RohanH

I wanted to join this as it would have been my first fewbie drive. Off roaders were exactly on time to do RSVP.  No worries ,I did RSVP for morning newbie. Would like to join this if get vacancy arises.😷

43 minutes ago, Gaurav said:

Congratulations @RohanH for reaching the fewbie level with Carnity Offroad club. 

Based on your last newbie drive you have demonstrated skills required deserving this new offroad rank.

Looking forward to seeing you growing further and helping others to learn the art of offroading in a safe environment.

Once you have all the required off-road gear, you are most welcome to join the fewbie level drives with Carnity Off-road club.

P.S. Trip lead might deny your participation if you don't have required off-road gear.

Fewbie:

Number of drives	10 (16 Newbie + Fewbie drives)
Level of drives	Willingness to learn + Enthusiasm + Basic dune reading
Off-road gear	Flag, deflator, tire gauge, shovel, fire extinguisher, medical kit, radio, compressor.
Drive teamwork	Observe recovery from a safe distance and offer help when needed
Drive posting/joining	Join newbie and fewbie level of drives only
Forum participation	Active participation on forum. Share drive experience + feedback on forum and pictures in gallery

Forum participation and helping with community spirit is recommended for faster upgrades at all levels.

Thank you very much. I am really happy to receive this recognition. 

On 5/31/2020 at 8:29 PM, Shiju Manuel said:

 

How does this look on the inside? If all you've done is put a metal skin on your bumper unfortunately that won't make much of a difference.

It the big scoop formed on the rear side of the jero bumper that digs in and rips it off. 

 

The rear side also bended inside and which is exactly parallel and same level of  the metal box like thing ( i don't know what's that) so may be the sand will not scoop inside. Any how let me see how its work in my next drive. 

 

Hi Shiju, How did it go. Please update on your experience

4 hours ago, Janarthan said:

thanks @Rahimdad @desertdude @RohanH @Chaitanya D @Fuad @Jas Gajaria . really appreciate your advice, it did make a difference while buying the car. I am still negotiating for that xterra which did 350K to bargain and get it little cheaper. May i know how much should i offer for this car. its 2009 S model and clean body . Well said that , i am not going a head with the buy still looking for options. 

No. If I have to buy then I will surely avoid 300k km car unless u get it at very very low price so that even if repair comes u have saved that money at the time of buying.

For 2009 and km around 200k car the price in market are around 20 k. I think,  looking at current situation price could be anything from 10 to 15 K depends on whether seller really wants to sell the car. I would say quote him what you want to pay. And let him come back as he knows how much other buyers ate asking but dont be in hurry. 

Very important. If car is in really good condition and low kms,  dont leave the deal for 2 to 3k more. As it would return you the money in long run. 

2 hours ago, Janarthan said:

Dear All,

After searching for almost 15 days, I didn’t find a good pathfinder but found a 2009 xterra but driven 370k. As per the inspection I could see the body and everything is good except the steering pump. 
 

your view on this car and problem it has.

 

Cheers,

Jana

In sharjah I have seen many people using old pathfinders specially I have seen in industrial area.

I think,  Sharjah used cars market could be a good place to see such old pathfinders. 

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. It is really helpful and it is always good to learn from your experience. 

May be I was trying to convince myself that I can use the same car but now it is very clear to have other vehicle for off roading in sand. 

I will look for budget, some bargain deals and off course current ongoing scenario's. Till then have to use the existing one.

1 hour ago, Xaf said:

Yes, second car for off-roading is preferable, especially when your work/ family depends on it. Like others mentioned before, for 12k you will not be ready due to maintenance/ upgrades whatever.

I would do the other way around. Keep the Pajero for off-roading and buy a second car for daily/ family use. Nice Honda Accord or Toyota Corolla. 

 

This is really good option but me and my wife are just in love with existing car and want to keep it for family. Though I have comprehensive insurance from RSA still bit in worry as I can not afford if something goes wrong with this car.

Hello Everyone,

I am about to put the skid plates. My car (2013 4 Door Pajero 3.8) is in good condition and been using it as Family Vehicle. I am not sure if I continue to use in desert will it damage vehicle. And I want to take this hobby to next levels.

Question is-  My existing car market value is around 33000 AED now.  I am thinking of buying a spare car for off roading only. I do have budget constraints. So I can go for 2 Door Pajero or X-terra old models around 10 to 12 K. Additional cost of buying another car is surely around 2000 AED per year for insurance/registration. Basic off  road mods like skid plate fixing is a must to whichever car I use in desert.

