Looking At Buying A V75w Gdi Montero/pajero - 3.5 V6

[MSP0RT5]

Hi Guys,

Have looked at one of these super exceed pajero's (YOM late 2000) has the 3.5 GDI with the 5 speed tiptronic. Done about 55k, and interior/exterior is in remarkable condition for it's age. It's been in SL since 2003, so 5 years on still looking great.

I've test driven it twice over some very bumpy roads etc and no squeaks/rattles and engine pulls like a dream.

A few people however has cautioned me over the GDI motors - and fuel problems in particular. Is there anything to be worried about, and what sort of prices are these going for nowadays?

The 01+ locally (UML) delivered V6 version of the same thing goes for mid 5's. Is it worth spending a bit extra on a home delivered model? I need to make a decision fairly quick.. as the vehicle we were using (spare family car) has just been sold!

Thanks

Chris

[akila_9692]

The GDI fuel problem is real....I had a 2000 Pajero SWB (same body of the montero except it's shorter).

I tried pumping the 95 Octane for awhile...but it had no difference to the 90 on petrol usage. The GDI uses a lot more fuel..especially when running in the city..I ended up selling it...n bought a 2002 Montero V6 and i'm happy with it...

[milindu]

Hi Guys,

Have looked at one of these super exceed pajero's (YOM late 2000) has the 3.5 GDI with the 5 speed tiptronic. Done about 55k, and interior/exterior is in remarkable condition for it's age. It's been in SL since 2003, so 5 years on still looking great.

I've test driven it twice over some very bumpy roads etc and no squeaks/rattles and engine pulls like a dream.

A few people however has cautioned me over the GDI motors - and fuel problems in particular. Is there anything to be worried about, and what sort of prices are these going for nowadays?

The 01+ locally (UML) delivered V6 version of the same thing goes for mid 5's. Is it worth spending a bit extra on a home delivered model? I need to make a decision fairly quick.. as the vehicle we were using (spare family car) has just been sold!

Thanks

Chris

The V6 suspension is stiffer than the JDM version so the ride does get relatively bumpy. The V6 gets about 4-4.5km/l in the city while the GDI in mint will do 5.5km/l. Its when the system gets old...the problems start.

If you can live with the ride and the fuel, the V6 would be the option to go for.

Had a 3.5 V6 B.New version with the works. Sold it for 47.50 with 100k on the clock mainly due to the bumpy ride and the rattling.

Have you looked at the Harriers?

[MSP0RT5]

The spare car which is being sold is in fact a harrier 2003 240G. But we need a 7 seater with 3 kids plus usually carting around someone or the other.

Don't want to spend extra for the Prado, as Montero seems to offer decent value for money in it's price segment.

Are there any non-agent Pajero specialists around (ie. a Milr*y type person for Mitsu )?

The V6 suspension is stiffer than the JDM version so the ride does get relatively bumpy. The V6 gets about 4-4.5km/l in the city while the GDI in mint will do 5.5km/l. Its when the system gets old...the problems start.

If you can live with the ride and the fuel, the V6 would be the option to go for.

Had a 3.5 V6 B.New version with the works. Sold it for 47.50 with 100k on the clock mainly due to the bumpy ride and the rattling.

Have you looked at the Harriers?

[milindu]

The spare car which is being sold is in fact a harrier 2003 240G. But we need a 7 seater with 3 kids plus usually carting around someone or the other.

Don't want to spend extra for the Prado, as Montero seems to offer decent value for money in it's price segment.

Are there any non-agent Pajero specialists around (ie. a Milr*y type person for Mitsu )?

You will miss the smooth ride of the Harrier.

Yeah....the Montry is definitely bang for the buck and you can sell it off someday.

We did most of the repairs including the suspension work at our company garage with spares from New Indik@ M*t*rs. There was a power steering pump replacement which cost about 200k at the agents since the spares were not available in Singapore (Singapore doesn't have any big SUV if you noticed - I haven't seen anything bigger than the Rav 4s and the X-Trails.). Body parts are easily available in Delkanda.

Not sure about other garages that handle Montys.

