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Originally Posted by .anshuman Congratulations Traveler!! Pajero without any doubts has one of the finest Ride and Handling balance for a Chassis based SUV, a quality which elevates it to league above Fortuner/Endeavour. The 4WD system again is superb with the ability to select 2wd or AWD for road usage, Rear LSD is another advantage over Fortuner.
Low gearing takes care of lack of power(Compared to Fortuner/Endy), only when revving hard on open roads the power handicap shows. Pajero just like it's other Chassis based competitors is built to last for decades. To me the looks are timeless, Classic. Good pick i'd say if you don't mind the lower power output.
How about upgrading the rubber to A/T? I guess Pajero still comes with MRF tires, i recommend Yokohama Geolander A/T. |
Thanks Anshuman, I agree with you on all the things you mentioned. I guess the vehicle has been designed ground up for being an SUV. That reflects pretty much in everything the Pajero offers. There are small things like the Rear Tow Hook, front seats converting to complete flat beds, the inspection light with a 3 metre cord in the boot, the in-built tool box. There are so many small but very thought out things that shows that it was meant to be an SUV. Even the power antenna has a manual override switch which lets you extend it fully or retract it to half height. This ensures that the antenna is not damaged when driving fast over rough terrain.
Am looking at upgrading tyres to AT's , options are very limited because of the 15 inch alloys and the very wide track (265).
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Originally Posted by harjeev Congrats traveller on the Pajero. The Pajero is indeed a wonder and a very capable vehicle. Infact I too was actively on the hunt for one (pre-owned) around the same time last year and the reason I wanted to go for the Pajero are the two points that you've already mentioned
Plus I feel that the Pajero is one of the few OLD SCHOOL SUV's. It has a classic yet a very modern appeal, in my opinion.
I am not sure, maybe you could enlighten me but last I heard that they were offering some big discounts on the Pajero. Now that you've got only 15k, I guess what I heard must have been just rumors.
Cheers mate |
Thanks Harjeev, the max discounts are 15K atleast in this part of the country. Till last month they were offering free extended warranty as well, but I missed the bus. I bought extended warranty yesterday for an additional 11K.
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Originally Posted by quadra Congrats Traveler. Your thread made me go to the Paj website and scan its brochure and yes, its just a casual visit not a financial one.
Except the massive price diff - whats your opinion (read safari vs Pajero) about the following:
1. Handling (Body roll, suspension etc)
2. 4x4 system (which ones better and why)
3. Comfort / ergonomics (Under thigh support, mid-row & 3rd row support)
4. Carrying 6 people (Any complains yet?)
5. A.S.S cost / experience (Paj is just out of the box) |
There is a world of difference in every aspect. The Safari is a very capable SUV no doubt, but it needs attention (maintenance). My Safari served me well with no problem but then I took care of it like a baby. There were small niggling issues that kept cropping up. Nothing that would bring it to a stop, but enough to keep you bothered if you are like me and believe in everything to be always spick and span.
1. Pajero has much less body roll, it almost drives like a car. Fantastic suspension, feels well planted and goes over everything without any sort of unsettling feeling. The Safari on the other hand has considerable body roll and it takes a lot of time to master it's handling. I never used to feel confident on the highway at speeds greater that 90 on the Safari.
Brakes on the Safari have good bite but the vehicle (atleast mine) had a tendency to pull towards one side on hard braking. Few other BHPians have reported the same issue as well.
2. Pajero's 4x4 system has 5 options.
A. 2H - Normal 4x2 operation for daily city use, reduced fuel consumption.
B. 4H - With Open Center Diff - Like a AWD and can drive on tarmac.
C. 4HLC - 4x4 High Mode with Center Diff locked.
D. 4HLL - 4x4 Low Mode with Center Diff locked.
E. N - Neutral. No power is transmitted to wheels. Used for a PTO winch in case you install one.
Out of these the Safari does not have 4H and the N option since it lacks a center Diff. So a Safari cannot be driven on tarmac in 4x4 mode. This is required if you have patches of slippery curvy roads which you are going over at high speeds.
Plus I have noticed that the Pajero's 4x4 operation in terms of changing 4x4 modes is much smoother and of-course it is mechanically engaged with a lever. Safari had an electronic transfer case.
Safari's 4x4 is limited to offroad use and has speed limitation of 40kmpl in 4 Low and I guess 80Kmpl in 4 High.
Pajero's 4x4 is limited to 100 Kmpl in 4x4 High, dont know about the 4x4 Low speed limitation.
3. Like I mentioned earlier, the Safari has no doubt got more space. The Pajero is compacter but in my opinion has better designed seats. For example the front seats have a side adjustment option where the seat wings can be adjusted to either hug you closely or loosen out. The third row has front facing seats and are much better at taking care of small adults or children, all the the seats recline too.
4. Haven't pushed in 6 people yet, so cannot comment.
5. I spent close to 40K on my Safari in the two years that I had it. I had driven only 15K in two years. But I had got it serviced atleast 5 times instead of the only 2 required. I had a Diesel Sedimentor failure at 5K and paid 5K to replace it, a clutch master cylinder failure that was changed under warranty. Tie Rods that were changed under warranty too. They could never fix the brake grinding noise issue inspite of me paying for brake cleaning at almost each service. Neither could they fix the water rain water dripping from behind the dashboard. The hub caps kept falling off and I got atleast 4 of them for around Rs 300/- each. No other failures. Rest everything was service cost since I got all the oils changed at each service and also the coolant twice (Before and After the Raid). I faced ZERO problems in the entire Raid.
For the Pajero, I have no experience with A.S.S. yet, so cannot comment.
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Originally Posted by MileCruncher Congrats Traveler on the ageless Classic!
Like many of us here, I also grew up reading about capabilities of the Pajero and am sure you will enjoy the brute.
Just a few queries though: - Since you do Raid De Himalaya duty, are you planning any mods like winch, underbody plating et al
- Don't you think in this day and age, a standard 1 year/ 20k Kms warranty is a little too less? Especially for a 20L vehicle
Wishing you many miles of happiness in your mountain cat! |
Thanks MileCruncher,
1. I think I will go in for a front bumper change to accommodate a winch before this years Raid. The fuel tank and transfer case is already protected with plating. Rest if you drive carefully the Raid does not harm your vehicle, it is only when you try to imitate the competitors does it take it's toll.
2. Guess it is less, but I took the extended warranty and then there is the proven fact that Pajeros keep on going forever.
Also checked the spare part list for some common items and the prices are high but not astronomical. Steering Tie rod ends cost around 5K for a set. Clutch assembly is around 15K so I guess that should be okay.