Test drive Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero, Shogun) LWB 2003 - 2006 SUV

The price of progress

The appearance of each new generation Pajero produced the effect of an exploding bomb on the alternate market. Having entered the market in 1982, he showed everyone that the jeep could not only knead the dirt, but also worthy to behave on ordinary roads. The second-generation model in 1991 became a world bestseller thanks to the successful design and many advanced technical solutions, the main thing of which is the super-seal transmission. Naturally, the sensation was waiting for the third.



 

The model debuting in 1999 really turned out to be very progressive. A supporting body with an integrated frame, an independent suspension, direct injection engines, a modernized super-seal. Pajero III was distinguished by a spacious and comfortable salon. And his interior did not look in Japanese expensive.
 

But at first, buyers in Russia accepted the third rather restrained. The main reason is controversial appearance. Thanks to the flattened front part with large headlights, the nickname Boldog glued to the car. And a long-bunken 5-door with a curved waist line seemed to be about to turn off under its own weight ... In addition, having grunted the past talents of the rogue, Pajero could not get closer to the Partogens. In principle, this is normal on the asphalt universal all -terrain vehicles, by definition, cannot compete with them. They just expected more from the car.
 

But time passed, people are gradually used to the design of the new Pajero, and in his riding habits they learned to appreciate the comfort and smoothness. And competitors helped. Toyota-Prado looked like the same Pajero. In addition, since 2001, Russia has ceased to supply its diesel and 3-door modifications to Russia. Well, the Nissan-Passender did not reach the Russian market at all. Therefore, if you are looking for a 34-year-old Japanese medium-class jeep, your choice is not rich. From abroad, used cars with engines with a volume of more than 3 liters are reluctant to take today. And in Russia, Pajero III at that time was one of the most popular.

 
    
The seats of the third row are cleaned on the floor without reducing the volume of the trunk
 



Not so scary
The main surprise of the third was the supporting body with an integrated frame. Having abandoned a separate frame, the designers of Mitsubishi were able to lower the center of gravity, improve the layout of the salon, as well as the characteristics of controllability and passive safety. But how will the supporting design behave in operation?

On heavy off -road, a separate frame, of course, is preferable. It isolates the body from shock and bending loads. Yes, and it is easier to install the winch on a frame all -around. So for off -road Extreme Pajero III is not intended. Yes, this is not a SUV, but not a utility jeep like a patrol. If you agree with this and not abuse a heavy offroud, there will be no problems with the body in the form of distorted doors or broken locks. It is better to pay attention to the buyer of a used Pajero to the availability and quality of body repair. The fact is that the carrier body with an integrated frame is heavily untied after strong blows. Therefore, the reason for the sale of Pajero III sometimes becomes poorly restored after the accident with all the ensuing consequences: leaning to the side, increased wear of tires, etc.
 

 
The short -income version has the best than the five -door, controllability and cross -country ability. But such cars in the secondary market is rare


It is clear about corrosion, of course, it’s too early to talk. To date, road salt has reached only the trapezoid of the wiper and air conditioning tubes. However, the tubes are rarely flowing. Despite the saturation of the current model by electrical equipment and electronics, there are also few problems for this part. It happens that the information display on the central console is dying and begins to fail the factory CD changer, but both are rarely happening.

 
    
How much does a replacement cost, $

Winter trapezoid 130+18
Air conditioner tube 260+45
Information display 420+12
CD changer 830+12




High technologies with different character
In Europe and Russia, Pajero is sold with two engines with a gasoline 3.5-liter V6 and a 4-cylinder turbodiesel with a volume of 3.2 liters. Both engines are equipped with an advanced power system with direct fuel injection. The gasoline engine is indicated by GDI, and diesel di-D.
 

On paper, gasoline gives an impressive 202 liter. With. And promises enviable economy. However, the GDI technology, focused on a decrease in fuel and toxicity consumption, does not allow the motor to walk around at high speeds. Because of this, the accelerated dynamics is subjectively impressive. And the new engine saves fuel only when the GDI ECO symbol burns on the dashboard. To do this, you need to go to half -pea.
 

But most importantly, GDI engines were very demanding on fuel quality. They recognize only the 95th gasoline, and in our conditions, even on it, they are reluctant to start during the off-season temperature differences. In addition, high -pressure gas pumps (on GDI, it produces up to 60 atmospheres) is afraid of fuel water. At first, the pumps flew one by one. Then the dealers began to install additional fuel filters-seizures. To some extent, this helped, but the owners of the Dajidia Pajero are still trying to refuel only at proven gas stations. By the way, buying a gas pump ($ 875) is pointless in advance before a long trip. It will not work to replace it in a roadside workshop. Another article of large expenses for the GDI engine inject nozzle (again due to the quality of our fuel). On a 34-year-old car, they will probably start to spare, and flushing does not help them. For reference: one nozzle costs $ 440, and there are only six of them ...
 

Buying Pajero III new, those who preferred the diesel version of DI-D won. Having saved $ 4000, they received a car that goes no worse than gasoline, and requires much less money for fuel. But is a used Pajero-Di-D?
 