I actually moved from the Monty to a Prado TZ. The difference is fully worth it if your budget permits.

[MSP0RT5]

You will miss the smooth ride of the Harrier.

Yeah....the Montry is definitely bang for the buck and you can sell it off someday.

We did most of the repairs including the suspension work at our company garage with spares from New Indik@ M*t*rs. There was a power steering pump replacement which cost about 200k at the agents since the spares were not available in Singapore (Singapore doesn't have any big SUV if you noticed - I haven't seen anything bigger than the Rav 4s and the X-Trails.). Body parts are easily available in Delkanda.

Not sure about other garages that handle Montys.

I actually moved from the Monty to a Prado TZ. The difference is fully worth it if your budget permits.

I agree about the smooth ride. I was in the Harrier this afternoon and it's very car like! We have a Prado TX at home too (home being my inlaws - we just got back from Melbourne, so about to move into our own place), and yes ride quality is chalk and cheese against a montero.

Most prado's seem to be in the 7.2+ range, and I really want to restrict myself to 5.5-6mill or so. I took a fortuner for a driver as well, and it drove nicely, very quiet etc, but found the luggage space a bit restricted with the extra seats folded up on the sides, and also they were asking 7.8m!

Any other suggestions? Will keep hunting on the Monteros. I loved the way the GDI drove though, and it goes surprisingly well for something of that weight!! However, if it's going to give me issues (and will no doubt affect resale) I'd rather not touch it, even if it is cheaper than the local models.

[fuzzo]

we have a gdi montero at home..been with us for about 2 years. not really had any issues with the gdi engine yet... it's very finicky on fuel though. pumped 90 octane one time and it threw a check engine light within 1km from the shed.... but drove fine...

after filling up with 95, the light went away...

i would gofor the super exceed model if i were you coz it comes with all the bells and whistles. if you can't find a SE, then go for the domestic version..

[MSP0RT5]

How many K's has it done fuzzo, and is it a daily driver?

On the road today I noticed several GDI's running around now, most in the H/J reg's, so I guess they're still plenty about and must be reasonably reliable if that's the case? (or people just can't sell em... ) But really for under 5m, it seems pretty good value for everything you get, especially the SE.

we have a gdi montero at home..been with us for about 2 years. not really had any issues with the gdi engine yet... it's very finicky on fuel though. pumped 90 octane one time and it threw a check engine light within 1km from the shed.... but drove fine...

after filling up with 95, the light went away...

i would gofor the super exceed model if i were you coz it comes with all the bells and whistles. if you can't find a SE, then go for the domestic version..

[fuzzo]

our has around 75k on the clock.. it's driven almost daily but not the primary vehicle..

SE for under 5 mil i would say is a good deal.. we payed 6 for ours 2 years back. it also has a k reg so that might be more the reason for the higher price..

[xXx]

solely from my observations GDI engines in Pajero IO's are prone for more issues than the ones on montys. i vaguely remember someone mentioning in this forum there is a connection between the size of the engine and the GDI issue. agents strategy of trashing the recon imports instead of finding a proper solution for the issue didn't help much either. plus there are plenty of mechanics who can rectify this issue these days.

domestic montys truly are good value for money in the current market. with the economy slowly picking up and with the IMF loan coming in unreg vehicles will be a thing of the past (thanks to ever increasing taxes and custom duty) and the value of registered vehicles have no way but to go up. if i were you i wouldn't worry too much about the resale price as long as you are hoping to hold on to the vehicle for atleast couple of years.

[xXx]

The spare car which is being sold is in fact a harrier 2003 240G. But we need a 7 seater with 3 kids plus usually carting around someone or the other.

doubt there are too many alternatives to cater to your requirements withing the budget you have mentioned. only thing that pops to my mind is the Suzuki XL7.

[MSP0RT5]

doubt there are too many alternatives to cater to your requirements withing the budget you have mentioned. only thing that pops to my mind is the Suzuki XL7.

From my looking around I think you're right. I had a look at the XL7 but it's looking a bit dated (inside and out).

