Looking for advice on next vehicle

[robinlambert]

Last month my Delica was rear-ended and I am sure will be write off. While that decision is being made I am beginning to look at new options. I am in Alberta and would prefer to buy from Alberta so I don't have to do another out of province inspection. Right now I'm looking at a Delica in Lethbridge or pajero in Calgary.

http://m.kijiji.ca/mitsubishi-pajero-2- ... 873#Pajero
http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z550832243

Anyhow, I know there's a lot of people on here with way more experience I have and I was wondering if anyone could offer any advice on choosing between these two vehicles. Or perhaps should I just keep looking and wait for the "right one" that I will know when I see it. Thanks in advance.

[Feds]

LWB L400 > LWB 2.8 Pajero > SWB L400 > L300 > SWB 2.8 Pajero > any 2.5 Pajero.

Without knowing your preferences/use/etc. it's hard to say exactly.

Short answer for me is I would stay away from anything with a 2.5 unless you love the look of the L300. If you want a Pajero, hold out for the 2.8.

[robinlambert]

Excellent. This the kind of stuff I need to know.

Can you tell me why? Fuel efficiency? Power? Reliability? I've been in a 1992 L300 for 3 years now.

[Feds]

It's all my opinion, but the 6v glow plug and the timing belt would keep me away from the 2.5l. I'd also worry about the head long term.

Depending on what you are going to use it for, The LWB l400 does everything: Goes down the highway at 130, has tonnes of space inside, goes pretty good offroad, and is pretty unique. The LWB Pajero is the one to get if you don't need the 3rd row. Good room for 5, locking rear diff, etc. The 2.8 nets you bigger diffs and 30-ish more horsepower, so that's the one to buy.

SWB L400's are better off road, probably a little faster/better on gas than a LWB l400, but are noticeably (24") smaller inside. I can get 3 hockey bags and a cooler behind the rear seat of my LWB, no chance of doing that in an SWB. Of course, it doesn't matter if you're just folding up the rear seats.

You had an L300, so you know what you're up against there.

SWB Pajeros are great if you're single or have no kids. It'd Probably be pretty choppy on-road, but great offroad, unique looking, and the fastest/best on gas due to being the lightest.

As I said, I have very little experience with the 2.5, but the power and reliability increase would steer me that way in a Pajero.

[robinlambert]

This has been great information. I think I kind of understood this before but to see it all written out has really helped me focus my shopping.

Now the only problem is to I buy in Alberta or fly out to BC.

One step at a time I guess.

Oh, on a positive note - the insurance company was very good with the write off and I am getting 82% of my original purchase price for my L300 (3.5 years ago!!)...and I can buy it back for 10% if I wanted to salvage it.

[philmeup1]

Nice deal on the insurance!! I have a '93 L300 Super Exceed which I absolutely love. I've owned several VW Busses before this purchase. And I've had this for a little over a year now. I really like the look of the vehicle but from what I've read on here from others is that the L400 is a bit more practical all around.

I've had the timing belt done on mine and it's more powerful than any VW Bus I've owned (That's still not saying much I guess) I dunno, I just really like my L300. For now I'm keeping it and then maybe some day down the road, I'll move up to the 400...

Just my opinion and good luck

[Feds]

Oh and the 4wd: Don't forget that L400's and Pajeros have the AWD transfer case in addition to locked centre diff. Having lived with a locked-only case in my Pathfinder there are big advantages to the AWD.

[bbisset]

The Delica is awesome if you need the room, and/or do a lot of camping. If it is just a daily driver for you - or you do very long trips (10+ hours as I do) - the Pajero is very comfortable and good economy. That said, I totally agree with waiting for a 2.8 TD.

I prefer the Paj but there are obviously far more advocates for the Delica here.