What is the reading on the odometer?
The vehicle has done 258 000 km.

How much did you pay for it?
I bought it as a code 3 vehicle − it hadn’t been involved in an accident, but the insurance company wrote it off after the previous owner had tried using it as a freshwater submarine.

I made an offer of R75 000 (the reserve price was R89 000), and within a few hours the offer was accepted.

Was it a long process to repair it?
I first had to drain about 5 litres of water from the sump. The engine wouldn’t start, and I suspected the diesel pump was faulty. I sent the pump for repairs and just R400 later I could install it. With the first turn of the key the engine started and ran like a dream.

Other repairs involved replacing all the oil, and the Pajero also received a thorough service (I am a qualified diesel mechanic). All the carpets and seats were thoroughly cleaned and dried, the carpets were Scotch Guarded and the seats received a leather treatment.

I paid an extra R5 000 for a new ABS computer, and ever since everything has been working 100% − the electric windows, central locking, alarm, instruments and air-con.

Apart from the purchase price, I only spent an extra R8 000 to get it in cracking nick again.

Does it have a nickname?
Submarine, for the above-mentioned reasons

Where have you been in it?
Since I have bought it, it has done about 25 000 km, of which most have been outside the borders of South Africa (without a single problem, I have to add – not even a flat tyre).

We have been to Mozam¬bique and to Namibia twice.

Last year we went on a 6 000 km long tour through Namibia up to the Caprivi and Botswana.

My average fuel consumption over the full 25 000 km is a very acceptable 8 km/litre.

Why a Pajero?
It is my first Pajero and by far the best vehicle when it comes to off-road capability and driving comfort.

What do you like?
I like the spaciousness − it has enough room for passengers’ legs, and also the diesel engine’s torque off-road.

The central diff-lock has also bailed me out of very difficult situations.

And what not?
I haven’t been able to find any fault thus far.

Modifications?
I have made no modifications, but would like to increase the ground clearance slightly.

Your best memories of the vehicle?
Last year’s trouble-free trip through Namibia (the Messum Crater, Brandberg, Etosha and the Caprivi).

If it had to be a celebrity, who would it be?
The Man from Atlantis

If we gave you R10 000 to spend on it …
I would buy a roof rack.

Originally published in Drive Out #27 | Oct-Nov 2008