Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Hi guys,
I'm hoping someone can help me out. I'm looking at getting myself a second hand Pajero, my budget is limited to around the R50 000 mark, so looking at a second gen model.

What should I look out for when purchasing the vehicle, as most of the vehicles in that range are approaching 300 000 km on the clock? I was told that the 3.5L petrol V6 is longer lasting than the diesel. I would also prefer the short-wheel base model, but have noticed they carry a premium over their LWB counterparts.

I have seen some 3rd gen diesel Pajero's on Gumtree starting at R70 000, they are also sitting on the 300 000 km mark, should I stay away from those?

Thanks in advance
Jannie

Good day.
I would rather spend a bit more and buy a did, as they are much lighter on fuel. When we looked for our SWB Pajero, we came across a lot of DID's with more than 300000km on the clock, and some were still selling up to R120000. If the vehicle has a full service rekord, I don't think you will have a problem.The 3.5 petrol motors are very good motors,but to my knowledge they are thirsty.

My 3.5 Gen 2 petrol model is currently on 322,000 Km and my son's 2.8 diesel more than 400,000 Km. This shows they are more than reliable, however the petrol models are a bit thirsty but they make up with more power, and petrol engines are less expensive to overhaul when necessary. The Gen3 3.2 diesel has a lot of power but can cost an arm & leg to repair if the time comes. The choice however is personal and depends on your budget.

Hi Jannie,

I am going to speak from experience here. In all honesty, there is nothing wrong with the 2.8tdi, I have been driving my 2.8tdi for going on 5 years now, and I have never looked back, but I still wouldn't mind a gen3 or gen4 but who wouldn't.

My vehicle is well past the 250k kilometer mark and still going strong.

From my experience if you do decide to get a 2.8tdi. Please make sure you check the radiator, battery spec for the vehicle,make sure it's the correct battery and check the glow plugs, engine wise. Then I would make sure things like the transfer case and difflock(providing it has difflock) make sure these are in good order. And if you can, get the history of the vehicle.

That's just my two cents, other people will say other things, so take from it what you will.

The petrol versus diesel debate will rage on forever. The trick is to find a well maintained vehicle. There are many Pajero's out there that have high mileage. I just sold my Gen 2.5 petrol with around 280 000 and that car was running better than when I bought it. With the 3L and 3.5L you need to check for cam belt and water pump changes as these are expensive items and could be missed. Other than that the petrol models will be cheaper to maintain and more expensive at the pump.

Hi,
ist all about how good or bad the vehicle you want to buy is maintained.
A car over 300k on the clock is used pretty much.
So best advice I can give is to take a mechanic with you and let him check the car, or you drive to a vehicle test station from DEKRA or any other company that can do tests on steering, suspension brakes aso
(If you cant find someone with proper knowledge for checking the car)

That the diesels not lasting long is a rumor,diesel last longer than petrol engines. the diesel are much more fuel efficient but you MUST have a close look on cooling devices. A <censored> up fan clutch or a not working thermostat can kill the engine very quick.

Due to the turbochargers those engines can overheat much quicker compared to the non turbo petrols.

Also the diesels dont like speeding over long distance, or high revs.
I know what I am speaking about cause I cooked of my engine.
A damaged fan clutch and driving to fast just killed my motor, head cracked and radiator blown.

The diesels are not a bad choice, look if the car you want to buy has a new head on, If so, check if theres a new radiator too and if the owner changed other parts like thermostat.

Check the fan clutch if it works properly!!!
A car with 300k on the clock and with a fan clutch never changed, well thats something you have to think about.

Anyway, an old car like this needs maintance.
You will and have to spend money on it in any case

Hi guys,
Thanks for all the great advice!

I managed to find myself a 1997 2nd gen 3.5L petrol LWB Pajero for a fantastic price. Mechanically it is sound but needs some work. Got some bigger tyres (32inch BF Goodrich A/Ts) and I'm also looking at the possibility of getting a lockable rear diff when I've saved up enough.

So far I am extremely happy with her! Going to go and test her out at Killarney 4x4 this weekend and then looking forward to many overland trips in the near future.

Thanks again for all the advice!

Well done, they really are competent vehicles that will do just about whatever you ask of them.

Good for you.

Hey Newbie

I think the '97 came out with the rear diff lock. The button sits on the bottom of the dash, just behind the gear levers. It's called the Magic Button. No matter how stuck you are, press the button and its like magic!

Congratulations Jannie
You received great advice and baught a fantastic car. I don't want to start a debate but the 3.5 does not mind high revs or being worked hard all day long. Get your head around its drinking habit and you'll love the car. A similar 2.8 would probably have cost a lot more. Enjoy it.