tow vehicle options

Braincell
An MUX x2 or Pajero x 2 = approx price of 1 x LC200. I know many people buy an LC 200 but they are out of most buyers price range. Not sure why people mention LC200 as being an option.
The Pajero doesn't have a chassis where the MUX does. If the MUX already can tow and has the required ball weight rating and you like either, the MUX seems to suits well for you. I know the transmission/drive system is different with more flexibility in the Mitsubishi but most situations can be covered with an MUX. Unless you are going to try and drag 2.6T through heavy mud or up steep hills where traction/grip of tyres is the limiting factor you probably won't need the cruiser. Cruiser might have the edge there.

I also would suggest the MUX. They are basically a D-Max but in a wagon version. I've had a D-Max since 2014 and it still seems like a new car.

The MUX is rated to tow 3,000kg, wereas the D-Max is rated at 3,500 kg.

If you go with the MUX, I would suggest that you get a Hayman Reese towbar as the have been some reports of cracked welds on the Isuzu bar.

The Isuzu are renowned for their reliability.

You cannot get ball weight upgrades - is set by the manufacturer and cannot be changed.

Sorry Braincell, you didn't mention you had to be budget conscious.

We bought our LC200 with 80000 kms on it and several accessories for $50k which is less than an Isuzu or a Pajero I think? (Aren't the Pajeros being discontinued)

Its done 130000 now and its still got plenty of life left in it yet.

Some low kms used cars like ex-lease represent good value in the current buyers market.

But how much warranty would you on an LC200 with 80,000km on the clock.

The MUX will be brand spanking new with a 6 year warranty.

Not quite right there mate! Saw it happen in front of my eyes! They'll all do it if they aren't properly loaded.

Yep, I saw one in the ditch in Cunningham's Gap a few years ago. It definitely happens.

Cheers
Jim

There was a spate of 200s towing vans gone over on the Bruce highway near the Sunshine Coast over the last few years. Poor loading, speed and lack of experience....among other things

I have also seen a few 200s go over. They are too short in the wheel base and this makes it much easier for large vans to lever their rear end sideways. For any big van that is up near the weight of the car, you need the longest possible wheelbase and the shortest possible distance between the rear axle and the tow ball.

Very good advice from Bigfish.

Yeah thanks bigfish , might do that .Think I'll pass on the pajero sport , prob cant go wrong with Izuzu or the old reliable Nx pajero.

I have an NW Pajero and about 6 months ago I had a mild remap of the ecu. Made a great difference to the cars behaviour. No more throttle lag, instant power and brilliant for towing my 2250kg camper around. I bought the car new in 2014 and test drove and evaluated every other make of 4wd. Have driven and owned 4 wds for around 40 years Without a doubt the paj is the best all round vehicle I,ve driven. 2.6tonne would be the max I,d be towing for both safety and driveability reasons. Same goes for any other 4wd out there. Get the torque converter lock up kit put on your car ($800), mild ecu remap, good suspension (probably $3500 for the lot) and you will have a tourer/tower equal to any. You have a young car so it is worth setting it up right and enjoy what you have.