NP Pajero 3.8L

Submitted: Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 11:37
ThreadID: 9736 Views:4933 Replies:5 FollowUps:7
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I am in the market to purchase a new pajero, however i am having problems deciding on what pajero to purchase. I am not really fussed with equipment levels I am more concerned about the engines offered by mitsubishi for the Pajero. I have heard great reviews for the DID 3.2 however I am considering with the new 3.8L, but i am worried that the 3.8 won't be able to cope with heavy loads and long and widey hills. 90% of its life will be spent in the city with the occasional offroad journey and a trip up to the country property with 4 adults, 2 routweilers and a trailer full of luggage climbing long, steep and widey roads. After driving my 3L pajero, to say the least I want to make it up the hill without cracking the whip. Will the 3.8L do the Job, or would I be better at spending the extra money on the DID.
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Reply By: pathfinder - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 12:06

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 12:06
mmm...early nineties 3.0 vs early naughties 3.8...I don't think hills will be a problem...
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Follow Up By: pathfinder - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 12:07

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 12:07
...but fuel economy might...
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Follow Up By: Rodney - Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 at 08:31

Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 at 08:31
Well the DID has been ordered. After test driving both engines the DID got the pick, as I found the engine more relaxed than the petrol and its pick up and go was nothing to complain about, infact I think it was as quick to go as the V8 landcrusier. Thanks for all the input, can't wait for the new one to arrive.

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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 12:26

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2004 at 12:26
Rodney,

The ingredients of your travelling recipe demands the TD. The specs of the V6 aren't too flash anyway. Reckon the Rotties will enjoy the whistle of the turbo, and the diesel fumes may camouflage any emissions from the K9's.

No doubt you will opt for the auto, and by all reports, they match the TD engine well.

hooroo...
AnswerID: 42926

Follow Up By: Rodney - Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 at 08:32

Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 at 08:32
Well the DID has been ordered. After test driving both engines the DID got the pick, as I found the engine more relaxed than the petrol and its pick up and go was nothing to complain about, infact I think it was as quick to go as the V8 landcrusier. Thanks for all the input, can't wait for the new one to arrive.
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FollowupID: 305616

Reply By: Member - Russell - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 00:18

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 00:18
Rodney
I have a 2003 model 3.2 DiD Paj (manual) and after owning troopies, 80 series and a 2001 GU 3.0 Patrol auto (all diesels), I can tell you this thing leaves all of them stone cold dead for grunt. I haven't driven one of the autos so can't comment on that but I can say for sure that you will have no trouble with power for towing.
As for economy, the diesel wins hands down. I regularly get 10.5 k's to the litre around town. Also have done 3 return trips Perth - Pt Hedland. With air con on, slight head/cross wind, and averaging 118 kph according to GPS (on the longest run between fuel stops), still get a smidgeon over 8 k's per litre.
As for off road, haven't had the chance to do much yet but I firmly believe it would take me at least 90% of the places I went in the 80 series, without too much fuss.
Like you I realised that I spend far more time on the bitumen than off and the Paj has to be one of the best tourers that will still do decent things off road, that you can get.
Go the diesel mate, you won't regret it. Only thing I suggest is that if you go for the auto, make sure your test drive includes an acceleration test from 100 kph upwards. That was always a problem with the 3.0 Patrol auto. Torque converter unlocks and goes all slushy when you're trying to pass things. Had to pull back to 3rd, then it leapt away, but way over 3000 RPM, which I hate.
AnswerID: 43062

Follow Up By: Rodney - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 15:02

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 15:02
Thanks for your input. i personally want the turbo diesel but the wife isn't too keen. I will let you know which engine i opt for when i purchase the new paj this weekend.
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Follow Up By: Rodney - Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 at 08:31

Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 at 08:31
Well the DID has been ordered. After test driving both engines the DID got the pick, as I found the engine more relaxed than the petrol and its pick up and go was nothing to complain about, infact I think it was as quick to go as the V8 landcrusier. Thanks for all the input, can't wait for the new one to arrive.
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Reply By: Rodney - Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 15:03

Thursday, Jan 15, 2004 at 15:03
Thanks all, for your input. the tables have turned slightly, but it will all be down to the test drive tomorrow. i will let you know which engine i decide on.
AnswerID: 43115

Follow Up By: boof - Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 00:11

Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 00:11
3.2 DID, auto box, heaps of power, get up and go, cant get the wife out of the drivers seat, great fuel results 10l/100km. 1500km service intervals. 3rd row of seats that fold under the floor allowing extra space of a tool compartment if you remove the seats. the fuel figures for the 3.8 dont look appealing to me
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Follow Up By: boof - Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 00:12

Friday, Jan 16, 2004 at 00:12
3.2 DID, auto box, heaps of power, get up and go, cant get the wife out of the drivers seat, great fuel results 10l/100km. 15000km service intervals. 3rd row of seats that fold under the floor allowing extra space of a tool compartment if you remove the seats. the fuel figures for the 3.8 dont look appealing to me
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FollowupID: 305508

Reply By: Rodney - Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 at 08:32

Saturday, Jan 17, 2004 at 08:32
Well the DID has been ordered. After test driving both engines the DID got the pick, as I found the engine more relaxed than the petrol and its pick up and go was nothing to complain about, infact I think it was as quick to go as the V8 landcrusier. Thanks for all the input, can't wait for the new one to arrive.
AnswerID: 43313

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