Pajero Exceed

hello twandy

i have the 2002 exceed petrol model so it does not have all the traction control features of the 2003 model. however still very capable and if driven sensibly will go to any terrain. did the tracks at yalwal (nowra) and went through with no problems. climbed the tallest dunes (alone) in stockton and not get bogged once. water crossings, just below the bonnet (as i do not have a snorkel), no problems.

have recently installed tough dogs suspension and springs to give me more ground clearance and better ride. also fitted yoko geolandar at+II (all terrain). heaps better grip than the standard h/t tyres. highly recommend a/t tyres specially if doing some 'more serious' terrain. the h/t tyres does not have the grip necessary once things get a bit slippery.

drinks petrol like it's running out of fashion, but diesel should be ok specially if towing.

has all the creature comforts including sunroof, cd stacker, etc., so i can't complain.

twandy,

I have an NM Exceed. I can tell you that I have never met an NM owner who hasn't been happy with the ride - smoothe, responsive, less roll than a Prado, etc. It also handles well offroad (mostly).

The main problems with the NM (for me, may not be problems for you):
- small fuel capacity; if you want additional fuel the rear A/C unit in the Exceed limits this to an additional 55L only.
- fewer accessories/options than other 4WDs
- plastic bumpers and design etc makes sand driving risky (see #4198); common for other NM owners too (Froilan??)
- low roof weight limit (something like only 65kgs)
- the rear seat bay makes it difficult for storage units (drawers); it is a great storage area though
- no snorkel
- lift is limited to about 50mm
- 6 stacker CD in Exceed leaves less room for comms gear
- seats have little space underneath; motorised driver seat leaves none.
- little room in leg spaces for things like fire extinguishers

As I'm trying to set this sucker up for a big trip with the Mrs and 2 kids, I finding these out as I go. Live and learn eh?

If you get the diesel there's plenty of room for a battery and compressor, nothing to move, 2nd battery tray bolts straight in. Just installed mine in a few minutes.

I noticed that the front was quite tight but it looked as though there just may have been enough room for another battery. Good place for the extinguisher. As to water. There was a system set up by Frank Murphy where he carried water (not sure where) but with a pipe going along side the car finishing with a tap. Quite ingenious. Noticed your fog lights appear adequate but the new ones on the exceed seem small, very small. Also I have always had an electric winch (got a lot of use too) but am now going for a hand winch. Notice you don't have one on your car. Are you also looking for space for that too. Sounds like your car is going to be very interesting.

Well took the Exceed for a test run and it appears to be a good 4x4. Was happy with performance. Then took the new Patrol. Happy with that also. Looks like the exceed is a car with modifications for off road and the patrol is a 4x4 with on road modifications. Both took hills well and freeways (my current Patrol still has the shakes after 90) not so the newie. The exceed is very tight under the bonnet especially for the extra battery but patrol seems ok. Both being diesel looks like the exceed may be a lot better. The exceed has all the frills (sunroof, leather seats etc.) and the patrol will have to have cruise control fitted. The patrol feels roomier which is what I am use to having. Both sit well on the road. Decisons, decisions. Will also have a good look at tyres, battery fitting etc. as previous contributors have suggested.