Pajero or X-trail?

Submitted: Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 18:11

ThreadID: 62098 Views:6186 Replies:5 FollowUps:8

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Natalie & Steve

We are heading off around Australia in March next year and we are in a dilema about what car to take. We currnetly have an 07 auto xtrail and we are towing an off road camper trailer (about 1 ton worth). some of the more off road sections we'll find ourselves in are the pilbara, a bit of the GRR, cooktown & fraser island. We are wondering about getting a 2002-3 petrol pajero to give us a bit more "grunt" and confidence in off-road situations. Are we better sticking with the newer x-trail or going for the "sturdier(?)" pajero. Will the xtrail limit where we can go? Will towing with the bigger car be easier driving? Is towing with a bigger car more fuel efficient than heaving the trailer around with the xtrail? looking forward to any comments.
S & N

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Reply By: Sir Kev & Darkie - Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 18:46

Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 18:46

You will find that the X Trail will be very thirsty towing.

I would prefer to have genuine 4 Wheel Drive rather than one that is really an All Wheel Drive whose Auto transmission does not like being worked hard in sand.

Cheers Kev

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AnswerID: 327541

Follow Up By: Cruiserman1961 (QLD) - Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 19:09

Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 19:09

Hello,
i will have to agree with Kev. Whilst a softroader automatic is not too bad on bitumen or dirt roads it has serious problems in sand. A 4WD with low range will be a lot more drivable in soft condition, especially when towing. I dare to be that the fuel consumption will not be any worse if not better with a Pajero when you tow.
Plus they are very comfortable and able 4WD's for long distance travel in my books.
Cheers, Udo

FollowupID: 594779

Reply By: Crackles - Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 19:02

Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 19:02

The extra ground clearance, lower gearing, space & power makes the Pajero my choice. Although capable enough the Xtrail will resrtict you getting into some places.
Cheers Craig.........

AnswerID: 327542

Reply By: neilbis - Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 19:15

Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 19:15

definately go with the pajero. The xtrail would be enough for just the "normal" gravel roads but definately restrict access to a few areas

the grr depending on the time of year etc has some water crossings which are quite easy but id be nervous in the xtrail

AnswerID: 327545

Reply By: Willem - Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 19:17

Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 19:17

The Pajero will be better overall for what you intend doing

The Xtrail is really just a Toy Car with 4x4 mode. Ground clearance is poor and underbody parts are very exposed to damage. Your fuel bill towing a 1 ton trailer will be the same as a large 4x4.

We have a 2003 Auto Xtrail(well, it belongs to SWMBO). It is a reliable, good ON ROAD little car, and has done 91,000km without any hassles. It gives good fuel economy when not towing.

Cheers

AnswerID: 327547

Follow Up By: Natalie & Steve - Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 21:45

Sunday, Sep 28, 2008 at 21:45

Thanks everyone for your ideas. You have confirmed our gut feel that it is horses for courses. For our trip it certainly sounds like the pajero will make the trip more comfortable and open up many more opportunities to explore our great country.

FollowupID: 594862

Reply By: bockstar1 - Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 07:29

Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 07:29

I'd go the Pajero.

We nearly blew our tranmission on the Tribute (2001, auto) recently. Towed a C/T to the Red Centre and back. The tranmission was working overtime going up and down the gears. At the slightest whiff of a hill, it was back to 3rd. After Broken Hill we settled our driving in 3rd gear and didn't use the Cruise Control.

AnswerID: 327615

Follow Up By: Natalie & Steve - Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:07

Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:07

Hmmm.. I think we are convinced on the pajero. Another question for you all - should we consider a TD or is it 6 of one and half a dozen of the other when looking at TD and Petrol? Thanks for your ideas so far.
S and N

FollowupID: 594932

Follow Up By: ross - Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:38

Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:38

I think it will be 6 of one and half a dozen of the other as to which engine you get.
But I would get the diesel to do the longer miles between fuel stops

FollowupID: 594934

Follow Up By: ross - Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:39

Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:39

And if a Pajero is in your sites,then maybe a Prado could also be considered.
They seem to be dropping in price lately

FollowupID: 594935

Follow Up By: Natalie & Steve - Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:52

Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:52

Yes cost was the issue with the Prado when we were weighing up what to look at. They just seem that bit dearer than the pajeros and we have about 25K to spend

FollowupID: 594936

Follow Up By: Holden4th - Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 18:53

Monday, Sep 29, 2008 at 18:53

Second hand diesel Prados don't match Pajeros for what you want to do. You could get a good diesel Paj for the price you are willing to pay. If you can get an early NP then you should go for it. Alternatively, a petrol Prado with its 180L tank will take you a long way. Personally, the Paj is the better choice

FollowupID: 594995