Why do you import JDM Pajeros?

[paddyb]

I can understand Delicas, as there are no North American models but I'm curious why owners have imported JDM Pajeros to Canada. What is the difference between a JDM Pajero and a US or Canadian market Montero of the same year. Or why not go for a newer Montero or Montero Sport/Challenger? Is it the diesel models you are after?

[jessef]

One word : diesel

The Montero V6 is an attention-needy engine.

The 2.5 and 2.8 TD's require a lot less maintenance when running well and will likely last three times as long as it's north American gas equivalent.

Plus they didn't sell many Montero's in Canada. They have been selling a lot in US since the 80's.

They are more comfortable than a 4runner, Cherokee, explorer and have a really well designed 4wd /awd system along with a very low price point when new and used.

They are the poor mans landcruiser, however they are very popular around the world but here.

Had Pajero's been selling since the 80's here in diesel, I'm sure you can imagine what that would have done to SUV sales in n America.

[mararmeisto]

Because that's what's available in Japan - their market is full of JDMs. But they don't have any Monteros.

Seriously though, bottom line is the market goes looking for what it likes where it can find it. Jeeps are gas-swillin' pigs and that's about all there were on this continent for 2-door 4x4s, so I had to look offshore. There was the Bronco (years ago) some would suggest the Blazer, but with the Blazer and the others (which I can't think of right now), they're just too bloody big!

As for why not a new Mitsubishi? Again, no 2-doors in this market (figures!), no diesel, and they're about 20-25 thousand more than I spent on my Pajero. And the new Monteros are STILL not available in the Canadian market. Now, they might be on the RIV, but again, price point is probably more than I'm willing to spend.

[pajerry]

There were a few factors when making the decision.

Firstly, cost. Pound per pound the pajero is one of the its the best priced SUV's on the market considering the age and condition. For the same price you're looking at a 4runner of the same year, beat up, rust, and certainly 250k+ kms on it. So for a 4running in similiar condition (that might still need major maintenance in the next year) is 14-16000.

Also, its great knowing that there is a vehicle worth maintaining and keeping on the road for the long haul. I wouldn't look to do that with a jeep blazer or used 4runner. You can do much of the mechanical work yourself by learning as you go.

Thirdly, reliability. There is no joke when I say that every time I've shared the trail with jeep's, someone breaks and that is really the only other 2dr SUV on the north american market. Not to mention you can fit 33x10.5x15`s stock and 12.5`s or 13.5`s with a minor lift. On a stock jeep you would need the body and suspension lifted a few inches each meaning lots more work and aftermarket bling.

Oh yeah, and Climate Control! What other 1994 has full-time climate control!

[William]

All of these points I love to hear! The JDM market is so great for so many reasons

[pajerry]

Dont buy a Pajero though.. buy a TD Jeep Liberty.. They run much quieter...

[loki]

Dont buy a Pajero though.. buy a TD Jeep Liberty.. They run much quieter...

the liberty will cost 3 times as much at least and will leave a big oil stain in your driveway.

[jessef]

Dont buy a Pajero though.. buy a TD Jeep Liberty.. They run much quieter...

You may as well buy a car. They are horrible offroad in stock format.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Although I have never driven a Paj, some of my experiences with my Delica may be of some help. When I took my prospective Delica to my then mechanic for an inspection (which he did very well and saved me a G note) He told me that he had heard that they are extremely top heavy, &c., and that perhaps I should consider buying from a U-haul auction. There I could get a "decent" used vehicle for around $20,000 and might even find one that is 4WD. These vehicles would likely have 250,000 kilometres on them. I thought about this for nigh on a second:

• Hmm; used vehicle; 250,000 kliks; many, many drivers who had no vested interest in the vehicle; $20,000; possibly 4WD.
• Then I looked at the Delica: Used vehicle; 61,000 kliks; one owner with service records and in impeccable condition; Less than $10,000; 4WD and she looks solid.

A better built vehicle and better taken care of. I can see why someone would purchase a 15 year old used Pajero over a brand spanking new NA Montero. Would you pay more for a poorer quality product or pay less for a superior quality product?

