Newbie looking at Gen 1 to buy... Questions

[fabo]

Hi guys, I'm a newbie here and going on the lookout for a Gen 1 turbo diesel LWB... Can I get some info on the engines pros and cons and auto gearbox.... Are parts hard to get for my mechanic etc, exy or the norm... What common fails what doesn't... I'm just looking for one for my daily and the occasional 4wd track and beach for a few surfing spots....im looking at one tomorrow, 88 2.5 to intercooler, auto, stock std...

Cheers
Fabo
BUSSO in WA

[old Jack]

Hi Fabo,

Any 30 year old car can be a "financial black hole" especially a 4wd which you have not owned before especially if you are paying someone to work on it and you want to use it as your daily driver. It would have to have been almost completely rebuilt so ask to see the receipts of what work has been done, this will give you an idea of the cost of ownership.

OJ.

[fabo]

I'm aware of owning a old car because it's only ever what I've own.. I can't stand new cars...
But really if a a cars been looked after and has only 250,000 on the clock and diesel it Should have a fair bit to go in that department.... I really just want to know what's common problem with these engines, how much for a recon and what issues with the auto boxes, are they good etc... And other known mechanical issues with these models.. That's all....

Cheers

[nj swb]

Mitsubishi Motors Australia didn't sell a diesel / auto combination until late NM - this millennium.

Any Gen 1 Auto behind a diesel is a grey import, with all the associated fun attempting to source parts.

I'm not aware of any specific problems with Mitsubishi engines or autos. Some will tell you horror stories of cracked heads, but I believe that's a risk with any 30 year old alloy head, regardless of manufacturer.

I also believe the Gen 1 is a good, capable off-road tourer, albeit unspectacular by modern standards. If you're prepared to deal with all the typical age related issues, the fundamental design of a Gen 1 Pajero should serve you well.

[fabo]

So the Aus models came with manual only, gotchya.. .... If the two that I'm going to look at are auto's, is there a Aus model Mitsubishi that it came out of or is it a pajero import only gbox.... I just had a Hiace Super custom "import" what a head f@k when something went wrong...