2003 Pajero Di-D Turbo Diesel or Toyota Prado Diesel

Hi z-Sprint
I read an article on Overlander comparing the 2 wagons (diesel) and has all the answers. You should try & get it, maybe do a search on the net or the local library.
Wait & see what other replies you get. I am bias towards trucks with ladder rail chasis. Modern approach may be along the Pajero's design..
Good luck :)

thanks Wil, found the overlander site and a heap of reviews on 4wds at http://www.overlander.com.au/pg/vehicle_tests.php

Given the fierce competition between the two makes it only be a matter of time before toyota tries to go one better than the diesel engine in the pajero, although pajero seems to have a knack of being one in front of all rivals at any given time.

The article in overlander states that prado is outstanding in very difficult off-road situations- the pajero has outstanding transmission and great handling.

But the article points out it is very hard to pick a winner between the two. My own research into the two models would agree with this view- although I'm still leaning towards diesel Pajero, mainly due to the engine and transmission and handling.

Zac.
Very interesting problem, the answer may be in the chioce of safety over soft suspension and economy over niose. The prado is softly sprung and more likely to fall over, the pajero is more eficient but is niosy. The rear diff in the pajero is the best in the market it makes up for the slightly less wheel articulation. good luck. Eric.

Both good vehicles and you won't go too far wrong with either. If resale value comes into your equation then go Prado. There's still a huge demand for them compared with huge stocks of Pajeros waiting to be sold. Toyota's reputation in 4wd circles is second to none. The 180litres of fuel is a significant consideration if you plan trips like the Simpson or CSR. Don't like aftermarket tanks - seen and heard of too many problems with them.

Z_sprint,
I know its a matter of opinion and there are more important considerations, Pajeros are great vehicles but...they are just so UGLY. If they were giving them away free I would consider. Biased opinion from a Prado owner.
Cheers
Greg

The paj, with the auto box, is simply beautiful. I think that you should keep your options open with gearbox type, take a DiD Auto for a drive and you'll see what I mean

If you're going bush or doing a lot of offroad, go for the Prado. If you're doing lots of highway, go the Pajero. There are good reasons why the Prado is outselling all the others at present.

The Prados are very reliable and well built and the motor has been around for 10 years so is well sorted. A hassle free vehicle.

Interesting point that Phil G makes about the sales figures. There must be similarly good reasons why the Honda CRX is outselling Prado. Let's face it, few of them end up off road at all. I doubt that sophistication of engine and drive train looms large in Joe Average's brain when he buys his new car. To me the Pajero is 10 years ahead of Prado in this department, and that is why I'd go for the Paj (auto). The long range of the Prado is a bit of a furphy: how often is it of any practical value? As someone said above, if you really need it you can get a long range tank- updating the engine and drive train of the Prado to Pajero standards would be a little harder.Bob

Bob,

Was busy chasing dealers the other day. Here are the results: (Prices don't include trade-in):

Mitsubishi Dealer 1: Pajero GLS Di-D Man $54,000, Auto $57,000 including on road costs

Mitsubishi Dealer 2: Pajero GLS Di-D Man $63,005, Auto same including on road costs

Toyota Dealer 1: Prado GXL Diesel Man $54,000, Auto $56,000 excluding on road costs

Toyota Dealer 2: Prado GXL Diesel Man $59,000, Auto $62,000 excluding on road costs

I'm amazed at some of the price differences here: also amazed at Pajero's 15,000km service intervals compared to Toyota's 5,000 km service intervals. (Is there something wrong here, or did Toyota decide that more regular service intervals were required to maintain reliability?). I think your answer may be relevant here.

Prado might have the bigger tank and better off-road handling (from what I hear) but Pajero is cheaper all round, especially from Mitsubishi dealer 1. Is there a catch??? (Doesn't seem that way from what I'm hearing all round).

No I think Pajero is looking good- DI-D engine how can one go past that! Can't see how a toyota dealer could convince me to buy a Prado with fewer options included as standard and a higher price tag. Just doesn't make sense to buy a Prado, at this stage.

Regards, zac_sprint

Hi Zac_sprint
Might be biased here as I have a 90series T/D Auto.
Done all the Vic Deserts some very rough High Country & all the Border Track
stock standard except BFG A/T tyres
done tasks someTroopies/80series/100series
had trouble with, a very capable vehicle off road ( and lets face it all vehicles have there limitations).
90 series 159litres
120 series 180litres I think
have heard off a lot of failures with after market tanks ( try the pajero forum they may have some info)
Prado Deisel will hold its resale value but what will you get for the pajero???
Whats a bit of oil every 5000K, I dont shirk at service cost provided its good after all its its My life sitting in the truck.
You could also look at 120scool_aus or 90series on yahoo

Cheers
Prado TD Auto

having just done the sums, looked at all vehicles, worked in both toyota and mitsy work shops, a firm believer in diesels and manual gearboxes to pull heavy loads, and a heavy haulage operator for the past 15years , I looked for the manual pajero, didnt like the different diff ratios (on paper) couldnt find one to test drive, the auto is geared taller, 21oorpm at 11okm/h , the rear seating is brilliant, no one else folds under the floor for space. I took delivery of a DID 3.2 base model , auto and couldnt be happier, fuel economy is great app 10l/100k, heaps of power and after 5 hours in the drivers seat you still feel like your driving a luxury car. get the pajero you wont regret it.