. Not sure if it is the same one as the June 2011, but got enough information to tell me it is time to fold'em. thanks Roelf for your input. I'll keep looking!
John

[RoelfleRoux]

You'll find the right one

[paw_by_paw]

John,
What are you prepared to pay for such a vehicle?
I am thinking of selling mine.
Maybe pop me a mail and we can meet sometime and discuss. whereabouts are you?

[tonton]

John,

You can go for Chris (Paw-by-Paw)'s car - he put a heluva lot of passion and effort into it, and will be able to give you a good history on the car. You can see some of the work he has done right here on the forum.

Chris - are you still looking for the Sport?

Anton

[paw_by_paw]

Hi Anton,
I would like have a Sport but finances a bit steep now.
See my post on dark side. The problem is the prices of the demo models are so close to new you might as well go for new in the end.

[jwitherow]

Hi paw_by_paw, (and everyone else)

Thanks for your offer, but I've talked with Freek again after my last post (and some input from my wife)and the heating issue was not as bad as it initially seemed. The second episode was solely from the owner not returning to Mitspro to have the head retorqued at 1000km. He said to bring it in and let him listen to it and check it out, so I'm trusting his judgement. He is looking at the vehicle on monday for me.

I'd be interested in your vehicle if I was in different situation, but a deal needs to hinge on a trade in as I don't have the full cash to buy a vehicle. The price on this Pajero is 96,000 rand. My current vehicle can't be financed because it is out of production and demand for it is poor. So I don't have the flexibility right now to do a private deal (which I would have loved to do).

If Freek says no go on this one (and he also knows one of the previous owners), then I might try to sell mine privately, but have been told I will not get much from it and most of my research bears this out.

I'll post again as soon as I know more. thanks for input and encouragement! This forum has been great.

John

[sometime]

This Paj has been for sale there for quite a few months now which in itself should give cause for caution. I looked at it then and the spotty service history, multiple owners in a short time frame plus the fact that a 143k km car needed work done on the valves on one cylinder head, put me off.

Rather keep looking - don't be tempted by the low mileage and the fact that you want a Paj. The right car will come if you look long enough.

[fouche]

Hi,

By the sound of your post and replies you are sceptical. My opinion is that you should trust your instincts here and let it pass. You will find a PJ for you.