Gen3 GLS versus Gen4 GLS
Good day to all

I am sorry if this has been discussed before, if so, please direct me to the correct discussions

I am slowly starting to convince myself that it is time to change from my Ranger, to a Pajero

My questions that I would like some guidance on please;

1. When was the Gen 4 introduced to SA?
2. What is the major differences between the Gen 4 and Gen 3? Is it only cosmetic?
3. Is the Gen 4 DiD 3.2 better on fuel consumption than the Gen 3?
4. Is the Gen 4 a better build vehicle than the Gen 3?
5. Which one of these handles better on the road, and then in the dirt?
6. Do they have the same dimensions?
7. Material used on the inside, like leather on the seats, plastics on the dashboard and doors, is it better?

The reasoning behind my questions. I was following a thread on the Prado 120 versus Prado 150, and many current and previous owners admitted that they had a better feel, on the older model, even fuel consumption on the older models was better (4.0 V6). Many even said the built quality on the 120 is better, and more solid

Yes I know, and please do not throw stones as yet, but I have always been a big fan of the Prado, but as yet have never owned one

Then, five months back I bought a 2004 Gen 3, 3.2 for my parents, and now I have a completely different look at Pajero, thinking that it is a great vehicle. This vehicle has now done around 255 000km, and all seems well, and they are truly enjoying it :D

Thank you to those that have the time to help me make up my mind
Re: Gen3 GLS versus Gen4 GLS
bhanganek wrote:Good day to all

I am sorry if this has been discussed before, if so, please direct me to the correct discussions

I am slowly starting to convince myself that it is time to change from my Ranger, to a Pajero

First of all I think one has to accept that due to cost constraints of the new vehicle models there is sometimes a quality compromise.
The Gen3 was an excellent vehicle as is the Gen4.


My questions that I would like some guidance on please;

1. When was the Gen 4 introduced to SA? Gen4.1 118kw 2007 to 20010, Gen4.2 140 kw 2010 on
2. What is the major differences between the Gen 4 and Gen 3? Is it only cosmetic? No definitely not. Aluminium bonnet, different auto trans, Common Rail diesel injection system, inboard info system, ASC, TC, Super Lights, sunroof, 17" wheels, engine output is slighter less on Gen4.1 (we are trying to establish why), etc etc.
3. Is the Gen 4 DiD 3.2 better on fuel consumption than the Gen 3? No it is slightly heavier possibly because the engine is "detuned" slightly.
4. Is the Gen 4 a better build vehicle than the Gen 3? There is a slight down side but not seriously so (almost expected / accepted)
5. Which one of these handles better on the road, and then in the dirt? About the same? (my Gen3 & Gen4 has different suspensions)
6. Do they have the same dimensions? Yes about +/-
7. Material used on the inside, like leather on the seats, plastics on the dashboard and doors, is it better? No not better.

The reasoning behind my questions. I was following a thread on the Prado 120 versus Prado 150, and many current and previous owners admitted that they had a better feel, on the older model, even fuel consumption on the older models was better (4.0 V6). Many even said the built quality on the 120 is better, and more solid

Yes I know, and please do not throw stones as yet, but I have always been a big fan of the Prado, but as yet have never owned one

Then, five months back I bought a 2004 Gen 3, 3.2 for my parents, and now I have a completely different look at Pajero, thinking that it is a great vehicle. This vehicle has now done around 255 000km, and all seems well, and they are truly enjoying it :D

Thank you to those that have the time to help me make up my mind
As mentioned newer models have unfortunately sometimes had to sacrifice on the quality level. I believe that the extent is minimal / acceptable / fixable (eg reported dash rattles are easily sorted out by Kurt and John). Other manufacturers have made far greater sacrifices to build quality / finnish. Gen3 was a legend. When you have such an excellent product it is a tall order to bring out a newer better model.
Re: Gen3 GLS versus Gen4 GLS
Thank you for your input

I had a look at a 2008, 3.2 GLS yesterday. To me it looked the same as the 2004 Gen 3 model, although the dashboard is different, with a "fancy" SatNav radio display in it, and the controls on the steering

Maybe it is the Gen 4, as you mentioned, it came out in 2008

The gentlemen is asking for R240 000, it has 143 000km on the clock. The vehicle still looks good, the odd scratch and marks on the front fenders, but the interior is still good. The biggest problem I could see, is the gearbox sump that is wet. I presume (hope), it is only the sump gasket that is leaking, and taking it off, cleaning it, and replacing the gasket, would do the job

Would you say this is a fair price?

Or is there a gentlemen here that would like to part from his unit, in similar condition and age, if not younger and better?

Many thanks
Re: Gen3 GLS versus Gen4 GLS
A 2008 model has a different shape bonnet and mudguards and yes a different dash. Check the VIN number and work out the year model. PM if you need help.

Nice low km units are hard to find. The price is higher than trade but they know that they can & will sell it at those kms. If this is a private sale then the price is very high. Is it one owner? Private buyers do not pay VAT so that would be a wack more money for him to pocket. If at a dealer then high but well worth considering.

If I had to guess I would say that with those kms it had its major service not too long ago and that includes a transmission service which should include removal of the transmission sump. Check the service book see where it was last serviced and then ask them for the service history. The oil leak will have to be rectified for roadworthy and at that price I would expect it to be included.

Question I would ask myself : If it is so well looked after then why drive around with a transmission leak? Not maybe a second owner who has not looked after it as well as the first. I would definitely check out the service history at the dealership / workshop.
Re: Gen3 GLS versus Gen4 GLS
The Gen4 came out in 2007 so 2008 is definitely a Gen4. I'm surprised you say it looks the same as a 2004, maybe you need a set of spectacles :D


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- Kurt
2014 Pajero SWB 3.2 GLS | EFS Suspension | Stofpad Bashplates
2008 Pajero LWB 3.2 GLS (Sold @ 243,000km)
Sean Carritt
Re: Gen3 GLS versus Gen4 GLS
I agree with this gentleman. What are the differences between the gen 3 3.2 Di d and the gen4 with same motor. They look almost identical not many differences at all. Just the gen 4 has a upgraded dash. With an upgrade to the cometics but in specs I presume they are the same.

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Re: Gen3 GLS versus Gen4 GLS
Not same motor, Gen4 has commonrail injection.
Completely different body with different dimensions.
Completely different interior.
Same gearbox and 4x4 system.

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