NM Pajero - how capable?

I might be a bit biased but I reckon they're as good as any other 4WD on the market in their price range in standard trim. This includes Landcruiser, Patrol and Prado. I'ts only when you're right at the ragged edge you may find some difference in ability, but that's mainly an independant suspension versus live axle argument.

For my money the NM is better then the NL. Certainly has more interioe space and the auto tranny with InvecsII is a gem.

Have a look on the Pajero Club forum for more biased opinions ;-))

Compared to a Sportage you will be very happy !

The Pajero is a very capable vehicle & the auto in particular is very good, if not one of the best in a 4wd. Comfort & pricing are both plus's. As with almost all vehicles in that class they are a little low & vunerable underneath. If you are looking at towing a trailer & venturing into intermediate High Country driving additional to the tyres I'd also suggest a slight suspenstion upgrade to raise the car & avoid the dints in the first place. Even on the erosion control ditch's the Paj would drag it's belly otherwise it would in general handle that terrain easy & in comfort.
As for the extra cost of the Prado well it is certainly a better car for 4x4 touring (IMHO) & possibly even towing with greater torque, load carrying ability, 180L fuel tank & a far superior repair & spares network etc but all items that are nice but not necessary.
Cheers Craig...........

Ian,

I had a 2001 NM Auto Petrol for 3 1/2 years prior to the current vehicle. It was an excellent touring vehicle and would go most places. eg Menai, Appin, Mt Walker, Simpson etc.

I put in a 2" lift shod it with larger Cooper STC's. They were a bit noisy though.

If going again I'd be looking at a diesel 3.2 DT rather than the 2.8 DT.

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Got the NP DiD - taken it places that would scare alot of people - and places the Rodeo 4wd would not go... (have 2" lift etc)

We're very happy with our NP. If you can, stretch the budget to an NP with the 3.2 DiD - better for towing than the 2.8. Other than the engine though, they're fairly similar.

The rear will sag without some "support". Polyairs work very well for us (we have a Trak Shak with a GVM of 1100kg and a boat that's about the same).

Over the last 15 years I've had a couple of Patrols, a Cherokee, a couple of Td5 Disco's and now the Paj (all on lease arrangements) The Paj is the first vehicle I'm seriously considering adding non-removable accessories to at my expense and keeping beyond the lease. The warranty is good, servicing costs and dealer network ok (both much better than Landrover these days).

So far we've been to the Flinder Ranges and various Victorian tracks. The Paj has performed well (particularly after the airbags were fitted) and no worse than any of the other makes. As others have said, at the limit a Patrol or Landcruiser will go further but that's not where we travel.


Adrian

Hi Ian.
I traded up from aNL into a NP diesel manual 9 months ago .
Very happy with the performance, ride etc. Only one problem, DUST. I hope the problem will be fixed next week when I get a dust seal kit fitted
Vince