Outer Limits 4x4 Board

G'day,

Looking around at a few Pajero's and wondering the positives and negatives of the two (3.0 and 3.5)??

Anything to look out for on the two?

Sorry if this has been covered, tried the search and couldnt find what I was after

The 3.0lt is a pretty good reliable engine however a little underpowered. The 3.5 quad cam is a bit of a lemon, engine wise (and a prick to work on) but they make great power from what they are. The later 3.5 is a single cam and in my opinion the pick of the bunch as it's based more on the 3.0lt but with more power and torque. My next rig will be an NL with the later 3.5.

As with any car they have common faults. Water pumps and timing belts need to be replaced at the designated service intervals on all 3 engines as they don't tend to last long past the recommended service life. The Mitsubishi lifters are pretty ordinary and can become annoyingly noisy but with regular servicing they tend to be alright. Other common problem i have seen are heads cracking on the 3lt and DOHC 3.5, and cams can seize on the DOHC as well. Valve stem seals tend to go every 100- 150k which will cause smoking on start up and at idle. The seals are only worth about $20 - $30 however with labour costs can be quite expensive, especially with the DOHC version.

I hope this helps you decide but IMHO i would be looking at the later 3.5lt single cam.

Thanks for the info champ. Am looking at a 3.0 that has just been reco'd at the moment.

Was looking around at another patrol, but Pajero's seem cheaper and a better family vehicle that we can take away on the weekends and do the odd trip up to Townsville a few times a year. (and abit easier for the Mrs to drive).

Never owned a Paj before, but have always kept a eye out for a decent one.

Thanks once again for the info mate