Prado or Pajero

[Renbuguy]

Hi all,

I'm looking to import a DIESEL SUV from Japan to Canada, I think.... I've got my eye on either an early 90's Pajero or Prado 70's series.
I plan to use the vehicle as a daily driver/work truck(tool hauler for carpentry), and also a roof top tent set up for 4x4 camping exploration.
Fuel economy is important to me. Also rear diff lock would be nice for those sticky spots I might run into while trying to find my next lakeside campsite.
What do you guys think about these two vehicles? Any ideas or suggestions?

 

[GingerBeardMan78]

I would go with the Prado. Just out of personal desires and taste. I've owned enough mitsus to know why they are not as popular as toyotas. I'm sure you'll be happy with either though.

 

[James Deaton]

My daughter loves her 93 Montero... first car, and she’s already done tons of overlanding with it. The local Mitsu dealer has had all the parts we’ve needed so far, at very reasonable costs. Just finished valve guide seals and valve cover gaskets on it... Dakar winner multiple times ya know...

 

[Renbuguy]

Thanks for the pics James! I do like the Montero/Pajero. I would like to get a diesel one though. I've also read that lifting them is limited to about 2 inches, but that might just be enough for some added ground clearance. Do you know if your daughter's has a locking rear diff? Locking center and rear diffs seems like a great bonus to any 4x4.
Any idea what fuel mileage she gets? Mid 20's or...?

 

[James Deaton]

MPG: ~15 according to the window sticker
Locking rear diff: Not on this model. It does have limited slip in the rear though.
Locking center diff: Yep.

I haven't really looked into lift kits for hers. In stock form it is fine for what we do. I did crank up the torsion bars in the front to level it out... I don't like lifting vehicles more than 2" to 2.5" anyway, because then you have to deal with fixing drivetrain angles... I don't want more problems, so I try to keep things as stock as possible (regarding the running gear).

 

[Mrgalantguy]

I may be bias...but the Pajero is what I would recommend. They may not be as popular here in the N.A market but they are very successful and popular in many other world markets.

What generation Pajero/Montero you looking to find...Gen 1 or Gen 2 early 90's? Either or the 2.5 4D56TD is a very stout and reliable motor and the drivetrain in the Monteros/Pajeros have always been stout from factory.

The 4D56 td's were also in the Delicas too.

Yes...Pajeros/Monteros/Shoguns won the Dakar rally a record 12 times

 

[Renbuguy]

Yes, and diesel pajeros are much cheaper to import. I wonder what year they began including rear diff locks? I think I'd probably opt for the newer 2.8L 4M40. I did read on an aussie site that they're more reliable, but I have no evidence to prove this.
I like the old ones due to there boxy shape and mechanical simplicity, but I also like the reliability and comfort of a newer vehicle.
You have a '98? Is it diesel?

 

[James Deaton]

I can tell you from my short experience with our 93, they are super simple and easy to work on. Parts are cheap, and if you are willing to do your own wrenching it is very rewarding because things are so easy to fix...

 

[Renbuguy]

After some more research(it never ends...) I am wondering about the Gen 3 Pajeros?
Are they as rugged and spacious for offroad use and camping gear?
Can they be as easily modified with small lifts, bush bumpers, and roof racks? (I do think the older one's look much cooler... :)

As far as engines, which is the better work horse of the 2.5, 2.8, 3.2?
Does the 3.2 guzzle more fuel than the 2.8?
Is the 2.5 gutless?

 

[James Deaton]

I can't answer that one, but I can tell you the earlier models had a 3.0L engine with either 12 valves or 24 valves. So far I like the 12 valve in our 1993 model. Less moving parts, less valves/guides/seals to replace... It is quite peppy also. Very surprising actually....

 

[Mrgalantguy]

Check out this read...https://jdmjourneys.wordpress.com/2018/05/16/profile-second-generation-pajero-v20-v40/

 

[Renbuguy]

Thanks Mrgalantguy. Nice write-up there. I read the article previous to that one about the 1999 gen 3 as well... I'm still on the fence deciding between the Gen 2 or Gen 3. Being in Canada, we can import up to a 2003 model. Lots of nice specs added with the Gen 3 including that 3.2 that's better on fuel.

 

[Mrgalantguy]

The guy that wrote that article is Phil Hartsford...he is from Canada. You can find him on Instagram JDMjourneys and on the Montero Owners USA facebook group. He has a nice collection of Pajero/Montero. He has a Pajero Evolution and he just bought a Gen 3 SWB. He will be the best to give you a good idea of the Gen 3 with the diesel.

 

[Renbuguy]

Right on, I'll search him out. Thanks.

I like the look of yours in your profile pic.

 

[Mrgalantguy]

Phil knows his stuff...like I said, he recently just bought a SWB Gen 3 and another LWD Gen 3 for his wife ...both straight from Japan.

Thanks...slowly building it, fortunately the previous owner took great care of it. I am focusing on the suspension this year. Gathering a bunch of small suspension upgrades and OEM replacements.

Here is my build thread here.
https://overlandbound.com/forums/threads/1998-mitsubishi-montero-winter-package-w-adjustable-suspension-project-groot.13914/

 

[ClevelandMoto]

I have imported a few of each and the Turbo Diesel in the early-90's Prado can be a problem. Watch for bad head gaskets and overheating. Water/contamination in the coolant creates problems. The Diesel in the Pajero's is SLOW and screams on the freeway. I've settled on a 92 3.0 gas Pajero SWB for myself. Handles freeways just fine 24 mpg, and does remarkably well off-road, I've got the adj ride height, but it only adds 2".