Lets say, I have 15000 AED for buying other SUV and insurance/registration. Depreciation cost will be almost same for both vehicles every year. Now please advise is it worth to buy spare low budget SUV for off roading or use the current family SUV for off road. 

P.S. If I had the latest SUV's like in recent 4 to 5 years and market value is high compared to similar older models, I would definitely suggest to have spare car so even something happens it wont be a big loss, 

On 3/19/2020 at 9:40 AM, Jas Gajaria said:

Hey @andy_macdxb!, 

Welcome to the Pajero life

Gen 3's were only made till late 2006, if your car is a 2008 it is a Gen 4! This opens up a lot of computers you'll have to tingle around with, especially for the gearbox. Send a picture of your car so i'll be able to confirm if its a Gen 3 or 4. 

1. So you can either get a traction control kill switch installed (100-150Dhs) at your Garage, or there is an ABS/Traction Relay under the hood, I will post its exact picture in a while, just pull that out before off-roading and within 1km of driving everything should shut off. 

2. There is no ready-made aftermarket CAI (Cold Air Intake) in the market for the Pajero but what I have done is made a custom box and mounted a cone filter inside there. The Pajero's intake is already VERY high up and is amongst the best in the 4x4 world today. If you plan on crossing deep water above the bonnet, just buy and install a snorkel which can be found easily on Alibaba or Ebay Australia for reasonable costs. 

Cheers, 

Jas

 

Please suggest a reliable garage to do this Kill switch

9 minutes ago, Frederic said:

Alibaba.com maybe ? 

Oh yes,  I will check it. Thanks.

Is it ok to use front Bumper guard instead of front bash plates. Please advise.

Hello Everyone

I am looking for MG RX 5 Tail light assembly for right side as it is broken now. Agency price is very high. Does anyone know where can I get it at cheapest price. 

47 minutes ago, Gaurav said:

Will they send mechanic with test tool to the house for 400...?

Never heard of this before.

Dubizle has their own services where they do sell the car on behalf of seller and they charge for their service to seller. They do the full check up as well and Their counter is in Al Barsha RTA. And I think they have their garage behing RTA al barsha testing centre. So they charge for report if buyer wants to see it. 

All these cars comes under verified ad's. We can see mentioned as Dubizzle pro in front of that ad.

1 hour ago, Janarthan said:

Dubizzle just gave me an offer to do advanced testing for 400aed. Is it worth it ?

@Janarthan Its good to do full check which dubizzle does. I think the same thing is covered in RTA comprehensive test. But I don't think its worth paying 400 AED for car which is around 5-6k. I would go to trusted garage to check which can be around 100 AED. And they will tel you what and all is required as well. Now a days even the garage people have the computer device which tests electronics and issues e.g. recently we did 1 test for Dodge charger and it said left rear tyre pressure gauge is faulty. 

I would definitely recommend comprehensive as well garage when it comes to paying higher price. ( And even checking service history in respecting car dealers service centre.

On 5/12/2020 at 9:01 AM, RohanH said:

1. Please see the images (1 to 4) of bracket attached to rear door edge. I don't know what is the name of this bracket. Also attached the shop visiting card.

I am not sure it will survive or not. But giving a try as pole which I have purchased is pretty slim and very much lighter than the one available in ACE. 

2 .There is 1 more cheapest solution which I found out yesterday in ACE. I have seen the parts but not tried it fixing to my car. May be I will try it if my existing bracket dosen't work.

There are U Bolts and various angle connect's available in any hardware. See picture 5 & 6.  Which can be connected to roof rack or door handle. Need to choose the U Bolt which is matching the size of handle or roof rack. Also choose the suitable connect which can be easily fixed to U Bolt screw. Once these are connected and fixed it handle or roof rack then we can anytime attached or remove the flag pole to it. 

P.S. I didn't thought that how will it look like on our beautiful cars. Surely it wont look good.

  

Hello Everyone, Please see this simple arrangement to hold the flag pole. Its the cheapest one. It made by using the U bolt and an angle. I am sure it will hold the flag properly. It is less than 10 AED. There are flag pole and flag available at 50 AED in dragon mart. Please see the shop photo It is just opposite the S & D shop mentioned earlier by Frederic. The flag is light weight and very slim. It is 2 mtr/6.5 ft.So total cost will be less than 60 aed for all this. Please see photos below. The spring in photo comes with Flag pole. I had fixed this to U bolt and angle so I can just screw and unscrew the flag pole. Hope it will help

Guys check out this X terra

I think its nice. Fully nissan serviced.

