Need Recommendations for a good 4x4 based on my criteria

[sm.malik12345]

AoA Everyone,

This is my very first post in this forum. For last month or so I have pretty much read all of the threads related to my(4x4) topic but still need someone to push me in the right direction. Knew nothing about Pajeros except their name before joining this forum but learnt a lot from the posts of Xulfiqar, Mitsu_man.

Now to the main topic.

I live and work abroad. Once every year, I visit Pakistan for 2-3 months and I am looking for a 4x4 around 2 mil budget during my stay in Pakistan. Following is my criteria for narrowing down my search:

1. Need a pleasurable drive
2. Live in Multan, so parts should be available in Multan.
3. Occasional trips to Northern areas but no serious off-roading. Will mostly drive in 'South Punjab'.
4. Need a ride that stays with me for at least next 5 years. Spending cash on it's maintenance is not a problem as long as parts are available.
5. Have no intentions of selling it and would like to keep it with me as long as possible. Looking for a loyal old friend who greets me whenever I am back in Pakistan
6. Should be able to hit at least 120 kmh. Not that I need it for speeding(avg 90-100kmh) but knowing that I can drive it at 120kmh is comforting.

Based on this criteria, I am only looking at Pajeros or Prados. Here is a summary of what I know about Pajeros now:

1. Pajeros(2nd gen) with 3.5 Petrol(6G74) engines(GDI versions) are problematic and not successful in Pakistan.
2. Pajeros(2nd gen) with 3.0 V6(6G72) and pajeros with 3.5 V6(6G74) are thirsty but work better in Pakistan. Power is also good when compared to 4M40.
3. Pajeros(2nd gen) with diesel engines 2.8 TD(4M40) are also good but need more love and attention but parts are readily available as this engine is quite common.
4. Pajeros(3rd gen) with 3.2 Di-D(4M41) are the best when it comes down to power and features.

Based on this information, I am going for 3.0 or 3.5 petrol Pajeros(2nd gen) but not sure if it will fit my criteria. Is it a good decision? Should I consider diesel variants too? or should I choose a 3rd gen diesel version ?

Or may be all of my analysis is wrong and I should buy a Prado or LC80

Thanks
SM

[p146354]

I think vigo is the best option in terms of reliability and maintainance.
Do prefer diesel since you are gonna use it occasionaly. Petrol engines do give problems if parked for long period of time.

[sm.malik12345]

Thanks. I will check Vigo now. What about ride comparison with Pajero ? and what kind of problems petrol engines develop ?

[sm.malik12345]

So many reviews but no feedback

[tintin1]

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[sm.malik12345]

So many reviews but no feedback

I was in love with Pajero’s specially the intercooler version of 1991 to 1996 (body change models).
But ever since I came across this Land Cruisers, my mind totally changed.
LC has far more reliability, durability, solid, comfort & luxury.
You can find best LC vehicles in the range of 1.3~1.5mil. Diesel & Petrol both, 1991 to 1995 models.

Free tip about searching parts.

Pajero’s are not popular here and specially the maintainess cost is high. Pak made Parts are available with made in Japan stamp but prices touch skies.
For LC, parts are expensive too. But when you go to market to buy some part, simply tell them it comes in old Toyota surf model or Hilux model. Then price of the part will be economical. But if you tell them its for my LC, then expect they will charge at-least 4~5 times high.

technically its true that toyota share their engines with different models.

Thanks for the tip
Although I would love to proceed with Pajero and also found one in good shape but none of the guys I discussed with, was recommending it so dropped this thought.

Now I am only looking at LCs or Altis 1.8(2015 onwards). Corolla isn't my choice but everyone I talk to seems to have only one ride in his mind(corolla) for different reasons and would insert it into the discussion someway or the other. Will drive both now and jis per dil agya will buy that one

[tintin1]

This post was flagged by the community and is temporarily hidden.

