Patrol 3L Vs Pajero 3.2L

I would think the Paj would go better, but the patrol would be the tougher of the 2 vehicles. Paj his a monocoque body which can stretch if used to tow heavy loads (so I've been told). The Patrol has the proven ladder chassis and would be better tow vehicle i would think.
Paj would be more comfortable (more car-like).
Patrol is more truck-like with that huge solid front axle and great wheel articulation.
Depends on what you're gunna use the vehicle for (other than towing).
My money would be on the Patrol (but I admit to being biased)......and I'd go for the 4.2 manual.....but that's just me being an old-fashioned phart.
Cheers
Roachie

I would be very carefull with 3L Patrols. In the same range as the Pajero diesel
have you looked at a new diesel Pathfinder and Toyota Prado?

As long as you are looking at 3.0L Patrols 2003 and beyond then it really comes down to personal preference, I did the same debate myself when buying my Patrol. The 3.0lt in the Patrols before 2003 can be prone to problems. As for chassis stretching when towing I don't see how that is possible when the rear wheels are doing the driving placing most of the vehicle under a slight compression load, which only leaves the tow bar which are usually very solidly constructed. Both are very good vehicles and it comes down to personal preference, I would reccommend a Safari Snorkel and DTronic as top accessories to buy for either as well.

Regards

Snowy

Dave,

I bought a GLX Di D Pajero (Manual) in June. My rationale was 1) Well appointed for a base level vehicle, (A/C, Cruise, ABS, Dual SRS, Alloys all standard), 2) Very comfortable to drive & travel in, 3) Very economical (have averaged 9L/100km over 11,000 kms) 4) Good power (121kw) and torque (373Nm). For majority highway travelling, some off-road work and some towing, a good fit. I also have a GQ 4.2L turbo diesel, one solid, bullet proof truck! I believe the same ruggedness flows through to the 3L Patrols. Each vehicle has its' strengths and weaknesses, and are very different to drive. At the end of the day it is a matter of matching a vehicle to your specific requirements. My "two bobs worth".

Regards,
Greg

G'day Dave,

I have the 2005 3L TD Patrol Auto. Great beast. I flew down to Vic. on the weekend for some work and hired a Pajero (petrol) auto. Here are my general impressions.

Paj, much more comfortable and carlike. Through rough dirt roads etc remained composed, where I know the Pat would be throwing me around.

Very large open cabin compared to the Patrol, with a much better over bonnet view.

Seemed lower to the ground than the Patrol.

As has been said here already, the Paj is much more comfortable and better on road, the Patrol will be better offroad. I reckon towing the weight you're talking about will be fine either way. The only other item is resale value. You'll need to check out redbook to see what to expect with regards depreciation.

Thanks,

Aaron.

Hi Dave,

I have just been through this an opted to stay with Patrol (now a 3L). I really liked the Paj (and my friend has one) however we found the seating didn't suit our family (middle of middle row quite hard) and rear row not as much room. If you don't need the rear seating, then I'd be very tempted to go with the Paj. The engine and auto trans are great.

Hugh

I drive a Pajero petrol auto privately and have a 2005 Patrol 3.0L auto for work.

I like both vehicles and list the following for and against in my opinion as a direct comparison;

Pajero
For Comfortable car like handling on tar and quite good off road. Upgrade of suspension and tyres for extreme conditions would not hurt. Semi auto gear shift is excellent for towing. Good visability, turning circle. Second row seat is high and gives the kids a good view.

Against Hard on tyres and standard wheel size has few options. Rear seat is handy at times because it folds under the floor but can be nuisance if used alot

Patrol
For Lots of cabin room and very easy to drive. Good offroad capabilities. Tyre wear is excellent.

Against extra gear in auto would be handy. Both front seats do not slide back far enough. A little bit doughy from standing start until the turbo kicks in.

Both tow pretty well although I have not towed 1.8tonne.
Resale seems similar both are nothing flash.

Close call for me but the auto gear shift of the Pajero tilts it that way for me.

I recently purchased a DID 3.2 tubro GLX pajero and after looking at Patrols . Prados was sold on Pajero for the following reasons. Value for money, drive and ride, extra warranty (10yrs.) I use the Pajero for towing a boat & trailer and a 16 Foot COMPASS caravan have not had any problems.

Thanks for all your comments. To confuse my choices I test drove a new Pathfinder auto diesel. Great on the blacktop, bit of engine noise, wife doesn't like seats, no simple place for dual battery setup, not sure about cargo barriers.

I have a 3.2L DiD Exceed Auto. Previously had an NM 3.5L petrol. I tow 16 ft Coromal Seaka 505 Pioneer XC dirt road van. The van can wiegh a tad over 1800 kg when the missus is finished and has a ball weigth of around 220 kg.
After much tooing and froing, thought the LC overpriced and the Prado did not have the bells and whistles like MATT except in Grande. Like most 4WD owners my car serves as a work/ town car most of the time and I do not use it for extreme condiotions. For my use the Paj was better than the Patrol. Having said that I have towed through some reasonablly rough areas. eg Lawn Hill NP, King Fisher Camp, Bowthorne sStation and many places in between. Also came down through Birdsville to Innamincka vis Walkers Crossing. No problems towing although I took it reasonably gently.
Went diesel because of 373 Nm at 2000 rpm and with better fuel consumption than the 3.8 L Petrol I get at least a respectable range when towing. The Paj only has a 90 L fuel tank in standard configuration.
Auto/Tiptronic transmission is great for normal use and for towing.
With heaps of torque it's is interesting to put the car in cruise control and it never drops out like my NM used to do on hills.
The third row seat, IMHO, is not useable even for children.
DiD is a fairly noisy beast.

Regards