Looking to buy Suzuki Potohar. Price range 400k. Is it a good first 4x4?

[umarxe]

[umarxe]

[umarxe]

[umarxe]

[umarxe]

[umarxe]

[umarxe]

[umarxe]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]1665059[/ATTACH]

[umarxe]

[umarxe]

@chall3ng3r
Why don't you consider japan made SJ410 (low roof is a usual nishaani)? Its quite better than local Potohar in built quality. I considered all the SUVs living on the planet and finally ended up on this vehicle for being cheap, easy to maintain, parts availability, durability (durable means long-life and parts die after reaching their natural age), reliability (reliable means you can count on the vehicle, its simple, basic, solid and manual, solid axles, not a lot of features, not a lot of sensors, not a lot of hassle).
I know local Potohar is also having all these things but SJ410 is always preferred over Potohar by offroaders and frequent travelers to North for being superior than Potohar.
Another advantage is that you can find one in low budget. You can find a nice vehicle with no Major problem in 400k easily. And with servo breaks, power staring and may be alloy rims you can have it around 450k. Local potohar k liay khamkhaw monh phaar k paisay mangte hain because its trendy.

One more thing, Old SJ410 ka soft top version looks smart, sexy and bit aggressive. Please check pictures I just uploaded. You can install fenders your self if its not already having (by the way I too like fenders very much and can not think of an SUV without fenders). Fenders are not that expensive if I am not wrong.
By the way which city you belong to?

[umarxe]

@d) if you want speed (100km/hr and above) then you will have to replace both differentials of your mini into junior differentials
(mini pajero original diff will give you max 80 km/hr speed but power will be like a 1600 cc jeep)

Just to aid my information, how much a converted (as per you suggested) mini Pajero should cost? Some rough idea, I mean some upper and lower range?
And how much for the conversion of front and rear diff of Pajero Junior?

[alimahr]

Just to aid my information,

how much a converted (as per you suggested) mini Pajero should cost?
And how much for the conversion of front and rear diff of Pajero Junior?

starting price 450 k and above for manual 1100cc
add 25k for both junior diifs,

https://www.pakwheels.com/forums/mitsubishi-pajero-mini-pajero/62556-pajero-mini-junior-fan-club-56

[chall3ng3r]

@umarxe, thanks for those photos

I'd love to get Japan assembled SJ410, but the price have to be in my limit. And if it's not in clean condition, then it should be 350k or less, so I can spend some cash on it to get it a bit fixed.

I don't care about the alloy rims, simple ones are good for me, to start with

I like the metal top one more, because it's secure. I can leave something in it for a bit and not worry about it. It just gives a bit more secure feeling. Soft top ones look better of course

I'm in Karachi.

@alimahr, yes that 450k is out of my range. And adding more for stuff, is way out

[umarxe]

@chall3ng3r
First of all congratulation for having your first SUV as I I can see in "pajero mini fan club" thread that you got hold of a mini Pajero.
So how is the overall experience with mini pajero so far?
What parameters you considered while preferring it over Potohar because your were inclined towards Potohar previously?
And what's the fuel average you are getting, in local and on highway?
And can you please share/pm the price you paid for your vehicle?

[chall3ng3r]

Thanks @umarxe, yes I finally decided to go with Pajero Mini.

Main reasons were price for the features and comfortability. Potohar is good if it's priced right which I believe should be 300k max. Its decades old design and engine.

I found one Pajero Mini 1995 manual, on PW ads. I bought it for higher than my range but there was reason behind it.

This Pajero Mini is in original condition mostly. Engine, gearbox, differentials. The chassis is not rusted.

There were some issuas well, like broken break lights, headlights were no original etc. Also pretty bad gear oil leak issue. It was empty and the owner told me he didn't even changed engine oil since he bought it, no service or anything.

Now I'm getting it fixed per my taste. Most of the things have been fixed alhamdulillah. Now last part is engine tuning.

The experience is pretty good. Running is good, average I'm getting is not good, about 7km/l when I bought it, now at 8km/l or more as I need some more testing. I did some DIY cleaning of engine and some easily removable parts. Like today I serviced spark plugs and coils.

I would highly recommend anyone looking for same 4x4 to get Pajero Mini, late 2000 model would be perfect if one can afford it, or same like mine. But get manual one, not automatic.

Eid Mubarak

[umarxe]

@chall3ng3r
Khair Mubarak, Ap ko bhi Eid Mubarak.
Thanks for detailed reply answering all my questions. Buy the way what is the purpose of having 4x4 for you? Like some people keep 4x4 for just wandering around near by areas to have fun, some keep it for frequent visits to their village and some people have it for tours to north? And many are real 4x4 enthusiastic who love to put their beloved ride in running stream of water or try to climb rocks for fun. So what use you have in mind?

