Because I am in the market for a new vehicle (and not in a hurry either because I love my 3,2 GLX and will be so sorry when we part company)I have been spending a lot of time on internet research.
The problem with many "Forums" out there is that they are used as a place to moan and complain and to "expose" differences of opinion with various dealers / manufacturers so one needs to keep an open mind as there are clearly always 3 sides to every story. (Seems nobody who is actually happy has the time to post anything)
That said, however, there does seem to be a lot of negative comment about the new Gen 4 navigation / Bluetooth / radio console and even more comment on levels of service (and spares availability) since the Imperial move.
My present Pajero has been dealer serviced since day 1 and I am more than happy with their service and charges – in fact I have not even noticed the Imperial take over, but would really appreciate it if someone could comment on any problems experienced with the new Gen 4 and services / spares for that model.
My comment is maybe more the flip side, but I bought mine just over a year ago at 60000kms.
I've been very fortunate - absolutely problem free (except for dealing with a dof service agent regarding the dashboard), have done all 4 past services up to 100000kms at dealers without any issues regarding parts.
That said, I can't comment on when something goes wrong that's not a standard service item.
I've been very fortunate - absolutely problem free (except for dealing with a dof service agent regarding the dashboard), have done all 4 past services up to 100000kms at dealers without any issues regarding parts.
That said, I can't comment on when something goes wrong that's not a standard service item.
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test drive it on corrugations to see if the dashboard moves.
Other than that the car is reliable enough to see the dealer as little as possible.
Other than that the car is reliable enough to see the dealer as little as possible.
As far as I know the lastest Gen4, new from the dealer, also comes with the option of taking the navigation system or leaving it out and taking some discount. So that might also be an option.
I dont currently drive a Gen4 but all in all I think the Imperial move is a positive one from a Mitsu SA point of view.
CATS
I dont currently drive a Gen4 but all in all I think the Imperial move is a positive one from a Mitsu SA point of view.
CATS
2009 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS (Gen4) - Casper (Starting to grow on me)
2001 Pajero 3.2 DiD Lwb GLS Manual (Gen3) - Snoopy (SOLD but not forgotten)
2008 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS Auto (Gen4) - Silvester (SOLD)
2001 Pajero 3.2 DiD Lwb GLS Manual (Gen3) - Snoopy (SOLD but not forgotten)
2008 Pajero 3.2 DiDc Lwb GLS Auto (Gen4) - Silvester (SOLD)
Dean,
Gen4 = great car. It is everything the Gen3 was and then some more. Parts availabilty will improve and then stabilise at a "reasonable" availabilty level. We see I lower level of availability across the brands - there are sound economic reasons for that. Mitsu SA moved their parts hub from Japan to Dubai. The problem was Dubai had a different "parts movement profile" (for lack of a better description) than what was required in SA. This has been (almost I suppose) sorted out.
The Nav/Info system is the way to go and will become standard on all cars in that market segment. CATS' take on it is valid, but I think the problems that are occuring can be managed and sorted out under the maint plan - if any occur. If you want to be conservative, then drop the Nav sytem. The standard (early Gen4 info system) is quite handy and if you stick a GPS to your car, then all is well.
The dashboard: what can I say? Take Marius' advice and run a Gen4 on corrugations and decide for yourself. Maybe I'm unlucky, maybe I'm just expecting too much - I don't know. But I will not continue to own this car if I can't get the dash sorted out. My Gen4 3.8V6 is the best Pajero I have ever had (if I ignore the dash
).
Dean, there are three cars only in this race: Gen4 GLS, VW Treg (if you take the "offroad" option with the low range) and the VX Prado. Anything else has the potential to dissapoint you in the longrun with reliability issues. We tend to take Pajero reliability for granted.
Gen4 = great car. It is everything the Gen3 was and then some more. Parts availabilty will improve and then stabilise at a "reasonable" availabilty level. We see I lower level of availability across the brands - there are sound economic reasons for that. Mitsu SA moved their parts hub from Japan to Dubai. The problem was Dubai had a different "parts movement profile" (for lack of a better description) than what was required in SA. This has been (almost I suppose) sorted out.
The Nav/Info system is the way to go and will become standard on all cars in that market segment. CATS' take on it is valid, but I think the problems that are occuring can be managed and sorted out under the maint plan - if any occur. If you want to be conservative, then drop the Nav sytem. The standard (early Gen4 info system) is quite handy and if you stick a GPS to your car, then all is well.
The dashboard: what can I say? Take Marius' advice and run a Gen4 on corrugations and decide for yourself. Maybe I'm unlucky, maybe I'm just expecting too much - I don't know. But I will not continue to own this car if I can't get the dash sorted out. My Gen4 3.8V6 is the best Pajero I have ever had (if I ignore the dash
).Dean, there are three cars only in this race: Gen4 GLS, VW Treg (if you take the "offroad" option with the low range) and the VX Prado. Anything else has the potential to dissapoint you in the longrun with reliability issues. We tend to take Pajero reliability for granted.
Thank you Guys for your replies.
Having done the Land Rover, Datsun (you are also old and grey if you remember them) Land Cruiser and Hilux thing (more than once of each) I am now on my second Pajero and simply love my present Gen 3 GLX. It’s getting a tad old now (5 years and 190000Km) so company policy dictates that it must be replaced.
