Re: New Fortuner / Pajero versus Used '08 Montero. Which would you pick? I just test drove a 2007 Montero GLS with 53,700km, manual transmission.
I liked it a lot. It is in good shape, apart from minor scratches that actually assure me that its not seen worse. The interior was nearly new save for some very minor scuffing on the passenger seat and the cargo door's lock (the thing at the bottom designed to keep the door from closing by itself) has some grittiness in the action that is felt when opening and closing the door. The tires don't have much life left though they have safe tread depth.
I like the interior much better than the 2008 Montero, mostly because the gauge cluster in the 2008 looks down market and cheesy while the 2007's is classic 1990s japanese style (not the most modern, but very satisfactory). The thick wood and leather rim of the steering wheel feels wonderful to hold, much better than that of the 2008.
on the move, the 2008 clearly has a nicer plusher more smothered, better snubbed ride, with better isolation from road irregularities. the 2007 is light years ahead of the Pajero and the Fortuner, but ever so slightly crude compared to the 2008 as you can feel it thump and bang over road imperfections in a way you cannot with the 2008.
apart from that, the news is all in the 2007's favor. The 2008's engine is a bit creamier but over all the refinement and noise levels are comparable. the 2008 has more torque in the bottom end of the rev range, and crisper throttle response, and a more linear response so it feels swift and effortless and compared to that the 2007 initially feels sluggish. but you very quickly realize that it is looking for more throttle and revs, and if you give it that, its actually very quick, quicker than the 2008 by a significant amount. its definitely a much faster vehicle than the 2008.
It also steers and handles better than the 2008, with a very crisp and responsive front end. In fact, its so easy to hustle, that one initially doesn't realize that just because it can be hustled doesn't mean that it has car like low weight and car like firm suspension.
I didn't drive it off road, but it does feel like the pajero would be better off road and on bad roads. the Pajero is narrower, allows a much better few of the road surface close up the vehicle (for seeing what you're driving over), it feels like it would crawl better in really bad conditions over rocks and through stream, it would be less fragile in rough use (as the pajero is a ladder frame and body construction, as opposed to the Montero's monocoque), and would be easier to drive and more comfortable off road, meaning a lot less stress and a lot more ease in off road conditions.
The rear seat remains an issue. Its not offset like the one in the Pajero, but since its sized to flip down and fold over to allow access to the last row of seats, the seat's shape and dimensions don't promote comfort for a 6'2" 100kg adult male. but my buddy who was with me, who is a more typical Indian male size said he was very comfortable. I would prefer to sit in the front seat for anything more than about 20 minutes. but even so, I'd say its a wash between montero, pajero, and fortuner, because they all have second row seats that I wouldn't want to occupy for very long. I guess, thats a point we'll just have to accept.
So in summary here are the three vehicles I am considering now:
1. 25,000km 2007 Montero, asking 22L.
PROs - Its a low KM version of the vehicle best suited to our needs, and like new (so the seller guarantees or he'll pay my travel fare he says).
CONs - Its in bangalore so there will be an expense involved in going to see it
There will be hassles and possibly considerable expense in getting it registered in chandigarh.
No warranty, and parts supply may be a problem
2. 54,000km 2007 Montero, asking 19L
PROs- Fine condition vehicle,
Best condition used pajero I have seen so far by a large margin
Less expensive than a new Pajero after all costs are taken into account.
Delhi registered (can you change ownership on the papers without reregistering a vehicle)
CONs - 54,000km means that tyres will need replacing soon, shock absorbers will need to be replaced in the not too distant future if we want it to ride and handle like a new car
-its been driven twice as much as the other Montero. its got that much less life left in it before it starts feeling old and tired
-as with the other Montero, no warranty and parts supply may be a problem
3. New 2011 Pajero
PROs - New car, with new car warranty, perfect cosmetic and mechanical condition, no hidden faults and accidents.
Easily available and relatively inexpensive parts
Best and most comfortable in off road conditions. this is not a trivial point. for a vehicle thats going to take a pounding, low stress, high comfort level, mechanical durability and cheaper, more easily available spares is a big deal
Most fun to drive.
CONs - Dated design, inside and out with dated ergonomics
-not as spacious and comfortable for the driver in terms driving position, layout of the controls relative to the driver, etc. Definitely old school, definitely not a luxury car
- Weak engine in on road conditions.
On the whole I think you can't go wrong with either. WIth one you get a luxury car thats very off road capable, but its not new and not locally built so you deal with the consequence. THe other is new, quite usable and even fun in onroad conditions, but what it gives up in being a luxury car, it makes up in being best and most fun off road.
Now its time to make a decision and make the purchase.
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I wonder if the local mitsubishi dealer can be asked to do an inspection for me that will be fair and not made with an eye towards a reliable or potential customer (current owner)
Last edited by Harbir : 18th August 2011 at 13:01.
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