A Dilema what $wd to Purchase

Hi there, David, go the prado or the pajero, I wouldn't risk a patrol in the 3litre range 4.2 yeah but don't think they have solved the problem yet with the 3 litre engine, for what your saying the type of travelling you do and the weight your towing would easily be lapped up by the pajero or the prado, either way I dont think these 2 vehicles have any major faults like the 3 litre patrol. Take care hope you make the right choice. Regards Vitara

Dave,

I would not stop looking at the two vehicles you mentioned (both have good reputations) as I think some of the new generation TD's sound OK on paper. The new Pathfinder for example would (on paper) handle what you say your requirements are. If you are after something that represents good value for money why not look at the Kia Sorrento or the Hyundai Terracan? these will also handle your suggested workload.
Eventually I would probably end up in the Mitsu yard if it were my cash being splashed around, but I would definately look at all these other options first.

Happy hunting.
Trevor.

Get another Patrol. 4.2TDI. Probably the last chance to get another ridgid front with a bullet proof old non electronic engined vehicle.. Give those girly cars a miss!!! :)

Have heard reports from local mechanic that lack of wheel travel in Pajero can be of concern.

Always a hard decision David - I'm in the same boat with 2 vehicles
I have hung onto for longer than I would have preferred because I see
no better offerings in there class (GU 4800 & RAV4).

If your next vehicle will again be changed in 3 years then I would
be more inclined to go for a change particularly if its a company
type thing car.

If not then the Nissans are hard beat as 4wds. Personnally I have
preferred performance over the lower consumption of the 3lt although the
simplicity of the petrol over the diesel has meant little difference in
life cycle costs.
Seems yours is a manual and the only real GU change has been to significantly
upgrade the mid range torque in your model and you would appreciate this.

For my GU replacement issue I will wait until there is some indication
of wether or not new engines will come out for it next year or wether the
4800 was the end of the line for the "Nissan New Wave". On the RAV4 side
I will be getting the keys to a new Vitara to put through its paces
this weekend, its interesting car, bigger and more capable than I would
have thought. Suitable for medium trips without a lot of hard going but
throwing it up on our ramp etc will sort out for me wether or not its
any good.

Robin Miller

if your happy with it and you can put all your accessories into your new truck saving thousands of $, why not.. But go the 4.2 instead