Advice regarding D4D vs 2002 Pajero (Trading down)

[garethb Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close garethb]

Hello there group,
I'm after some good sound advice here. Currently my work vehicle is a 2007 D4D Auto (NZ New RV) and the company I work for, managenent is looking at getting rid of all our prados and replacing them with secondhand Pajeros of around 2002, probably 3.5 V6. (Some car dealer is offering 2 pajeros for one prado on a trade in- 2 for 1 deal)
Obviously i've become rather attached to my Prado and am looking for some technical ammunition to retain the Prado. My wagon is actually used, as I'm in the comms role repairing microwave relay sites on some pretty remote mountaintops and hilltop locations. The Prado has always got me there and back, even in some of the most arduous conditions. As an added bonus, the fuel economy in excess of 700 Km is pretty good too.
Doing long K's... I have the feeling that i will be somewhat underwhelmed on this possible backwards step.

Regards

[tileys Member Find all posts View Profile Close tileys]

Re: Advice regarding D4D vs 2002 Pajero (Trading down)

We did the reverse - went from a 3.5 petrol Pajero Exceed (2002 - last of the 3.5s b4 the 3.8 was released) to a 2008 D4D Prado. We got perhaps 11L/100 on an easy drive in the Pajero. That jumped to maybe 13L/100km when there were any hills involved (minimal towing). When we went to trade in they offered us anthing from 13-18$k (top of the range, only 80,000km and good nick) so I think they would feel as if they're getting a great deal if they can offload 2 Pajeros and received a vehicle very much sought after on the used market - the D4D (don't go by the Redbook value for a D4D - it will command a much higher price if you're looking for one). The Pajero (even in 3.8L) is very nice to drive but a pretty thirsty car and clobbered on the used market because of this. The diesel Pajeros command a much higher premium. The petrols are very common in the used market - we saw 7 or 8 on every forecourt for the 1 diesel we were looked for at the time (in late 2008).

I think this is a bad decision based on economics and would only start to make sense if they offered you 3-for-1 or 2-for-1 and some cash. There's potentially a lot of margin in the 2-for-1 deal for the dealer.

Also, I think the build quality for the Pajeros is a bit more hit and miss than the Prado. Ours was a very good car to be honest - tight to drive and quiet but ours was easily the best drive out of 3 other Pajero 3.5s owned by the extended family which although fairly reliable differed vastly in how they felt to drive - some were noisy and felt loose and rattly by comparison.

[Guest Close Guest]

Re: Advice regarding D4D vs 2002 Pajero (Trading down)

This thing about trading down only makes sense to the company accountant. I guess they want more vehicles so that more employees can get out there to do their job. The thing with buying used is better the devil you know than one you don't. The company should just stick with the current fleet of Prado D4D and buy more cheaper vehicles that have been thoroughly inspected and taken care off. by the sounds of things, you will be doing pretty high mileage. Buying a car that is already 5 years older would mean that problems will creep up earlier.

[ntp Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close ntp]

Re: Advice regarding D4D vs 2002 Pajero (Trading down)

I'm after some good sound advice here. Currently my work vehicle is a 2007 D4D Auto (NZ New RV) and the company I work for, managenent is looking at getting rid of all our prados and replacing them with secondhand Pajeros of around 2002, probably 3.5 V6.

Time for a new job. :shock:

(Some car dealer is offering 2 pajeros for one prado on a trade in- 2 for 1 deal)

Is it any wonder - and don't forget they're still getting the better end of this deal! :?