Prado or Pajero?

[evolution]

Ok here is the dilemma?

After selling my Patrol earlier this year I wasn't sure what to get to replace it...
We have a D22 str, and although a little rough its quite a capable toy off road. However Swmbo doesn't like using it day to day due to the lack of room in the back with two car seats. (one forward and one rear facing)

As much as I wouldn't mind another patrol or a landcruiser I can't justify spending as much as would be required to get what I would want. (EG: 200 series  )
So After some research it leaves me with either the following:
2007-2010 Pajero
2003ish Prado.

Basic list of requirements for the new family tug would be the following:
7 seats
Comfortable to drive as a daily for the misses
a few luxuries would be nice (climate control etc etc)
enough power to tow and maintain some fuel efficiency
good enough off road to take some basic tracks with a camper on the back (Got the navara when I want to go and play in the mud)
Auto/manual doesn't matter, would probably prefer auto for longer trips.
Budget of around 20k

I know both those cars are great choices, but are there any others that would fit the bill? If not out of those two are there any issues to look out for?
Ideally what ever car we get would have under 100k kms on it (doable on the Pajero, but yet to find an earlier Prado in our price range with low kms)

Im not in a rush at this point but if the right car pops up then I might be lol


Cheers
Evo

[staghornflat]

Totally bias, prado

[BigJules]

I like both vehicles, though I'm definitely keener on Toyota than Mitsu, for a couple of reasons.

The Pajero has always been a good vehicle, though suffered from terrible resale, which is in your favour now as likely you could get a newer model within your budget. I find the interior not as pleasant as Prado unless you're looking at the higher spec models. I'm not aware that they have many faults or weaknesses.

Prado's are just good gear, though I understand the D4D (2005?) to be a significant improvement in the diesel engined models.

[achjimmy]

Both great. Toyota finish and reliability, or Mits great value and performance. Your going to get a lot more bang for your buck with a Paj. With the only downside not quite as good a ride over corrugations on the Paj's monocoque.

[Bird]

Go and drive both...
I took a VRX Paj for a run and it was SMmmmmmoooooooooooooooooooooooooth....

if this is going to be predominately for wife and kids... Paj is bigger and maybe harder to drive for her.

but maybe my mind isn't completely clear due to hideous buzzing coming from my radio ruining my new awesome sound....  

[dazzler]

07-10 prado TD is the one that has some issues with engine failures due to oil starvation. You also won't get near one for 20k with even 250 on the clck.

But, an 04 to 06 first update TD with the earlier engine is in that price range. A new exhaust and quality chip and the power is close to the later D4d. Fuel use around 12.5.

We went with prado mainly as my mum had the Pajero and I considered the rear seat unsafe for our 6yo as the belt is too far from the seat on the c pillar and it meant they could move around too much. (Bit OCD on this as I was a serious crash investigator).

The big thing I found was the prado is waaaaaassy quieter than the prado of the same age. The 04 update had more sound deadening. Drive them back to back and see what I mean. Ours has 240k on it and most passengers are amazed at how quiet it is.

That's not to say discount Pajero. They are a good vehicle and more economical. You can tell they don't quite spend the r and d that Tojo do, given their $$$. 

Good luck. You are welcome to take ours for a drive if you are down tweed way.


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[JCOJ]

Why would you consider a 10yr old Prado rather than a 4 year old Pajero.

I did the stats when purchasing our 4wd back in 2010 and the only area where the Prado was better than the Pajero was the fuel capacity.  However it was cheaper for us by a mile to purchase the Pajero and get a long range tank fitted.

The Pajero has more torque, more power, longer warranty, and was cheaper, and I would aruge the point that the Pajero hasn't a good resale value - we purchased ours for $57k new and sold it for $40k four years later.  Yes it did have mods done to it but anyone will tell you that they are worth jack when it comes to resale.

[chester ver2.0]

I would only push real hard for a post 05 prado as they then came with 5 speed auto

Prior to that with only a 4 speed auto and the onld 1kz they were a bit of a slug

[Axl]

My father just brought a brand new diesel Pajero, he hasn’t used it much as yet so I really can’t comment on it too much but for what it cost he sure got a lot of vehicle.

I own a 2005 NP 3.6 V6 and it too is a brilliant vehicle the only complaint I have is that it is heavy on fuel when towing. It is a 5 speed manual and I won’t tow in 5th so I get around 20-22lts to the 100kms when the CT or the boat is hooked up. But hey its only fuel and when I am towing either of these I am usually heading somewhere to have some fun .

I paid around 20k for mine a couple of years back and at the time I looked at the Prado’s but for the money I had they were way more expensive than a similar era Pajero so that’s what I brought. It all boils down to what you want to spend.

My advice would be keep an eye out for a diesel Pajero, for the money you have mentioned you’d like to spend above I don’t think you will get one within the 07-10 bracket but you may get one in the 05-07 era.

