The Turbocharged L series share the same infamous reputation as the Mitsubishi 4M40T. And for a good reason. Toyota engineers simply decided to slap a turbo on a engine which wasn't designed to be turbocharged. This was done to fill the power gap back in the day.
Almost every vehicle with a L Turbo engine i have come across has a history with overheating and somehow most of them are clunking around workshops in the summer.
It is wiser to go for the newer KZ series as it has bullet proof reputation or look for a vehicle with a Non-Turbo engine from the same era.
As for the Pajero Gen 2. Its a fantastic vehicle but somehow everyone i know who owned one usually has the same words on their tongue " Pajaro Gallay Per Jatee Hai, Bohat Mushkill Say Jaan Churaee". My experience on the other hand was quite different. I enjoyed every bit of it and for a 4x4 it certainly drives and handles much better than the massive tourers (LC, Patrol. Etc). And certainly no wobbly lumpy rolls for what Prado J90s and J70s are famous for.
I'd say its more a matter of choice than what is what. Toyota's sell. No lying about that. They are like cash in the pocket. Not much fun to drive though. Pajero is still a mystery after all these years. Mechanics don't know what to do with it. Owner are frustrated and confused. Market is mixed and slow but it certainly is a fun thing to drive.
Just my 2 cents.
