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Well, after 14 years of Pajero ownership it's time to say goodbye. Both work commitments and private requirements mean I've had to consider a different vehicle.
I purchased my first Pajero, an NP 3.2 Auto, back in 2005. An NW 3.2 Auto followed 8 years later in 2013 and I can safely say I've had a fantastic run from these vehicles. No issues whatsoever except a starter motor in the NP, not bad given both vehicles were set up for remote touring and used for the purpose that they were designed for.
A forum member purchased my NP (which is still just as reliable at 14 years old!), and a forum member has now purchased my NW!
For anyone who's thinking about purchasing a Gen 3 or Gen 4 Pajero I can highly recommend them! Here's a few things I've noticed along the journey:
Just a few modifications really transform these vehicles.
Lovells springs and Bilstein shocks are an excellent suspension combination, and lasted way longer than I expected. My current set have done 135,000km and don't even look like they need replacing yet. Both vehicles were at their full GVM on every trip I did.
A larger exhaust and Torqit chip increase power substantially and the addition of a torque converter lock-up combined to improve economy substantially. Generally my economy in mixed conditions was 10-11 km/100 until I added this combination. The forum member who purchased it was achieving 8.8 km/100 over the weekend, and I've been as low as 7.7 km/100 in the right conditions - not bad for a 3 tonne vehicle which originally entered the market 19 or so years ago!
These vehicles will go to most places off-road that any of us would want to go. They aren't designed for rock crawling so don't expect them to be good at it. But get them on a beach, general bush tracks, outback tracks and highways etc and they will work fearlessly and effortlessly all day, fully loaded, and loving it all the way. In fact I found the NW to be an absolute weapon in beach sand, especially compared to the other vehicles that we travel with. They will surprise and embarrass many 4wd's considered by the masses to be much more capable. The traction control and rear diff lock negate the lack of wheel travel.
There are not many negatives really. A bit more road noise and harshness due to the monocoque chassis. Old school diesel noise, but from my experience the best 4 cylinder diesel around.......and I have now travelled in convoy with Nissan Patrols, numerous Toyota Prado's, most of the dual cab utes. They could possibly do with a little more ground clearance in some situations, but not many. And that's about it.
I've been a member of this forum since 2007. The moderators have worked tirelessly to develop a fantastic culture that can not be found on any other vehicle or 4wdriving forum that I have visited. Full credit to you guys, I really appreciate the effort that you've put in over the years to keep it focused and free of dickheads. Legends!
And to the forum members; you guys and girls are the most knowledgeable and helpful group of people that I have come across. Nothing is a too much effort when it comes to helping others in the Pajero/Pajero Sport/Challenger world. This forum has been key in helping me build both vehicles successfully. Not to mention the great trips with the local WA members.
So thank-you to the moderators and the contributors who for the last 12 years have provided me with education and entertainment - you guys and girls all rock! I'm going to miss the Pajero scene.
I'm sure that I'll continue to see you around on the highways and tracks.
Farewell.
I purchased my first Pajero, an NP 3.2 Auto, back in 2005. An NW 3.2 Auto followed 8 years later in 2013 and I can safely say I've had a fantastic run from these vehicles. No issues whatsoever except a starter motor in the NP, not bad given both vehicles were set up for remote touring and used for the purpose that they were designed for.
A forum member purchased my NP (which is still just as reliable at 14 years old!), and a forum member has now purchased my NW!
For anyone who's thinking about purchasing a Gen 3 or Gen 4 Pajero I can highly recommend them! Here's a few things I've noticed along the journey:
Just a few modifications really transform these vehicles.
Lovells springs and Bilstein shocks are an excellent suspension combination, and lasted way longer than I expected. My current set have done 135,000km and don't even look like they need replacing yet. Both vehicles were at their full GVM on every trip I did.
A larger exhaust and Torqit chip increase power substantially and the addition of a torque converter lock-up combined to improve economy substantially. Generally my economy in mixed conditions was 10-11 km/100 until I added this combination. The forum member who purchased it was achieving 8.8 km/100 over the weekend, and I've been as low as 7.7 km/100 in the right conditions - not bad for a 3 tonne vehicle which originally entered the market 19 or so years ago!
These vehicles will go to most places off-road that any of us would want to go. They aren't designed for rock crawling so don't expect them to be good at it. But get them on a beach, general bush tracks, outback tracks and highways etc and they will work fearlessly and effortlessly all day, fully loaded, and loving it all the way. In fact I found the NW to be an absolute weapon in beach sand, especially compared to the other vehicles that we travel with. They will surprise and embarrass many 4wd's considered by the masses to be much more capable. The traction control and rear diff lock negate the lack of wheel travel.
There are not many negatives really. A bit more road noise and harshness due to the monocoque chassis. Old school diesel noise, but from my experience the best 4 cylinder diesel around.......and I have now travelled in convoy with Nissan Patrols, numerous Toyota Prado's, most of the dual cab utes. They could possibly do with a little more ground clearance in some situations, but not many. And that's about it.
I've been a member of this forum since 2007. The moderators have worked tirelessly to develop a fantastic culture that can not be found on any other vehicle or 4wdriving forum that I have visited. Full credit to you guys, I really appreciate the effort that you've put in over the years to keep it focused and free of dickheads. Legends!
And to the forum members; you guys and girls are the most knowledgeable and helpful group of people that I have come across. Nothing is a too much effort when it comes to helping others in the Pajero/Pajero Sport/Challenger world. This forum has been key in helping me build both vehicles successfully. Not to mention the great trips with the local WA members.
So thank-you to the moderators and the contributors who for the last 12 years have provided me with education and entertainment - you guys and girls all rock! I'm going to miss the Pajero scene.
I'm sure that I'll continue to see you around on the highways and tracks.
Farewell.
2004 NP 3.2 auto
2014 Ranger XLT auto
All in the pursuit of more horsepower 
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