[evolution]

Thanks for the points guys,

We are going down to test drive a 2008 VR-X petrol today so hopefully that will answer a couple of our questions.
The diesel in the pajero's certainly seem to be significantly dearer. Although I did find this one..
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Pajero-2007/SSE-AD-2981253/?Cr=47&sdmvc=1

I do like the Prado, its just a little harder to justify so much coin on a ten year old car compared to a 4-7 year old car?
In saying that I do like the Prado, hence why I am asking. (Its just harder to convince the other half to spend the money)

So in summing up both points from Daz and Chester then an 05-06 Prado Diesel would be the one to look for?
5speed auto and no D4D?

I guess the budget is a bit up in the air at the moment. Ideally mid next year I will replace the Navara with something newer. Although I don't know what yet, Depends on what I end up doing with work. The idea behind this car at the moment is to really just give the misses a nice car that has room and we can take on holiday to perth or brisbane with the camper.

When i replace the Navara I will probably look at a ranger or if money is available a 200. 

Cheers
Evo

[ScottT]

I would only push real hard for a post 05 prado as they then came with 5 speed auto

Prior to that with only a 4 speed auto and the onld 1kz they were a bit of a slug

A bit of a slug ?! Are you kidding me ?

I've got the 05 4 speed auto and it travels just fine. Good fuel economy and excellent pulling prowess, with 216,000 klms on the clock.

Everyone that rides in it can't believe how good she goes, for a rather agriculture diesel (just how a like them !)

I mean, do you need to break land and speed records ? I happily cruise at 100k's pulling the Customline @ about 1200kgs.

We looked at both and could've easily got the Paj, but I've owned Toyotas for years and stuck with what I knew (and was guided by the misses a little too !  )

Cheers, Scott

[chester ver2.0]

Scott T i also had the same model traded with 240,000 on it and still going with chip fitted

I was happy with the engine and very happy with the vehicle as a whole but not the 4 speed auto as i found towing my goldstream at around 1600kg loaded it would hunt between 3rd and 4th at the slightest wiff of a hill or headwind. This was my only gripe with the vehicle.

To compare the chipped prado and the dmax i have now have close to the same power figures (post chip on the prado) but the dmax blows the prado out of the water when towing with the extra cog (5 speed in the dmax)

If you are just punting around or towing a box trailer type camper then go for it

As to the origional question i do not thing the 03 to 05 came out with 5 speed auto it was introduced with the D4D engine change over

[achjimmy]

Thanks for the points guys,

We are going down to test drive a 2008 VR-X petrol today so hopefully that will answer a couple of our questions.
The diesel in the pajero's certainly seem to be significantly dearer. Although I did find this one..
http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Pajero-2007/SSE-AD-2981253/?Cr=47&sdmvc=1

I do like the Prado, its just a little harder to justify so much coin on a ten year old car compared to a 4-7 year old car?
In saying that I do like the Prado, hence why I am asking. (Its just harder to convince the other half to spend the money)

So in summing up both points from Daz and Chester then an 05-06 Prado Diesel would be the one to look for?
5speed auto and no D4D?

I guess the budget is a bit up in the air at the moment. Ideally mid next year I will replace the Navara with something newer. Although I don't know what yet, Depends on what I end up doing with work. The idea behind this car at the moment is to really just give the misses a nice car that has room and we can take on holiday to perth or brisbane with the camper.

When i replace the Navara I will probably look at a ranger or if money is available a 200. 

Cheers
Evo

There was a major motor update between NS and NT with the later getting more kilo wasps, being quieter and getting new tranny iirc. Watch for rust on the seems of the back doors, that the timing chain top guide has been replaced on the oilers. Also the problematic DPF got the flick in later models. Paj forum is a great source of info.

[Andy_Q]

I would also recommend the pajero. Price was the deciding factor for me. A comparable prado was 50% dearer. At the same price the decision would be very hard.
Ours is an ex police car we got at auction for $30k. With smart bar warn winch and lights. It was 3 years old with 60,000km and still in new car warrantee. Had a couple of things fixed without any argument.

The pajero diesel needs better bash plates under the engine to protect the inter cooler. Bushskinz are the way to go.

Engine transmission etc are great. Plenty of power and I have not yet had any hunting through gears or other issues.

The pajero rear suspension is soft for towing and as it has independent suspension tyres can wear unevenly when towing. Air bags supposedly cure this issue.

Seats are very comfortable for me. I have not noticed the rear seat belt being an issue but will look at this.


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[Bird]

The only issue I've heard on some paj's is when you lift them, you end up with 180B syndrome on the back tyre camber causing Shit wear issues.

[db]

One of the things that swayed me to stick with Pajero (on number 2 now) is that much as I'd like it to be otherwise, 90% of its km are on sealed road, and the unibody construction and suspension give better ride and handling on road.  I'd rather a live rear axle for towing, and by all accounts the ride in the Prado is better on corrugations, but 90% of the time its not doing either of those.  And that being said, I have no hesitation in towing with mine (or I won't when I get the suspension sorted on the new one) or in taking it on some pretty ordinary roads.

"The only issue I've heard on some paj's is when you lift them, you end up with 180B syndrome on the back tyre camber causing **** wear issues".  Yep, if you lift too much and / or don't get a wheel alignment done properly.  There are apparently ways of getting around this even so.  I had wear issues only when suspension too soft.  Appropriate springs and air bags had it sorted.  Plus rotate tyres regularly.

