G’day all. Having an internal debate atm and interested in other’s thoughts. I’ll try to keep context as brief as possible:
I currently have a 2009 GU patrol and a 2003 xtrail, would like to replace the xtrail in the short term and the GU within 5 years or so. Both vehicles are pretty solid and reliable, but showing their age. The GU is set up for camping in remote areas, which we do a lot of - it’s definitely not a mall crawler. Been looking lately at the Pajero Sport as a replacement for the xtrail. Reasoning is it would be far better than the patrol for highway trips, my daughter and her boyfriend could use it to tag along with us on camping trips, and if push came to shove it could be a somewhat reasonable stand-in for the patrol, even if it doesn’t go as far (not likely to invest in aux battery, rear drawer setup etc). The pajero sport could never replace the GU though, just in terms of packing space and roof load capacity - we camp in national parks a lot so we have to bring all our firewod in with us and it’s not uncommon for me to have 100 kg on the roof. For my budget, I could get a 2020+ with under 100k, and reasonably well equipped if I hold out (which I’m doing). The plan so far has been to do that and then 5 years down the road look at replacements for the GU.
But a particular 200 has just popped up for sale. Appears to be very well maintained, and exceptionally well equipped. It’s definitely been around, 270k, but one owner with full service history. Asking price $40k. 2013 model. I’ve gotta say, I’m seriously tempted. Neither my wife nor myself has much of a commute, so fuel costs of running a landcruiser and patrol are pretty negligible, and the additional costs in servicing both would be manageable until I can pay off the cruiser and trade the GU.
Am I crazy? I know it sounds that way for sure, but this particular cruiser is pretty special in terms of what’s been put into it and the fact that it’s a 12 year old car with a single owner and full history. At first I thought no way, but I think I’m starting to talk myself into it. Of course I’d pay for an inspection first.
I don’t need anyone to make the decision for me, I’m going to do what I’m going to do. But I’m interested in hearing some perspectives. Given the spend is about the same, an exceptional (presumably) 270k 12 year old 200 series, or a 100k 5 yeard old pajero sport?
Cheers.
I’d’ve though high mileage was like 600k. My 85 diesel hiace is only at 260k but still runs a treat. Bought it off a guy who had it as his spare van, mostly drove his Ute. Personally I’d go the simpler built 200 because the paj will occasionally be lacking and you’ll always regret it.
It’s like you read my mind!
Just adding to that reply, which I may have typed a little hastily - the counterpoint to that in the internal debate is that I then end up with 2 cars that don’t fit in underground or multilevel carparks. Not a huge or frequent deal, but an angle to consider.
But still an excellent point! 👍
Yeah I’ve got the same issue with the van at 2.2m. I avoid anything under 2.4m with the ramps and speed bumps and whatnot. Insurance is pretty unforgiving with height accidents.