Pajero 3.5 on sand
I want to hear from all the Pajero 3.5 owners out there.
I'm looking to buy a second car, mainly to use as my daily commuter, but something capable of a little offroading. I think Pajero is good value for money, but I really dont need all the bells&whistles that come in the full package (and drive the cost up).
If I could get a 3.8 with nothing else I would, but I dont want to pay an extra 30-40k for stuff I dont want (sunroof, rear camera, sound system etc).
I would even go for the 3 door, but somehow that ends up being more expensive than the basic 5 door, because 3 door only comes in full package...
So I'm considering the 3.5 engine basic model with no frills, but I want to know how capable is it on sand ? I dont care how it feels on the road/highway, I already have a comfortable city suv.
And for offroading I'm not interested in doing crazy dune bashing, dont want to go up steep slopes, but at the very least I want to be able to go on gently sloping sand without worrying about getting stuck or overheating the engine, tranmission, anything else...
So is the 3.5 good enough for this? I've heard a lot that driving on sand is all about technique (and reducing tire pressure), do I really need a 3.8 for what I plan to use it for ?
Followup question, should i bother do something to improve ground clearance, or is it OK as-is ?
I was actually looking at the SWB first...but I find it hard to justify paying 15-20k more for a smaller car (3.5 SWB starts at 95k compared to 80k for basic LWB).
Not that I care about the size, if anything I'll probably take out the 3rd row seats to reduce weight.
Thanks for the feedback...I'm leaning toward the LWB 3.5, mainly due to lower cost, and due to the fact that I'll hit the dunes no more than a handful of times a year...and even then mainly to the beach in places like fuwairit and sealine :-D
I rent a 3.5 for about 6 months.
For me the 3.5 was very good actually. Never got stuck in the desert (even at times I was really afraid I will). Been to inland sea several times, taking both the easy way, between the dunes, and the funy way, on top of some dunes.
the engine is a bit slow to accelerate, but quite powerful. anyway, enough to get you through the sand.
I plan to buy a new one, basic model (price 80k). Sure, I would love a 3.8 or a landcruiser, but paying 50-100-150% more just for the "like" hurts too much.
It is a good car .. You will have fun my pal
The Pajero LWB 3.5L is not really built for the desert. It is low on torque and also sits quote low to clear dunes , ridges etc. The 3 door is much more adaptable , lighter and fun.