advice needed

Oct 4, 2010
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Hi still looking to replace my Pajero.
We tow a Compass Rambler 2003 18/4.
We need a 4x4 or an estate as we have 4 springer spaniels.
So your advice would be grateful. We only have a £1000 to spend.
Thanks.
 
Nov 11, 2009
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I'd stick with the Pajero as buying a £1000 car could easily leave you with a bill significantly above your budget. At your budget auctions or eBay would get you best value if you know your motors or have a friend who does. Most dealers will be selling 'as seen' at your budget.
 
Nov 11, 2009
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Hi
just thought that there are some well looked after Volvos come up on the Volvo Owners Club forums, but you would need to check towing load against your vans MTPLM. But I have seen 7 and 9 series as well as early V70s. 850s tend to be sought after so fetch good prices.
 
Oct 4, 2010
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Hi thanks for comments, I know there's not much choice with the budget that i've got but we need 2 cars as hubby works 50 miles away from home and i work 25 miles away from home also, the oppsite way to hubby.

I've had quotes of around £700 to repair the Pajreo so im worried that im throwing good money down the drain. After head going again within 6 months of first time.
The only other thing we could would be to sell the van but we enjoy caravanning so much.
 

Parksy

Moderator
Nov 12, 2009
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Hi Anne
With funds being a bit tight at the moment if I were you I'd ask the experts on the Pajero Owners Club Click Here
These guys (and gals) may be able to give you good advice about where to have the repair done for less than £700, it's even been known for these friendly Paj owners to come round and do the job.
Whatever happens at least you will probably find out why you are having trouble with the cylider head so that you can make an informed decision.
I'm a Pajero owner myself, these trucks are usually bombproof. Is your Paj the 2.5 diesel, the 2.8 or the petrol V6?
 
Aug 23, 2009
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Okay so my replacement buget at the time was over yours but....... When I was faced with a large bill for my 2.8pajero I traded it in! I really, in hindsight wished I hadn't. I was worried about what would go next but every time I see it still pottering around I wish I still had it. In my opinion for that sort of buget you can't beat them! If I had room on the drive I'd buy it back tomorrow just as a toy. I replaced it with a three year old Rexton which although did the job well I still prefered the pajero.
 
Aug 4, 2004
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Another suitable bomb proof vehicle is the Toyota HiLux Surf 3.0L auto. Avoid the 2.4 model, however ou will struggle to get a reasonable one for £1000 possibly £1500, but you never know your luck. What is wrong with the Pajero?
 
May 12, 2011
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I think your Compass is mid sized single axle so do you really need a 4x4? I would consider a cheap Mondeo or Citroen C5 estate with that budget, they will be cheaper to buy and you'll probably save a fortune in fuel both solo and towing.
(BTW This isn't a dig at four wheel drive, I've got an X-trail.)
 
Oct 4, 2010
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Hi i need to be looking at 1647kg kerbweight according to David Motton as i sent him an email.
So i think it's to be a 4x4.
I think i'll have to get pajero repaired fingers crossed it'll be 3rd time lucky.
 
Oct 4, 2010
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Parksy said:
Hi Anne
With funds being a bit tight at the moment if I were you I'd ask the experts on the Pajero Owners Club Click Here
These guys (and gals) may be able to give you good advice about where to have the repair done for less than £700, it's even been known for these friendly Paj owners to come round and do the job.
Whatever happens at least you will probably find out why you are having trouble with the cylider head so that you can make an informed decision.
I'm a Pajero owner myself, these trucks are usually bombproof. Is your Paj the 2.5 diesel, the 2.8 or the petrol V6?
 

Parksy

Moderator
Nov 12, 2009
11,904
2,400
40,935
From what you wrote in your email it looks as though there is a major blockage in the cooling system.
Was the radiator and cooling system properly flushed out when the last head gasket repair was done? There is no point in replacing a cylinder head gasket unless you know for sure what it was that has caused the overheating.
Towing your caravan wouldn't cause the problem unless it is grossly overloaded. We tow our t/a Abbey 620 which weighs in fully loaded at 1645kg, except that we never load to the maximum.
It's a fair bet that after repeated overheating and gasket failure the surfaces of the cylinder block and head would need to be tested for warping and machined true.
It might be cheaper to look on E-bay for Pajero spares and buy a complete replacement engine part ex, unbolt the old one, hoist it out and bolt in a replacement.

One thing to remember with Pajero's is that the engine oil, air, fuel and oil filters should be changed regularly, every 6000 miles at the most. It's an easy diy job, use good semi synth engine oil and if the Paj has an auto gearbox make sure that the automatic transmission fluid is not burnt and in need of replacement of as much as you can drain. (you won't get all of it in one go because of the torque converter)
The other alternative is to look for a cheap replacement 4X4, there are plenty of 2.5 Pajeros for around £1000 but the LWB model is seriously underpowered. A good SWB 2.5TD might be a temporary solution, you'd have to fold the back seats down for the dogs though.
 

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