[sm.malik12345]

Rola has no comparison with LC.
LC class is far superior than Pajero even (from my point of view).

Yes different leagues here. Don't need LC for serious off-roading. Requirement is just a fun ride and all the reasons I had to buy a LC for my northern trips were shot down by a relative of mine when he told me that he had been to Kagan,Naran,Pak-China border on his GLI without any problems

Yes you can buy rola for one good reasons. The re-sale of rola is pretty easy. But re-sale of LC is not. But no problem you can leave your LC to me. And until you come back, I will keep enjoying its ride & promise to take care of it !! lol

Now that's a good idea. Won't have to worry about preparing my ride for long storage

[junaid_kharal]

Just to confuse u more. I went to hunza last month on my xli. Road is totally fine for traveling on car. But then there r some trails where u want to go but can't on car. After the trip in considering a 4X4 but my budget isn't beyond the workhorse i.e. LC 1991-95

[jehanzebnasir]

Actually you need an SUV to visit some Northern Areas like Naltar, Deosai, Chapursan etc. and also during winter, you can access with confidence when you have a 4x4.

on the way to Khunjerab in Feb-2016

Naltar in Sep-2016

Murree in Jan 2017

[sm.malik12345]

Just to confuse u more. I went to hunza last month on my xli.

Yes I can see that
When I started this thread, it was all about Pajeros but not a single guy would recommend it. Really disappointed.

After the trip in considering a 4X4 but my budget isn't beyond the workhorse i.e. LC 1991-95

I am tilting towards LC Cygnus(2001 onwards) or Altis. LC 1991-1995, although a workhorse, seems already a bit old to keep around for next 5-10 years and I don't want to sell it again unless it dies on me. Also, not sure how much attention it would need to keep it going for these next years.

[sm.malik12345]

Actually you need an SUV to visit some Northern Areas like Naltar, Deosai, Chapursan etc. and also during winter, you can access with confidence when you have a 4x4.

on the way to Khunjerab in Feb-2016

Nice

[junaid_kharal]

One good thing about prado 1991-95 (LC70) is they r still in production and are used actively in Middle East so they have a fresh(er) feel. Plus i think their facelift is manageable.
But Cygnus is definitely a better larger option.good luck with that

[wasay_ahmed]

Pajero is good machine and if you can source right parts frm right place its definately much cheaper the LC. I own SWB 90 model

[ryu.iori]

Pijaro thik hay bhai jee magr land cruzr us say bhi bhtr hay. Ak to gadi toyota ki hay opar say option achy hay.

[sm.malik12345]

Pajero is good machine and if you can source right parts frm right place its definately much cheaper the LC. I own SWB 90 model

Pajero is good but it depends a lot on your city,parts availability, good mechanics. In smaller cities, good mechanics for Pajero are quite difficult to find.
I asked my cousin to find a good mechanic for Pajeros in Multan to help us with our purchase but he couldn't find one. May be he didn't search it enough but whatever time he spent on finding this guy, for the same time, we easily found our LC guy. And whenever he would try to get info about Pajero's mechanic. People would say stuff like 'pajero janaza ha jee, aik dafa lay le to phir koe nae lay ga ap say', '2 khri han hmaray pas, koe lainay ko tyar nae', toyota engine dlwa lain tab msla nae kray ge' Btw what about reliability? Are you comfortable in going on long journeys on your ride?

[wasay_ahmed]

Specific Mechanic. There is no rocket science speically in these old motors.
Iv swaped in Toyota 5vzfe motor as i got one oil guzzling nd leaking engine. Regarding parts got most of thm frm Usman Autos Lahore. Imported some aswelk like frame mounts, fuel sender unit for petrol genuine of petrol as its tank already got place to install one boltonn. Baki engine cooling system was the biggest challenge though got slim fans.
Driven 9100km After swap. Lahore to Dihranwala side deserts etc nd also 50-60kms runs on ring road