Falco.

[mararmeisto]

...buy a TD Jeep Liberty, [t]hey run much quieter...

Here's an example of one of the premier reasons why diesel is not as popular in NA as elsewhere in the world.

Another reason is diesel's perceived 'dirtiness': I can see the exhaust, therefore it must be dirty, therefore it's bad. Reality is diesels generate considerably less greenhouse gases (everybody's on that bandwagon), and generate more power per litre burned (nobody's figured this one out). Just look at how many more cc have to be in a gasoline engine to match the power of a diesel: for the Pajero 2800TD it was a 3000cc gasoline (in the Montero), and when that was considered underpowered (which it was), they put in a 3500cc gasoline.

What a diesel won't do is get you across the intersection first when the light turns green; it won't allow you to cruise along the highway at 180km/h with the Jaguars and the Corvettes; it will have a bit of a 'rumble' to it that a lot of NA find 'too loud'; and the fuel is not always as available as gasoline (which is why I hang out at truck stops when I travel - there's always diesel there). These are some of the common complaints a lot of new JDM drivers make when they first head off in their new Delica or Pajero or Hilux or Safari - and a lot of these 'problems' go away once the driver adjusts their driving style.

If you want quiet, buy an electric car... oh wait... nobody makes one! Except Tesla. And maybe Chevy... maybe this year... probably next. Or the year after that.

[pajerry]

easy now, I was just being sarcastic. My friend owns a liberty, and he kicked himself silly when he saw what I bought for less than half of what he paid..

I wouldn't go near a liberty.

[mararmeisto]

easy now, I was just being sarcastic.

Sorry, didn't see the setting applied... I wasn't lashing out at you, just those who think the NAMPOS are all that there is, when the reality is it's all that's available.

[Luna-Sea]

Hey,
For a family ride I was considering a diesel Jeep liberty,
the engine has a good reputation,handled nicely and
I found a few WVO conversions had been done to these.
The dealer wanted 18k and wanted to give me
very very little for my trade in.

Along comes this 92 2.5 inter-cooled Pajero with the Super Select AWD/4WD plus a locking rear differential,triple shock ride system,ABS brakes suspension seats (these are SWEET),heated seats,leather seats (gotta take care of the mitsi leather as I understand),arm rest for the first two rows, HUGE moon roof that completely retracts,Full size spare tire holder on the tailgate with locking lug nut,sideways opening rear hatch for supreme grocery/stroller accessibility, inboard toolkit and flashlights,multiple 12v power points,all kind of rear seat folding and stowage options,double jet headlight washers,power antenna,holy crap
handles everywhere,skid plate,separate rear climate control,air conditioning and digital climate control.......

oh ya and yer altimeter,inclinometer,digital compass
,inside outside thermometer, Power windows and mirrors that fold in
I think the only thing missing is cruise control and a *EDIT "confetti" cannon!

Seriously WTF were these guys doing and why did they not
sprinkle a few more of these options on my L300?

Needless to say my lady has made the transition to RHD/suv land
in style and is not looking back at the overpriced NA models
left behind waiting to overcharge some other victim.

Right On!
* keeping it PG rated!

[delicove]

What a diesel won't do is get you across the intersection first when the light turns green; it won't allow you to cruise along the highway at 180km/h with the Jaguars and the Corvettes;

Oh yes it will!!!!
Not long ago I was driving older Audi TDI station wagon with Wetterauer chip and had no trouble doing 240 km/h on the autobahn keeping up with Porsches or MB's.

[mararmeisto]

What a diesel won't do is get you across the intersection first when the light turns green; it won't allow you to cruise along the highway at 180km/h with the Jaguars and the Corvettes;

Oh yes it will!!!!
Not long ago I was driving older Audi TDI station wagon with Wetterauer chip and had no trouble doing 240 km/h on the autobahn keeping up with Porsches or MB's.

Um, can I get one of those Wetterauer chips for my Pajero? What does that translate to: "go-frackin'-fasterer" chip?