SWB Pajero info

Submitted: Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 19:56
ThreadID: 3311 Views:4758 Replies:2 FollowUps:0
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Hi all, I have been using this website to gather some info about which 4wd to buy. My wife and I had intended to go for a small 2nd suzuki sierra. However, on the weekend we went out camping with 2 friends in a 94 4runner and realised that even though there are only just the 2 of us, a sierra would be too small. We saw an 84 swb Pajero for sale, went to have a look at it today with our mate who knows a few things about 4wds, and had a small test drive (though only on normal road, no 4wd terrain in the eastern suburbs!). Everything seems fine, it has almost no rust, from the receipts it seems the owner (who had it since 95) has looked after it well. No info about the first owner. It drove fine, we drove it for a short way in both 4wd modes. It has a few extras as well, power steering and a cd player. The only thing is the kms, it has done 230,000kms. The owner has the receipts to show that a new motor was put it after 200,000kms (in 2000). He spent $2500 at that point, $2100 on the motor and the rest on bits and pieces. So it has only done 30000kms with the new motor. We are having our mechanic check the vehicle out tomorrow, but wanted to get some other informed opinions about if it sounds good. He is asking for $4000, maybe we could negotiate it down a bit, i am not sure yet. Anyway I would love to get some of your opinions about whether it sounds good ASAP. Our budget was about $5000-6000, so if the mechanic says that it is a good vehicle with a few little problems, I don;t mind putting in $1000 to make it all spic and span. We don't want do do any crazy extreme 4wding, just some dirt roads, maybe a beach or 2. Anyway, what do you think?
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Reply By: Suzuki Viagra - Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 23:16

Monday, Feb 10, 2003 at 23:16
Don't have too much experience with Pajero's although I do have a bit of experience with the Mitsubishi engines (mainly bad).

Pajero's are probably on a par with Sierra's for actual offroad capability, but with a bit more storage space. Don't be fooled by their size - they are certainly not as capable as a 4Runner or Pathfinder, more like a Vitara, Sierra or Rocky.

While the engine has been rebuilt - the diffs, driveshafts, transfer case and gearbox havent been - the engine is only one part of the mix that needs to be considered.

The 2.6 was a reasonably tough motor although basic, noisy and expensive to run for it's day.

If it's in good nick then $4000 is probably reasonable with the rebuilt motor - just get it checked out well. Remember there's many more components to break on a 4wd. Make sure you try out 4WD and 4wd Low with hubs engaged.

Andrew

PS I bought my Vitara with 200,000ks and I'm more than happy - but I checked it out thoroughly and had the advantage of previously being a mechanic.

AnswerID: 12852

Reply By: Member - Melissa - Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 13:22

Tuesday, Feb 11, 2003 at 13:22
Went to Cape York in a SWB Pajero back in 1988. Vehicle performed admirably and held it's own against a wide range of other 4WD's in the group. Only recovery we needed was after getting bogged at the mouth of the Jardine River in very soft sand, but we weren't the only ones. Paj was fitted with a roof rack which combined with the interior storage area, gave us plenty of storage space for 2 people.

Sounds like you're doing the right thing getting the vehicle checked out etc so if you're happy with the mechanical side of things, go for it!

:o) Melissa
AnswerID: 12885

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