Pajero Vs. Everest, Some Advice Please

[SKAPOOR]

Hi All,

I have been looking for a new 7 seater SUV in Bangkok and have narrowed my way down to 2 choices, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Ford Everest Ltd. Since I need a vehicle more for transport and family trips, I am opting for the 2WD version.

I rented the Toyota Fortuner for a few weeks, and then the Pajero for a few weeks and didn't notice any differences between the engines other than the Fortuner having poorer fuel efficiency. Also, the price of the Fortuner over the Everest/Pajero is nearly 200K-300K, and I didn't really see the justification for the higher price other than it being a TOYOTA! Therefore, I am opting between the Everest and Pajero.

I just finished my Everest test drive and it handled well, similar to the Pajero (keep in mind I just drove it near the dealership). The interior of the Everest was slightly better, had 6 way A/C adjustment for the rear passengers, 4 airbags, and a fold down DVD screen at the 2nd row.

However the ground clearance of the Everest wasn't that high, and it was longer than the Pajero due to the spare tire at the back. Also, some little things like there being no interior light for the driver/passenger at the front was a bit of an annoyance as I'm often times lost needing a map or needing to read something!

Anyways, I wanted to ask all the Pajero and Everest owners their experience with their cars....good or bad as well as those who considered a 7 seater for their advice and recommendations. I dont' want to pull the trigger until I'm sure I've made the right choice.

Thank you in advance for your help!

[thaicbr]

Skapoor. surely the light is just above your head between the front and rear seats. also if you get lost so often... get a GPS. 10,900baht for a Garmin 310 from Tesco Lotus (EDIT IT already comes with a GPS navidation system). If you have a 2wd why do you need lots of ground clearance. I would imagine that you would get more freebies with the Ford, window tint, free insurance etc. I have been told that the Ford duotorque (what ever its called)engine is very good. Also "And it’s safe – the only SUV in its class offering both dual front and side air bags" write up here.http://www.automobilesreview.com/auto-news/2009-ford-everest/14528/

I would go with ya gut feeling which one do YOU prefer, you going to be driving it for a few years.

Allan

[snowflake]

I would and I will probably buy the pajero at the end of this year! I like the looks and the comfor that it gives you.

I would not buy a Ford because of resale value. A second hand fortuner is a good buy with prices now touching below 800K That might be a way to go if you do not care about the new car thing...

Buy what you like, you are the one that will be stuck with it!

[Gary A]

I have never owned an Everest but I was talking to a VERY satisfied German owner while getting my car serviced at the local Ford dealer. He claimed it is the best vehicle he has ever owned.

[steelepulse]

Does the everest have a new look, or is it the same tired early 2000's look? That would be the only  thing that would make me think twice is if a new model was due, then this model will depreciate quickly once a new model is out.

[katabeachbum]

Pajeros modern rear coilspring and the way 3rd row seat folds, and resale value, would decide it for me.

Everest 20 year old handbrake under the steeringwheel, if it still has it after present facelift.

The 2,5D rearwheeldrives are good value for money. Fortuner cant compete with them.

[maurits2000]

The Fortuner engines are upgraded to 3.0 liter turbo with intercooler. I drove both the old 2.7 petrol engine and the new 3.0 TD.

It is really a HUGE difference! Also in fuel economics. And since most thai are Toyota lovers, its resale value will for sure be higher. A lot probably. Just my 2 cents.

Pajeros modern rear coilspring and the way 3rd row seat folds, and resale value, would decide it for me.

Everest 20 year old handbrake under the steeringwheel, if it still has it after present facelift.

The 2,5D rearwheeldrives are good value for money. Fortuner cant compete with them.