Mitsubishi Pajero Problems

It is using too much oil as you suggest, but you don’t say how much it was using back when you first noticed it, or if you brought it to the attention of the dealer. A dealer is unlikely to know when an engine is using oil unless the owner tells him or her. It’s too late now to do anything about it, the issue should have been addressed when the vehicle was under warranty, and the initiative has to come from the owner.

NORMALLY the engine would last much longer than 107,000km and it's unlikely that yours needs replacement, though it might need reconditioning for some reason. We asked Mitsubishi for their input on your case and they told us the problem is likely to have been caused by sludge build-up in the engine as a result of it either not being serviced, or being poorly serviced. Because it hasn't been serviced at a Mitsubishi dealer they can't check its service history.

IT DEPENDS on the all-up weight of your caravan, but I would be looking at a used 2001-2003 Mitsubishi Pajero, preferably diesel, which would handle your towing needs, and be reliable and reasonably economical.

I WOULD like to be able to confirm that the problem with the 3-litre turbodiesel engine has been fixed, but I can't. My attempts to get Nissan to own up to a fix have been a dismal failure. All it would tell me is it would take care of owners of any Patrol that had an engine problem. Read into that what you will.

YOU'VE done 70,000km without any problem, which is enough for any problem to surface, so I'd leave it. I've heard of some issues with engines blowing up on these systems, but it's because drivers take full advantage of the power boost and drive their vehicles harder, instead of easing off on the throttle and getting full advantage of the fuel-cost savings.

USE a quality head gasket, like a factory spare, and you should have no trouble. When you've got the heads off, inspect for cracks and warping. Consider having the heads faced to make sure they're flat when they go back on, and certainly grind the valves.

THE rotten egg smell is usually a sign of a problem with the catalytic converter. Take it to a mechanic and have it checked.

THE Jackaroo should be OK, but I'd look at a Pajero, which I think would be a better choice. As for the Falcon, the cars you are looking at have to be seen in isolation because of their age and kilometres. The Falcons are generally tough, but are known to have problems with radiators and head gaskets. At that number of kilometres I'd have the auto transmission carefully checked, particularly if you intend to tow.