Was doing some reading on the Third Gen Pajero / Montero. didn't realise it was designed by Pinafarina! The GDI engine technology is still used in Japan it seems and Volvo & Hyundai actually licensed the technology of Mitsu for use in their cars as well. It seems the issue might lie with SL fuel however as with the GDI induction process, the fuel octane & quality plays a major role in it's operation. But I would assume that the same fuel quality would also affect other domestic vehicles such as the B4 mentioned in another thread (although the EJ20TT doesn't employ GDI, but would be tuned for the 95-98 octane fuel I mean).

My budget has been creeping from 5 to 6, and today was thinking 6.5!! haha.. But ideally the less the better (as always).

Thanks for the responses. xXx do you know of any mech's that looking after the GDI engines?

[pradfred]

From my looking around I think you're right. I had a look at the XL7 but it's looking a bit dated (inside and out).

Agree leave the Suzuki.

Had a GDi too and as Fuzzo mentioned no issues. Ideal vehicle for the family ( not used as the daily driver though) but when we did pack her up and hit the road. Wow. The comfort and power are great for that price.

I too have run 90 Octane on a long trip and had no issues - pumped 95 after that of course so I think the issue is if 90 is used extensively.

Had a Prado too, and the ride is choppy in comparison .

Go for the Monty - use her and when the time comes sell her. Simple as dat Super exceed trim only with that Mega sunroof - ideal for wildlife watching .

[MSP0RT5]

Haha.. done deal! You should write ads

I'm still in two minds. The GDI has everything I want. If I want a V6, I want the 2003 model which means about 1.2m more for the vehicle. The depreciation should be the same on both. So is it worth paying more upfront for it??

Thoughts?

Agree leave the Suzuki.

Had a GDi too and as Fuzzo mentioned no issues. Ideal vehicle for the family ( not used as the daily driver though) but when we did pack her up and hit the road. Wow. The comfort and power are great for that price.

I too have run 90 Octane on a long trip and had no issues - pumped 95 after that of course so I think the issue is if 90 is used extensively.

Had a Prado too, and the ride is choppy in comparison .

Go for the Monty - use her and when the time comes sell her. Simple as dat Super exceed trim only with that Mega sunroof - ideal for wildlife watching .

[shalendra]

I'm very happy with my 2001 model(domestic version) GDI V75W Super Exceed, i have been used this jeep for last 6years and i pumped only 90octane.I did't get any trouble in this jeep smoothly ran. I did service in the due date at Unit#d Mot#rs that is all i did treat for this jeep. I don't have any experience with Brand new V6 version but i'm sure brand new version cannot compare with domestic version especially GDI engine sudden pickup & suspension comfortable.

[LaZyBoY]

I thought you had to run GDI engines on 95 or they'd go pop?

What's a realistic price for a SWB V65 Monty on H- or J- plates, these days?

I'm very happy with my 2001 model(domestic version) GDI V75W Super Exceed, i have been used this jeep for last 6years and i pumped only 90octane.I did't get any trouble in this jeep smoothly ran. I did service in the due date at Unit#d Mot#rs that is all i did treat for this jeep. I don't have any experience with Brand new V6 version but i'm sure brand new version cannot compare with domestic version especially GDI engine sudden pickup & suspension comfortable.

[gti89]

hi guys!!

im looking forward to buy a 1998 TZ prado (diesel), im not quit sure of its market value.. what's the highest price can i go for?

to be honest the vehicle is in its mint condition.........

real muscle vehicle..

thanks

Edited August 7, 2011 by gti89

[DevakaC]

hi guys!!

im looking forward to buy a 1998 TZ prado (diesel), im not quit sure of its market value.. what's the highest price can i go for?

to be honest the vehicle is in its mint condition.........

real muscle vehicle..

thanks

Did you give up the idea of buying a Montero GDI and converting it to diesel?

I don't know about the Prado being a "real muscle vehicle" but the market is around 6.5 for one of those things.

Btw next time use the darn search box and post on a related thread. The last time I checked a montero was different to a prado.

[gti89]

ye i gave up buying a converted montero bcz of its conversion issues...... i dont wanna take a risk on that.....