Problem is that a new Gen 4 GLX is far outside the budget and I have been looking at crossing to “the dark side”, probably to a new Ford Ranger (and yes, they are available – I can get one today if I just sign the paperwork) or a HiLux.
As luck would have it I saw a Gen 4 GLS at a Pajero dealership in Auto Trader at a price we could work around so I undertook the journey to see the vehicle but when I arrived it had “just been sold” and the new owner turned out to be a friend from way back (small world we live in – I wish her much joy with her purchase).
I was clearly disappointed but the sales staff were really good and it was not long before I had a written quote for a new GLX (no nav system) at around the same price as the used GLS (remember Pajero is running a TV add “special” at the moment and we negotiated a sizable discount over and above the already discounted price).
So after doing, redoing and doing again all the calculations and taking into consideration that I would have to buy a canopy for either the Ford or the Hilux and subtracting the value of the maintenance plan from the cost of each vehicle (our company finances the vehicle purchase and the maintenance plans under two different schemes) the GLX comes in at about R20K more expensive than either of the other “dark side vehicles”, not a big figure in the scheme of things.
Although I really do like the new Ford, (I should not have driving it again yesterday, it just confused me) if I just take into consideration the attitude of the sales staff and amount of effort the Pajero guys have put into this deal (they have either phoned me or emailed me each day over the past 3 weeks just to enquire if there was anything further they could do to assist, what a contrast to some other agents attitudes) then the choice should be easy…!
Having done the Land Rover, Datsun (you are also old and grey if you remember them) Land Cruiser and Hilux thing (more than once of each) I am now on my second Pajero and simply love my present Gen 3 GLX. It’s getting a tad old now (5 years and 190000Km) so company policy dictates that it must be replaced.
Problem is that a new Gen 4 GLX is far outside the budget and I have been looking at crossing to “the dark side”, probably to a new Ford Ranger (and yes, they are available – I can get one today if I just sign the paperwork) or a HiLux.
As luck would have it I saw a Gen 4 GLS at a Pajero dealership in Auto Trader at a price we could work around so I undertook the journey to see the vehicle but when I arrived it had “just been sold” and the new owner turned out to be a friend from way back (small world we live in – I wish her much joy with her purchase).
I was clearly disappointed but the sales staff were really good and it was not long before I had a written quote for a new GLX (no nav system) at around the same price as the used GLS (remember Pajero is running a TV add “special” at the moment and we negotiated a sizable discount over and above the already discounted price).
So after doing, redoing and doing again all the calculations and taking into consideration that I would have to buy a canopy for either the Ford or the Hilux and subtracting the value of the maintenance plan from the cost of each vehicle (our company finances the vehicle purchase and the maintenance plans under two different schemes) the GLX comes in at about R20K more expensive than either of the other “dark side vehicles”, not a big figure in the scheme of things.
Although I really do like the new Ford, (I should not have driving it again yesterday, it just confused me) if I just take into consideration the attitude of the sales staff and amount of effort the Pajero guys have put into this deal (they have either phoned me or emailed me each day over the past 3 weeks just to enquire if there was anything further they could do to assist, what a contrast to some other agents attitudes) then the choice should be easy…!
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Get the pajero. You know you want to! 
I'm also looking at reblacing my Gen 3 with a Gen 4. I just test drove a 2009 Gen 4 GLS, with 94 000km on the clock.
It is smoother and quieter than my Gen 3... but I did press on the dashboard a bit, and it definitely seems more flimsy that the Gen 3 - I can see that it might have the potential to rattle, especially in the middle where there is a grill (possibly centre speaker?).
The plastics in the vehicle were also quite scratched... not sure if they are lower quality than the Gen 3, or if the vehicle has just not been looked after.
The pouch on the back of the front leather seats, where you can slip in magazines, etc also seemed like that would tear easily at the corners.
It is smoother and quieter than my Gen 3... but I did press on the dashboard a bit, and it definitely seems more flimsy that the Gen 3 - I can see that it might have the potential to rattle, especially in the middle where there is a grill (possibly centre speaker?).
The plastics in the vehicle were also quite scratched... not sure if they are lower quality than the Gen 3, or if the vehicle has just not been looked after.
The pouch on the back of the front leather seats, where you can slip in magazines, etc also seemed like that would tear easily at the corners.
2008 Pajero DiDc LWB GLS
2005 Pajero DiD SWB GLS (sold)
2005 Pajero DiD SWB GLS (sold)
Greg,
I don't think the Gen4 trim is "softer" than the Gen3. Mine is still blemish free, even after a tough overland trip through southern Namibia with two couples up.
Have just returned from a quick business trip to Jhb and back - alone in the car and allowed Mr. MIVEC some freedom. MAN, I like driving this beast!!
I don't think the Gen4 trim is "softer" than the Gen3. Mine is still blemish free, even after a tough overland trip through southern Namibia with two couples up.
Have just returned from a quick business trip to Jhb and back - alone in the car and allowed Mr. MIVEC some freedom. MAN, I like driving this beast!!
Well RoelfleRoux, I have noted your comments and am about to find out how much I like driving it cause I finally made up my mind.RoelfleRoux wrote: MAN, I like driving this beast!!
Its only a GLX (GLS is just too far over the budget), but it is new but its going to take a lot to be better than my Gen 3, its been such a great vehicle.Simon, I need a new sticker!