[Argle]

The rear end on the Paj is totally adjustable - you just need an alignment shop that knows what they are doing and 180Bitis will be a thing of the past!
I have had an 05 NP D.I.D (Diesel) 5 speed auto since new, and I cannot fault it for towing. I tow an 1800kg fibreglass boat as well as a Jayco Swan. Towing the boat on the highway it used around 15l/100 depending on how heavy I get with the right hoof, around town it returns 10l/100 week in week out - even with my lead foot missus driving

The 3.2L DID Pajero's were a huge improvement over the earlier 2.8 engine. They may be a bit noisy at idle but at highway speed I find them to be as quiet as any other car - highly recommended!

[lino6]

Get her a segaway and a trailer!!

What did you tell me Pajero meant in Spanish again??

But in all seriousness, test drive. Things can look brilliant on paper, but without driving the thing you'll never know what its really like. Before we got the DMax, we were looking at them all and the BT50 was miles in front on paper (factoring in price) but when we drove it the thing felt wrong. You know the rest of the story!

BTW I thought SWMBO already made her mind up about the Pajero??!! 

[rotare]

Pajero is the better option as it represents way better value for money in a much newer vehicle.  For power and economy the diesel Paj wins hands down, not by a little but by a long margin.  Handling the Paj is the winner too.  Every vehicle has it's issues, but generally the diesel Pajero's have a pretty solid track record for being very reliable.  Off road and there would be no difference - both vehicles would be capable of taking you most places.  15K oil changes in the Paj versus 5K (from memory) in the Prado.

Yes the diesels in the Pajero's aren't whisper quiet, but in the real world as soon as you put on A/T tyres, roof racks, bulbar, have the radio on, the window down or have a conversation in the car you will struggle hear the engine noise over everything else.  There are no camber issues with lifting the vehicle.  50-75mm lifts are common on these cars and a wheel alignment after fitting a set of new springs will have the vehicle sitting perfectly.

[brickiematt]

Pajero.
Ticks all the boxes in your OP.
The wife will love it!
More bang for your bucks plus you can get a much younger car for the same price.
We did the same comparison when we bought the Paj, and we couldn't be happier with it!
Cheers
Matt

[evolution]

Get her a segaway and a trailer!!

What did you tell me Pajero meant in Spanish again??

But in all seriousness, test drive. Things can look brilliant on paper, but without driving the thing you'll never know what its really like. Before we got the DMax, we were looking at them all and the BT50 was miles in front on paper (factoring in price) but when we drove it the thing felt wrong. You know the rest of the story!

BTW I thought SWMBO already made her mind up about the Pajero??!! 

Haha yeah mate, I know what it means something to do with "he who satisfies himself" lol

Yeah thats what I was thinking, We just got back from testdriving a 2011 GLX diesel. Nice car, although it didn't feel as refined as a Toyo diesel.
And yep, she had. But I told her if she want's a new car anytime soon then she has to at least test drive one.

Moral of the story she came back from the test drive with a big grin and said she loved it lol 

Cheers
Evo

[evolution]

Pajero.
Ticks all the boxes in your OP.
The wife will love it!
More bang for your bucks plus you can get a much younger car for the same price.
We did the same comparison when we bought the Paj, and we couldn't be happier with it!
Cheers
Matt

Hmmmmm I seem to remember that  Glad you're happy with it mate.

Just need to decide if I go the Pajero whether to go diesel or petrol. Realistically most of the cars duty will be short stop start driving.....
Struggling to find a prado in our price range that ticks the boxes, I had a look up to say 30grand and some of the later ones in good condition start appearing.
However going to 30g in a pajero opens up only a 2 year old car?

Cheers
Evo

[Bird]

Hmmmmm I seem to remember that  Glad you're happy with it mate.

Just need to decide if I go the Pajero whether to go diesel or petrol. Realistically most of the cars duty will be short stop start driving.....
Struggling to find a prado in our price range that ticks the boxes, I had a look up to say 30grand and some of the later ones in good condition start appearing.
However going to 30g in a pajero opens up only a 2 year old car?

Cheers
Evo

everything you'd written says you want the Prado... sounds like your minds made up! Prado with Alpine ina w900e head unit

[dazzler]

Yeah thats what I was thinking, We just got back from testdriving a 2011 GLX diesel. Nice car, although it didn't feel as refined as a Toyo diesel.

And that is why tojo's are so much more $$$$$$

The reality is its a personal choice to spend the extra to get it. Mitsubishi just add more bling to make it look better, Toyota product develop.

Both are good and you won't go wrong with either. Neither really makes any more sense than the other.   Have fun now. 


I'm not going to lie to you Marge.

[Axl]

Hmmmmm I seem to remember that  Glad you're happy with it mate.

Just need to decide if I go the Pajero whether to go diesel or petrol. Realistically most of the cars duty will be short stop start driving.....
Struggling to find a prado in our price range that ticks the boxes, I had a look up to say 30grand and some of the later ones in good condition start appearing.
However going to 30g in a pajero opens up only a 2 year old car?
Cheers
Evo

I think you just answered your own question.....