feedback on Pajero 1999 NL Escape Auto

Submitted: Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 16:11

ThreadID: 87255 Views:8848 Replies:4 FollowUps:3

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blueteddy

Hello forum,

We are narrowing down our 4x4 choices for a towing our 16.6ft caravan. Another option that is on the list is the 1999 MITSUBISHI PAJERO NL ESCAPE

Its a 3.5L petrol, V6 automatic with 138,100km we are off to test drive it soon but are keen to hear from other owners of this model on reliability/problems.

any input would be appreciated, this forum has been so helpful, i have learnt so much about 4x4 in the last week!

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Reply By: patsproule - Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 16:45

Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 16:45

The NL is the end of the line of the old shape Pajero and as such it had fairly well all the kinks ironed out. So long as it has been well maintained it will serve you well.

A 3.5L petrol will be thirsty though, particularly towing a caravan. But the Diesel in the NL is a 2.8 and a bit of a slug compared to the newer 3.2.

For more info have a look at the pajeroclub forums. The model you are looking at is covered in the Gen 2 section.

Pat

AnswerID: 458672

Reply By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 19:30

Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 19:30

If it only got 138000ks on it you should get about 60000ks before it needs head work.Mitz built great diesels, but their petrols well some people get a good run, some do not. And If I am accussed of Paj bashing the paj in my profile was ours.
The 2.8 diesel has a good rep.
Cheers Pete

AnswerID: 458695

Follow Up By: Kimba10 - Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 20:42

Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 20:42

Have to dissagree with you Pete in regards to the 2.8 diesel, they have a reputation of blowing heads like the 1kZ prado's. There were two designs in the V6 3.5L, not sure what the engine code is but one had a lot of electrical gremlins under the bonnet the other was pretty robust, again Im not sure which of the V6's I was reading about, its not the 3litre Im referring t only the 3.5 V6, might have had something to do with quad cams or some thing ?? could be totally wrong in regards to the quad cam I will see if I can find the info............Regards Steve

FollowupID: 732226

Follow Up By: Madfisher - Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 20:58

Tuesday, Jun 28, 2011 at 20:58

Steve the Nl only had the better SOHC. Nk had the troublesome DOHC.
Thanks did not know about the 2.8 doing heads, I had read a rumour they had a tendency to start running on their own oil, but never spoke to anyone who had this problem. It seems as most alloys head diesels will have head problems. We stopped using Mazdas at work because of this. Still the 3.2 has been good so far, bit noisy though.
When I first started they had several tritons with 2.8s and had no problems, have heard of a few that have done over 300000ks.
Cheers Pete

FollowupID: 732227

Reply By: PradOz - Wednesday, Jun 29, 2011 at 09:07

Wednesday, Jun 29, 2011 at 09:07

it would be great if you could actually speak with some owners of that model.

depending on where you are, i maybe able to put you in contact with my brother who has a paj (same model? i cant remember for sure) He is in SE Qld. Where are you?

he has had his for a while now and tows a boat and a van and i havent heard any complaints from him. i dont think he has used his for much 4wding, mainly towing and daily use i think. around same kms as you mention too. He is actually at the stage of deciding whether to upgrade it or continue to keep it. Its one of those complex questions you ask yourself when you feel the desire rather than need to upgrade to a late model just because they are newer, or stay with what you know. my other brother owned many pajeros before finally switching to a prado. he did say he wont go back to a pajero now having owned a prado, but that is his personal choice.

as already mentioned it would be good to get on the paj forum for some input from owners on there, good luck....

AnswerID: 458739

Reply By: blueteddy - Wednesday, Jun 29, 2011 at 09:41

Wednesday, Jun 29, 2011 at 09:41

Thanks everyone for your comments, we test drove it yesterday and it really stood out from the others we drove. It compared pretty closely to the jackaroos power but the pajero has a lot more comfort in the interior than anything else we drove. The older Pajeros weren't as comfortable. We liked the turbo diesel but took a while to get going power wise as they all do. It came down to a personal preference.

For our budget of under $10k we think this one is right for us. It has low kms, full service history with last service in feb of this year, setup for towing, tow bar, elect breaks, alarm. And the important 3.5, v6 power we were looking for.

We are getting a pre-purchase inspection done by a mechanic today and if it checks out we'll be buying it, yay finally! So excited to finally be able to tow our van somewhere :)

AnswerID: 458742