Purchasing 01 Pajero Exceed

Couple of major items to look for with NM Pajeros (I have an '00 Exceed):

1. Timing belt needs replacing at 90,000km service - budget about $800-$1000 for this service
2. Front wheel bearings can get a "rumble" and need the hub assembly replaced - budget about $750 the pair. Post '03-ish Pajeros have a new design bearing that is not subject to water ingress problems, and the replacement hubs are of this newer design, so it should be a once-off if required at all (ours are still on the originals, number of kms doesn't seem to be a factor).
3. Cracked exhaust manifolds - excuse to put on extractors.

So far I haven't had to deal with any, but we're only up to 77,000km.

Only other issue with ours is a slight oil leak from a blanking plug that I'm going to get fixed at the 90,000km service. Otherwise, it's a fantastic vehicle. Drop in an Exide Extreme N70EXL if you're replacing the battery, and maybe look at some underbody protection plates from TJM. Bilsteins/Kings seem to be the bees knees in suspension upgrades, although the original Mitsu shocks seem quite good, so I'll only be upgrading the springs for about a 45-50mm lift soon. If you want to use the rear lighter socket for a fridge or anything stronger than a Versalite, you will need to rewire it.

The only real choice in a legal-size AT is the BF Goodrich AT in 265/70R16 - unless you're willing to go over the 15mm limit to a 265/75R16, or you can find something in 275/70R16. Mud tyres mean exceeding the 15mm limit. There's only one or two choices for aftermarket rims because of the huge offset. Cheap GLS steel rims pop up on eBay all the time, but they are only 6" wide, which means you can run 235s or similar.

Best part about most Pajero Exceeds is that they usually served time as Toorak school buses, so they've generally never been off road! We love ours. Check out www.pajeroclub.com.au for a really informative forum.

Mate, the Paj is a fantastic vehicle (yeah, I know,I"m biased :-) but seeing as how you have a deisel, switching to a 3.5 petrol motor will give you heart palpitations at the bowser :-((

Much better to pick up a DID (3.2lt Direct Injection Diesel) These things have a reputation of being virtually bullet proof.

Look out here comes another (un)biased opinion!! You will love the Pajero's ride and handling compared to the Patrol, the petrol engine is reliable but thirsty if pushed hard or towing. I know you've said its out of your budget but you should REALLY look hard at the DiD, they are sooooooo much better to drive, brilliant on fuel - try 8.5l/100 to 10.5l/100!! Heaps of torque for towing and as mentioned they have a bulletproof reputation, combined with the 5 speed tiptronic auto they are a real pleasure to drive.
Good luck with your new purchase!

Cheers and Beers

Scott

Another problem in SOME early Pajeros is dust entry. Mitsu have a Dust kit to fix it.

Mine is Dec 02 and I have no dust at all.

Mike

Notts
Another biased opinion.....
We have a 00 NM Exceed. Agree all the comments above re timing and front wheel bearings. We did both at the same service, 105,000kms, and oh dear to the costs. But still worth it. If your potential vehicle bearings haven't been done, negotiate hard for $1000 or thereabouts. Our vehicle had never done deep water crossings etc to aggravate the issue,
I disagree on the fuel comments above. Quite happily get 14L/100 kms on easy driving and averaged 16.95 doing 12,000 km towing a 1100kg camper (for lots of the time) and over sand tracks etc last year.
Yes a diesel will get less but there are some compensations along the way.
Buy and enjoy.
Rusty

I had a 3.2 diesel, great car. Really economical. Check your finances again to see if you can't afford one. I now have a 3lt Patrol and really miss the acceleration (its like driving a petrol), and economy. Of course there is a lot more room in the Patrol, also if you are wanting to use the third row of seats in the pagero (I'm assuming they are the ones that fold up and store under the floor), they are only for little people, read that children.

All the best,
Paul.