Brazil :) Pajero Full 2.8 GLSB 2000 Diesel - Auto or Manual?

[filipesantos]

Guys,

I´m planning to buy a 2nd generation pajero full glsb diesel motor 4m40 and here in brazil.... but 99% of this model are transmission manual... accidentally i found one automatic.
I didnt drive yet but I´d like to know your opinion about the main difference between then (consume, power, durability) I know the manual I drove a few time and i liked it
My target is to buy this car to take long trips and on the weekends put in the sand, no i dont have plans to force a lot the engine, its just to go to some desert beaches and be able to put the car on the sand and enjoy the beach there... thats is... I don´t want to climb dunes or something like that...

thanks a lot for you opinions!

[scorpion 42]

im afaid its a personal thing,the choice between mamual / auto, a clutch replacement isnt a cheap affair by any means and these auto's are really strong, thats to say, if the car has been looked after, your best bet, to find out if the automatic ones have been looked after, is to run the car, up to temp, then dip the dipstick in and out a couple of times, to see what coulor the auto fluid is, it MUST be cherry red, if it isn't
then walk away and dont look back, at any of them you look at, OK
best of luck, hope you find what you need.

[filipesantos]

mate! thanks for the awnser! i'm not a mechanic... far from that i'm dumb lol... this is why i got a trusted mechanic to take a look in the car too

[filipesantos]

but related to automatic vs manual whats your opinion?

[pajflareo]

I have the 3.2 4m41 coupled with an auto, and personally i wish i had got a manual. The auto uses slightly more fuel and is more prone to issues. Additionally the box is expensive to repair with rebuilds in aus occasionally around the $5000 mark.

Also the lack of engine braking when off road is a negative. Mine personally has annoying habits of holding gears too long occasionally, but this may just be mine. I also enjoy driving manuals more.

However the positives are its really easy to use the paj as an urban car with the auto. Also off road hill climbs and crawls are easier without the prospect of stalling, plus anyone can drive it if they have too.

[filipesantos]

there's no way to have the best of both worlds lol

maybe in my case the auto will fit well... i'll take a look on that on friday...

but guys thanks for your opinion

[nj swb]

If most of the diesel Pajeros in Brazil are manual then any autos could be after-market imports, which may have implications for parts & service (e.g. are filters available?)

Here in Australia, the Gen 2 auto is a 4 speed, Gen 3 & 4 use a 5 speed (and NT onwards is a different 5 speed). All Gen 2 diesel autos here are after-market "grey imports".

Manual vs Auto is very much a personal preference. I wanted an auto when I bought my NT, and I have no regrets. Yes, it uses more fuel, and engine braking down hills is woeful, but (for me) the benefits make it worthwhile - good control in manual mode, lightning fast changes if you need one, the ability to crawl to a stop on rough climbs (without slipping a clutch) to ease over obstacles.

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy whatever you buy.

[filipesantos]

thanks for the awnser mates! i almost made my decision on the auto one... i'll take a look on it on friday and take a meachanic together...

i'll keep you posted

[filipesantos]

Just saw the car the car was beutifull, perfect.. oil was fine but when i toke to my mechanic he saw under the car and told me that the car got a huge bump in the side but it was fixed aslo the motor was not good... too bad i'll continue my searching...

[filipesantos]

Just bought! It it 2.8 diesel manual... the one that i prefer... New tires, motor made on december and color is dark grey... there are some things to do... so i'll park it this week to fix that... after i'll post pics thanks for the help guys

[Hamish3300]

well done on taking the time to find one which will suit. Love to see the pictures when you can upload them.