Mechanics say that the 3.2-liter 165-horsepower diesel turned out to be successful. Among modern diesel engines with direct injection, he turned out to be one of the few that could digest our fuel. Another plus of the DI-D motor maintainability of the high-pressure fuel pump (TNVD). On many modern diesel engines, the pump in which case changes in the collection.
 

But if in the warranty period (up to 100,000 km) the diesel does not cause special troubles, then the buyer of a used Pajero-Di-D must be ready for additional expenses. Replacing the injections of injection to his lot will almost certainly fall. But the cost of the turbine ($ 3200) and the repair of the fuel pump ($ 13001400) in the head must be kept just in case.

 
 
Engines in operation

V6 GDI and V6

European and American engines are distinguished by power and control systems. Candles are used on them platinum and on our gasoline there are an average of 30,000 km. The timing belt with rollers changes after 90,000 km. With age on both motors, valve hydropoliders can be posed. If this happens, look for the snot and a ungrateful business. It is better to replace all 24 pieces. In addition, the V6 engines do not differ in the durability of the drive belt. In the period of 60,00090,000 km, all three are most likely to require replacements. And after 100,000 km, you can expect a leak of a water pump.
 

At any time we said, at any time, the gas pump of high pressure can fly, and with age, nozzles begin to hack. Montero engine is not more reliable. Injectors on it can be washed repeatedly with benefit for the case, and they are much cheaper. And out of possible malfunctions, the servicemen notes only the failure of the idle valve, which is why the motor begins to work unstable. But this happens much less often than the breakdown of the GDI gasoline pump.
 

DI-D

There are few regulatory work on the diesel engine. The timing on it is given by a chain, so you have to change filters in a timely manner (maximum after 10,000 km) and be sure to drain water from the fuel tank annually. If you refuel at the fired gas stations, the risk of running into major troubles can be minimized.
 

Periodic replacement of candles of incandescent, as well as flushing the cut valve of the recirculation of exhaust gases and the exhaust manifold (the symptom is unstable engine operation) is a non -rejuvenating fluid. A really tangible waste, which is unlikely to be avoided by the second owner, replacing the injector injectors. In addition to nozzles in the collection, spare parts are delivered only sprayers of nozzles. But it is almost impossible to correctly configure them in the case of a DI-D engine. Therefore, nozzles will have to be changed assembly.
 

With a turbine and an ATVD, how lucky. The residual resource was the first to depend on how the previous owner treated it. You can only diagnose the turbine before buying, and subsequently observe the general rules for operating turbo engines.
    
How much does a replacement cost, $

V6 GDI and V6
Spark plugs 110+70
Front belt with rollers 170+125
Hydrothelis Clap. (24) 565+240
Drive belt (45115) +15
Gas pump (GDI) 875+120
Injecting injections (6, gdi) 2645+120
Cooped valve (V6) 1240+18
Water pump 195+130

DI-D
Enjoying candle (1) 40+15
Injecting injection (4) 800+45
Turbine 3200+90
Repair of the NTNVD 13001400




Montero is Pajero for America
As you can see, both European engines can put you on a large amount. GDI gasoline is almost guaranteed, and diesel DI-D with an unsuccessful set of circumstances. If you do not want to take risks, it is better to take a car brought from America. There it is called Montero and is equipped with the same 3.5-liter gasoline V6, only with a regular injection system, as on the previous Pajero. This engine calmly digests the 92nd gasoline, besides, it has long been brought to mind and there are no major problems with it.
 

The main thing is that the engine does not turn out to be ruined by bad oil Yankees like to save on a cheap mineral water. If a black tar is under the valve lid, it is better to refuse such a car: an attempt to rinse the buttoned motor can lead to its replacement.
 



Super, if not for the electronic select
Typically, all -frusters are equipped with either connected or permanent all -wheel drive. The super-seal transmission used on Pajero is interesting in that it allows you to use the advantages of both schemes. From the moment of buying a car to sale, you can travel in a 4n permanent all -wheel drive mode. However, on dry asphalt you can use the rear -wheel drive (the position of the lever 2n). In this case, the car is easier to accelerate and saves approximately 5% of the fuel. To increase the cross -country, the location of the center differential (4HLC) and the reducing transmission with lock (4llc) are intended. The 2N-4N-4HLC modes can be switched at speeds up to 100 km/h when moving in a straight line. But the lowering is turned on only after a complete stop and transfer of the KP lever to neutral.
 

Transmission management for Pajero III remote. The handout lever is an electronic joystick that gives commands to the actual mechanisms. Thanks to the transmission, even a fragile girl will deal with the transmission. However, if you moved the lever of the super-seal, this does not mean that the team is executed. While an all -wheel drive indicator is blinking on the dashboard or an intericons differential location, the switch is not completed. At this time, you can not get strongly so as not to break the transmission.
 

Alas, the remote control involving electronics was not as reliable as a simple mechanical one. Sensors of the distribution selector tend to suddenly refuse, as a result of turning on or off all -wheel drive, differential blocking or lowering, it becomes impossible. When you fail one sensor, it is better to replace the entire cascade of five pieces. In addition, sometimes vacuum valves of inclusions of the front bridge refuse. In this case, the car remains rear -wheel drive. Another possible trouble leakage from under the inclusion sensor of the front bridge. But this is a trifle.