In fact I am planning to have a 4x4 for my trips to Northern areas like Kashmir, Sawat Hunza, Astor, Chitral etc which are normally 3 to 4 trips every year and sometimes its with my small family (me, wife, 2 kids) and sometimes with couple of friends.
A small 4x4 would be sufficient for my needs and also I too am bound by small budget.
I am so inclined towards SJ410/Potohar for its offroad capabilities, simple engineering and economical+easy maintenance (may be I am wrong but I think its the most easy to maintain 4x4 vehicle)
The comparison in my mind is like that.

Potohar/SJ410 - Advantages
- Solid axles
- Sound suspension, capable of taking so much beating
- Very good ground clearance.
- Very good approach angle, departure angle and break-over angle
- Basic and simple engineering, can be fixed by any mechanic or even semi-mechanic (because I would be using it for touring in remote areas)
- Less electronics, less sensors, and less chances of failure in half way. (again its very important for me, don't want to be stuck with family on some jeep track when evening is approaching)
- Cheap maintenance (if I am not wrong)

Potohar/SJ410 Downsides
- Fuel thirsty as compared to its size (I should not expect more than 7km/l from F10A ro even less according to my research)
- Overpriced
- Very rigid and uncomfortable suspension, bumpy ride (Just imagine going to Hunza from Lahore with family on Potohar)

Mini Pajero is having its own pros and cones like
Mini Pajefo Advantages
- Its so comfortable as compared to Potohar
- ide quality is very good and comfy.
- Fuel average may be quite better than F10A specially in manual Pajero Mini.
- Quite features-rich than Potohar.
- A good ride can be find in reasonable budget.

And downsides are
- Lower ground clearance
- Smaller angle of approach, departure and break-over.
- Doublewish bone suspension which really scares me if I imagine climbing some mountainous jeep track like Paye, Lalazar or crossing Shandur pass or Deosai on this suspension.
- Sophisticated engineering, so I don't think I would be easily able to spot some mechanic in Kalam, Sharda or Chitral kind of areas who can rightly understand and fix the problem if something gets failed.

The reason behind stating all this story is to get your opinion because you already have gone through this homework/research which I am doing. So want to know about 2 things.
1. What would be your use of having 4x4?
2. You recommended to go for Pajero Mini to people looking for such 4x4. After knowing my usage do you think Pajero mini would suits my needs more than Potohar?
By the way my budget for SJ410 or Potohar is 450k to find a clean ride. Or even it can be lifted to 650k in case of some 90s jimny with coil suspension and F6A or K6A engine solving the two biggest problems of fuel economy and comfortable ride. But in case of stretching the budget I would have to wait for several months.

[saboor73]

@chall3ng3r
Khair Mubarak, Ap ko bhi Eid Mubarak.
Thanks for detailed reply answering all my questions. Buy the way what is the purpose of having 4x4 for you? Like some people keep 4x4 for just wandering around near by areas to have fun, some keep it for frequent visits to their village and some people have it for tours to north? And many are real 4x4 enthusiastic who love to put their beloved ride in running stream of water or try to climb rocks for fun. So what use you have in mind?

In fact I am planning to have a 4x4 for my trips to Northern areas like Kashmir, Sawat Hunza, Astor, Chitral etc which are normally 3 to 4 trips every year and sometimes its with my small family (me, wife, 2 kids) and sometimes with couple of friends.
A small 4x4 would be sufficient for my needs and also I too am bound by small budget.
I am so inclined towards SJ410/Potohar for its offroad capabilities, simple engineering and economical+easy maintenance (may be I am wrong but I think its the most easy to maintain 4x4 vehicle)
The comparison in my mind is like that.

Potohar/SJ410 - Advantages
- Solid axles
- Sound suspension, capable of taking so much beating
- Very good ground clearance.
- Very good approach angle, departure angle and break-over angle
- Basic and simple engineering, can be fixed by any mechanic or even semi-mechanic (because I would be using it for touring in remote areas)
- Less electronics, less sensors, and less chances of failure in half way. (again its very important for me, don't want to be stuck with family on some jeep track when evening is approaching)
- Cheap maintenance (if I am not wrong)

Potohar/SJ410 Downsides
- Fuel thirsty as compared to its size (I should not expect more than 7km/l from F10A ro even less according to my research)
- Overpriced
- Very rigid and uncomfortable suspension, bumpy ride (Just imagine going to Hunza from Lahore with family on Potohar)

Mini Pajero is having its own pros and cones like
Mini Pajefo Advantages
- Its so comfortable as compared to Potohar
- ide quality is very good and comfy.
- Fuel average may be quite better than F10A specially in manual Pajero Mini.
- Quite features-rich than Potohar.
- A good ride can be find in reasonable budget.

