2014 GLS 3.5 LWB Major Mechanical Works Worth It or Not

[randomhustler]

Hi Everyone, I've taken ownership of a 2014 LWB 3.5 GLS Pajero (Top-level trim for what its worth) but the car needs a fair bit of mechanical work.

Its done about 280K on the clock without any visits to the garage except a recent full engine rebuild to extend lifetime, it looks super clean inside and outside.

I was just wondering if you were in my position, would you opt to get all this work done? Or can I let it go? What is the impact of me continuing to drive without getting these bits sorted?

I'm not very experienced on the Mitsubishi Pajero so looking to some of the resident experts for advice.

[Gaurav]

What issue are you experiencing, and do you intend to off-road with this or keep it for road use?

Mechanic listed various parts from different areas, so probably some are preventive maintenance actions and some are critical.

[randomhustler]

Thanks for your reply @Gaurav, the particular car will not go off-road, it is purely to be used in the city and maybe the odd sandlot if we come across in on our drives, not your typical off-roading at all.

I've stood next to the mechanic when he's shown me all the bits and bobs he's listed on the quotation so the work requirements seem legitimate. Although the car seems to drive without much of an issue so

I'm not sure which parts are definitely needed now versus what can be left as-is and replaced at failure. Another reason for posting here is to understand if the parts quotes make sense or are they using this as an opportunity to skim a bit off the parts price.

If it helps, I can always share videos of the observations, but I don't think I can post them here.

Edited May 20, 2025 by randomhustler

[Gaurav]

If its a city car, do it on as-is basis simply because its not going to be stressed in sand.

Gasket, seal, hoses, brake can be done now.

Suspension & diff parts (13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 12, 22) can wait until stronger symptoms appear, which you can feel while driving loud and clear.

While at spark plug change, ask mechanic to do the compression test to check the engine actual health. If all cylinder firing above 150-180 psi, it means the rebuild was good. If not, you might have a lot more issues and it's worth considering whether to keep the car or not.

Engine rebuild seems normal, but with the quality of workmanship existing here it's always a shady part.

Secondly guy selling a rebuilt engine Pajero raises more suspicion, as if all fake parts were used to cut corners and now they started to show their age (esp tappet cover gasket, real crank seal, torque converter seal).

[randomhustler]

That makes sense because its virtually never going off-road (The odd scrap once a year tops).

Thanks for the advice on the compression test, I'll get them to do that for me.

Also, super helpful advice on what maintenance can be deferred. Part of me thinks I might as well just get it done now and forget about it for the near future and part of me says why not save as much as I can and run this down.

Decisions, decisions!

I took over ownership from family and they were quite transparent on the fact that they tried to salvage as many parts as possible to keep the cost down.

The car was being used sparingly since they got a new daily driver and we needed a car for the Missus to do school runs, this seemed like a steal for AED 10K. They even did the RTA renewal for me a fortnight ago so its good for a year on that.

I still maintain it is because most of what seems to be marked for replacement should be expected after 10+ years and nearly 300K on the clock.

Edited May 20, 2025 by randomhustler

[Gaurav]

Agree with your approach, if the engine is in good health, all expenses are justified as per its age.

[randomhustler]

You're a legend, mate. Thanks, @Gaurav.