 

If the transmission mode indicates either switching or there is a malfunction

The R/D Lock button is blocked by the rear differential (only after blocking the center)
 


Otherwise, the transmission is quite reliable. Both boxes of both manual and automatic are combined with both a gasoline engine and with a diesel engine. There are no complaints about the mechanics at all, the clutch serves an average of 120,000150,000 km. Automatic machines are not yet refused due to natural wear. It happens that the tracted diesel rolls one -way coupling in the box at the same time loses the ability to move independently. But this rarely happens.
 

Cardan shafts on mileage machines of 120,000140,000 km are still alive. In principle, they should serve for a long time, since they rotate in one plane. In addition, the cross, which must be syringed on each, then you probably have to change, Pajero III only one. Three other cardan compounds are made in the form of couplings. The oil in the machine changes after 60,000 km, and in a manual box and gearboxes of bridges after 40,000 km. By the way, if the rear differential is equipped not only for forced, but also by automatic blocking, oil with the LS index must be poured into the rear axle gearbox.
    
How much does a replacement cost, $

Clutch (set) (360470) +178
Cascade of distribution sensors 150+120
Vacuum valves 165+15
The front axle is 27+15
Crown of the cardan shaft 34+42
Repair of automatic transmission 12001400




Estabacy of the chassis: expected the worst
The reed steering and especially the rear multi -link suspension of Pajero III were met as wary as the carrier body. How will such a delicate design behave off -road? For heavy offroud, the current Pajero really turned out to be adapted worse than his predecessor. Not because of cross-country ability, namely because of endurance. Anyone who knows how to feel the strength of iron will quickly understand that jumping on stones and tractor ruts on the third is undesirable. But if you know how to ride on the road neatly and do not do it every day, the chassis will not seem fry to you frail.

Yes, the steering rack will surely stand after 100,000 km. But if you are ready to put up with a knock, you can not change the rail for a long time. Yes, the front suspension will require an almost complete bulkhead to 100,000 km of run. But the previous Pajero also had its resource about the same. But the back multi -stroke was very tenacious. On machines that have not been subjected to heavy off -road operation, on a mileage of 120,000140,000 km, it is usually still alive. If a multi -link reaches 180,000 200,000 km, it will be a great result. But while there are no cars with such runs, you can only alleviately talk about what and when you have to change in the rear suspension.
 

The brake discs for wear and wear three sets of pads. But most often they have to be changed earlier due to the beating that has begun. This is characteristic of many heavy all -terrain vehicles. On 34-year-old machines, wheeled brake mechanisms are sometimes acidified. However, it rarely comes to replacing calipers assembly. Usually there is enough reprimatum. But if the air accumulator of the brake system begins to swallow air (the pedal becomes soft), it will have to be changed entirely. However, you are unlikely to encounter such a problem. The hydraulic accumulator at one time changed through the service.
 

So, in terms of endurance, the chassis turned out to be average not exemplary, but not at all weak. However, it is not a shame to spend money on putting it in order. The design of the suspension and steering of Pajero III embodied the long-term rally-raid experience of Mitsubishi. The car is distinguished by excellent smoothness on the broken roads. Where all -districts with a dependent rear suspension begin to dance and scour around, Pajero only spits the wheels through the pits. Yes, and on the highway with paved ruts from trucks, Mitsubishi behaves very stably. You can pay for such pleasure.




Buy?
For the price, a used Pajero III is quite interesting. In good condition, 2001 cars sold in Russia new are sold today for $ 30,00033,000. That is, a 3-year-old car is about 4045% cheaper than a new one in the same configuration. In principle, this is normal. Only Montero brought from America $ 35,00036,000 for copies of 2001. But given the rash of the American V6 engine, such an overpayment is justified.

Now predicted operating costs. Given the front suspension resource, as well as the possible breakdowns of European engines and transmission, a used Pajero III in the content will definitely not be cheap. But here you need to know what you want to get. Cheap in operation, universal all-terrain vehicles are not by definition (reliable and hardy Toyota-Prado of the previous generation is more likely an exception to the rules). At the same time, against the background of many classmates, Pajero III stands out by an abundance of progressive technical solutions and high technologies. For the most part, they bring the owner quite tangible advantages. If you are ready to evaluate them, the cost of buying and maintaining a used Pajero will be justified.
 



New, with a guarantee, for the same money

Instead of a 3-year-old Pajero, you can buy universal all-terrain vehicles of Kia-Srento, Ssan-ON RESTON, Suzuki-Grand Vitara-XL-7 and Mitsubishi-Pajero-Sport. Korean all -around at a price of up to $ 36,000 are available only with diesel engines. Their gasoline modifications cost more than $ 40,000. The prestigious gasoline V6 for this money can only be obtained on the Grand VITARO-XL-7 and, if you tighten it a little, on Pajor Sport with a manual box and a velor salon.
 
Alexander Konov
 
 

Source: Magazine buy a car [22/2004]