And downsides are
- Lower ground clearance
- Smaller angle of approach, departure and break-over.
- Doublewish bone suspension which really scares me if I imagine climbing some mountainous jeep track like Paye, Lalazar or crossing Shandur pass or Deosai on this suspension.
- Sophisticated engineering, so I don't think I would be easily able to spot some mechanic in Kalam, Sharda or Chitral kind of areas who can rightly understand and fix the problem if something gets failed.

The reason behind stating all this story is to get your opinion because you already have gone through this homework/research which I am doing. So want to know about 2 things.
1. What would be your use of having 4x4?
2. You recommended to go for Pajero Mini to people looking for such 4x4. After knowing my usage do you think Pajero mini would suits my needs more than Potohar?
By the way my budget for SJ410 or Potohar is 450k to find a clean ride. Or even it can be lifted to 650k in case of some 90s jimny with coil suspension and F6A or K6A engine solving the two biggest problems of fuel economy and comfortable ride. But in case of stretching the budget I would have to wait for several months.

I was in same situation I bought a diesel first gen pajero and seriously enjoying every bit of it gives me 10km/l+ it has lot of space for luggage and its actually a real of roader unlike mini pajero and SJ40 thats my experience maybe everone doesnt like a diesel under hood

So Imo a SJ40 is better than mini pajero economy can be improved but it has much better offroad ability than mini pajero I found mini pajero too cramped and I was uncomfortable to sit in such small cabin for long

[chall3ng3r]

@chall3ng3r
Khair Mubarak, Ap ko bhi Eid Mubarak.
Thanks for detailed reply answering all my questions. Buy the way what is the purpose of having 4x4 for you? Like some people keep 4x4 for just wandering around near by areas to have fun, some keep it for frequent visits to their village and some people have it for tours to north? And many are real 4x4 enthusiastic who love to put their beloved ride in running stream of water or try to climb rocks for fun. So what use you have in mind?

In fact I am planning to have a 4x4 for my trips to Northern areas like Kashmir, Sawat Hunza, Astor, Chitral etc which are normally 3 to 4 trips every year and sometimes its with my small family (me, wife, 2 kids) and sometimes with couple of friends.
A small 4x4 would be sufficient for my needs and also I too am bound by small budget.
I am so inclined towards SJ410/Potohar for its offroad capabilities, simple engineering and economical+easy maintenance (may be I am wrong but I think its the most easy to maintain 4x4 vehicle)
The comparison in my mind is like that.

Potohar/SJ410 - Advantages
- Solid axles
- Sound suspension, capable of taking so much beating
- Very good ground clearance.
- Very good approach angle, departure angle and break-over angle
- Basic and simple engineering, can be fixed by any mechanic or even semi-mechanic (because I would be using it for touring in remote areas)
- Less electronics, less sensors, and less chances of failure in half way. (again its very important for me, don't want to be stuck with family on some jeep track when evening is approaching)
- Cheap maintenance (if I am not wrong)

Potohar/SJ410 Downsides
- Fuel thirsty as compared to its size (I should not expect more than 7km/l from F10A ro even less according to my research)
- Overpriced
- Very rigid and uncomfortable suspension, bumpy ride (Just imagine going to Hunza from Lahore with family on Potohar)

Mini Pajero is having its own pros and cones like
Mini Pajefo Advantages
- Its so comfortable as compared to Potohar
- ide quality is very good and comfy.
- Fuel average may be quite better than F10A specially in manual Pajero Mini.
- Quite features-rich than Potohar.
- A good ride can be find in reasonable budget.

And downsides are
- Lower ground clearance
- Smaller angle of approach, departure and break-over.
- Doublewish bone suspension which really scares me if I imagine climbing some mountainous jeep track like Paye, Lalazar or crossing Shandur pass or Deosai on this suspension.
- Sophisticated engineering, so I don't think I would be easily able to spot some mechanic in Kalam, Sharda or Chitral kind of areas who can rightly understand and fix the problem if something gets failed.

The reason behind stating all this story is to get your opinion because you already have gone through this homework/research which I am doing. So want to know about 2 things.
1. What would be your use of having 4x4?
2. You recommended to go for Pajero Mini to people looking for such 4x4. After knowing my usage do you think Pajero mini would suits my needs more than Potohar?
By the way my budget for SJ410 or Potohar is 450k to find a clean ride. Or even it can be lifted to 650k in case of some 90s jimny with coil suspension and F6A or K6A engine solving the two biggest problems of fuel economy and comfortable ride. But in case of stretching the budget I would have to wait for several months.

