Offroad-Express

Hi All

A big newbie when it comes to 4WDing but looking at buying a 2.8 turbo diesel auto Pajero. Seems to fit my price range.
Im keen to get something Short Wheel Base since I have no family and I like something a little smaller.

I have some questions tho!
What are the common issues and things to look at when buying one?
Are there any common faults or checks I can do when physically testing one.
Do they keep up with traffic ok? Motorway and Hill performance decent enough for every day driver.
How strong are the auto boxes?

Hopefully will be just some light trek and mud work to begin with?

What advantages do the Pajero have, some say about an auto locker and factory adjustable suspension?

I have had some dubious experiences with previous Mitsi cars.. but am willing to give one a chance if it is any good?

any comments and help would be aweseom!

We'll I'll start. This may be biased as i have one but I will also point out their bad points.

The 2.8 preforms well. I have driven a 2.8 auto LWB and it seemed fine, I have also driven a 2.8 5 speed SWB and it went very well. I would not buy one of these diesels without knowing for sure it had had regular oil changes. If it has then it will go for a long time otherwise.... Having said that if it all stacked up and had 200k on the clock I'd buy it, and keep up with the traffic.

Basically the rear diff lock is only available in soft top. To find a factory optioned diff lock in 2.8 auto hard top would be like a needle in a haystack.

Off road they will definately hold their own, the rear suspension is quite well sorted but a locker is great and goes some way to making up for the independant front end. Good on the road, not so good off the road.

What else - Auto should be fine, I have a spare one from one I wrecked if it dies!
Anything else - Fire away
NJ

Im looking at either a 1994 manual with 200km or a low kms automatic.
Only trick being the manual low kms is cheaper and the auto is more expensive....

Im not sure if its better to get a cheaper truck with more kms or not?

Whats the fuel economy like on these? Ive read they range from 8-10 litres per 100kms?

I think you'd be doing well to get 8, actually start again - you won't get 8. Remeber these weight in at over 2 ton. I'd be happy to get 10.

My 3.5 V6 I work on about 15 to 16 with a decent trip on only the road at about 11. A recent 2600km trip was 12.9 average which included 7 days off roading so I was well chuffed. I keep it moving on the road but stick to the speed limit (no sway bars, big tyres etc...) so that helps.

The magic is i rung my insurance company and found out that they are finally realistic about "turbo diesels"
ends up being $10 cheaper a month than my car. bout $35 dollars a month! ( under 25)

Getting finances in order today to hopefully buy a manual 2.8 with 200,00kms....
I hope that the motors are good for that plus more!

How many oil filters and litres of oil roughly?

I know the 3.5 has alot more getup and go than the diesel
I like the look of your truck NJV6, looks like a real nice one!

Purchased a 94 manual 2.8td SWB, really enjoying it actually
Just looking at fixing up all the small annoying things, but she goes great and is nice to drive!