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1. What would be your use of having 4x4?

My basic use will be in city. Maybe I will go on long route on it, but needs proper testing on it first if I can travel on 90-100km speed for multiple hours. Not serious off-road stuff. It's like a trainer vehicle for me

I will test it to nearby cities/areas, like Hyderabad, Mirpur Sakro etc. Before going on longer routes.

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1. You recommended to go for Pajero Mini to people looking for such 4x4. After knowing my usage do you think Pajero mini would suits my needs more than Potohar?

I'd recommend you to get a more recent model, 2010 - 2012 or Kix if going with Mitsubishi. Or go for Jimny 2008+ model. I think most of them are 660cc as well. These new models are really optimized for performance and power. See some off-roading videos on YouTube.

Or best would be to get Pajero 3 door. It's a diesel vehicle but it's a tad bit bigger and much comfortable for passengers sitting in back seats. It's almost same size as army's small LCs.

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By the way my budget for SJ410 or Potohar is 450k to find a clean ride. Or even it can be lifted to 650k in case of some 90s jimny with coil suspension and F6A or K6A engine solving the two biggest problems of fuel economy and comfortable ride. But in case of stretching the budget I would have to wait for several months.

I also thought I'd get a clean Potohar in this range, but unfortunately it wasn't in range. People asking 600k for heavily rusted (roof + chassis) Potohar, because it was 2006 model. I was like wt*. It's too old design there's no security features, AC doesn't work as there no roof/body insulation, you've to step outside and turn a lock on front wheels to enable 4x4 locking. There was one showroom which had pretty clean one, he was asking 1mil for it... I'd pay 300k max for that one to be honest. Or better get Pajero Mini 2012/kix which is directly imported and not touched by local mechanics. Of course if I had 1mil budget

So, in my budget I got local used vehicle. I'm happy with my purchase

Also, about engine issues during travel. Well, anything can happen to any type of car. There can be tire bust, engine overheating, oil leak, breaks issues etc.

The key point is just maintain your vehicle, do oil change, engine belts change, breaks etc on time. And vehicle will not make any issues. Find a good mechanic you can trust on, and before travelling ask him for car's fitness and do the needed maintenance.

Best regards

Pajero Mini 1995 M/T

[umarxe]

Thank you so much @chall3ng3r for taking time to provide detailed answers point by point.
Taking in account you usage I agree that Pajero mini suits your needs well.
Pajero 3 door is also of not my type because ease of maintenance is one of my top priorities.
Can not go for Kix or 2008+ Jimny due to budget constraints. If my budget would have been 1 million which is not the case, I would go for Parado 3 door.
Asking one million for Potohar looks like a joke. Was he serious? Hadd ho gai yar.
And you are very true about keeping the ride well-maintained and get it checked up by mechanic before going to long trip. As I don't have an SUV currently so I am using my Suzuki Khyber for long road trips, like Lahore to Azad Kashmir, Neelum Valley etc, Lahore to Sawat and also Lahore to Karachi last year. So that's what I do, keep it maintained, and get it checked by mechanic.

[chall3ng3r]

Thank you so much @chall3ng3r for taking time to provide detailed answers point by point.
Taking in account you usage I agree that Pajero mini suits your needs well.
Pajero 3 door is also of not my type because ease of maintenance is one of my top priorities.
Can not go for Kix or 2008+ Jimny due to budget constraints. If my budget would have been 1 million which is not the case, I would go for Parado 3 door.
Asking one million for Potohar looks like a joke. Was he serious? Hadd ho gai yar.
And you are very true about keeping the ride well-maintained and get it checked up by mechanic before going to long trip. As I don't have an SUV currently so I am using my Suzuki Khyber for long road trips, like Lahore to Azad Kashmir, Neelum Valley etc, Lahore to Sawat and also Lahore to Karachi last year. So that's what I do, keep it maintained, and get it checked by mechanic.

You're welcome

Yes he was serious to ask 1mil for a 2006 Potohar. I told him, my uncle wants one and he'd pay 450k if you want to sale [emoji14]

Well, you can search market for Pajero Mini 2004+ model, locally used in clean condition for around 600k budget. If you can get a clean one without any engine + gearbox mods, I would say go for it.

I'm also trying to travel a bit, so going to optimize mine for some long routes, hopefully

Pajero Mini 1995 M/T