Hi! I have found this ad on dubizzle. Have a look! https://tnydu.biz/DOyaCY

I think it will sell soon.

On 3/15/2020 at 12:56 PM, Srikumar said:

If you have a tow bar that provides the support to the aluminum bumper. In such a case this fix is not needed.

On 3/22/2020 at 12:07 PM, Srikumar said:

yes, the tow bar ensured that the entire aluminium lip doesnt come off, but still it got bent. It would be good to get a permanent fix for it.

@Srikumar Please see the images below of tow bar I have it for my Pajero. Do you still stink I should have plates?

1 hour ago, Chaitanya D said:

This car (pathfinder)doesn't have a number plate and hence is not being used. Get a full thorough check up .

Most of these without number plates are repainted/scrap/auctioned cars after an accident... To find a well maintained old car is like getting a good wife !( Just joke, nothing else please)

Many of the car like this which dont have number are with private dealer. They just buy the car and clean it change the tyres so it looks new but  I think they are not original ones. They dont check it properly before buying. They just check if it is repainted by magnet kind of device. 

I would highly prefer to buy the car from direct owner. And can see who were the users and how long they used it. And most probably its real kms. 

I had very bad experience where car model was around 2012 or something and front bumper was from old model. Also chasis number on door and cockpit were different.

I always suggest to go for latest models in line with budget.

1 hour ago, RohanH said:

@Chaitanya D Hi, I think X terra is better option than pathfinder.

It has good ground clearance.

More power than Pathfinder

Latest model than pathfinder and TJ

There are many who use's X terra. And I have seen it doing extremely well in desert.  

I follow the used car a lot. I spend quite a long time on internet looking for used cars and off road videos. I can see there is drop in car sales as car are on sale for a quite a long time and not being sold may be chances that seller don't want to negotiate. On the contrary the cars like you had mentioned are quite less in market to sell. So if you want to buy the car and get to know any good condition car then grab it. Make sure to negotiate well.

57 minutes ago, Chaitanya D said:

Hello all.

Now that weekend desert drive has kind of become a routine , my family is upping the ante against me for taking the patrol y62 to sand and getting it back all dirty.

I have decided I will go in for a used weekend desert drive car to save myself and also my y62 which has been a very comfortable drive for all at home.

I have shortlisted few used cars as below

1. Pathfinder 2005 3.5 L V6- 160000 km run for about 13.5 k (2nd owner)

2. Wrangler TJ 2006 4L V6 - 120000 km run for about 22 k.( 2nd owner)

3. X terra s  2010 4L V6 about  2 lac run for 25 k.( ? Probably 3rd)

All cars have been GCC , without any mods and have been Registered recently. All from direct sellers

I would like to have the suggestions from the forum on going ahead with these. Concern being all of them I think will not have a diff lock and how does that matter in the long run??

Personally if the pathfinder is good after checks , I will go ahead with it with some negotiation on price because it's quite cheap and probably easier to maintain.

Thanks in advance 

@Chaitanya D Hi, I think X terra is better option than pathfinder.

It has good ground clearance.

More power than Pathfinder

Latest model than pathfinder and TJ

There are many who use's X terra. And I have seen it doing extremely well in desert.  

2 hours ago, Zed said:

Hi bro @RohanH , is this the right map of Dolphin Auto Accessories >> https://goo.gl/maps/ANrrU3NcrmQMz3Yh8 .

Thinking of doing it for my Nissan Patrol too 😄

 

Hello Bro, Sorry I a little weak in GPS. But when I opened it in google the shop photo looks correct.

I think tomorrow I will see if this small bracket works and then you can go for it.

Actually I am very lazy as far the it is regarding the things I don't like to do like Gym, Cooking, exercise. I actually hate kitchen work specially cleaning utensils, so for few days kept on ordering from outside restaurant's but later I started cooking at home. And I think, now I can prepare food better than earlier and looks like started taking interest in cooking 😝

I repeat the menu after few days and surprisingly taste keeps on changing so I would call it as a creativity

😂  

I really like the Pajero design/shape. But the things I like the most is the Cockpit and obviously the Rockford Music System.

16 hours ago, RohanH said:

Please find the earlier posts. 

You can also get in ras al khor accessories shop. It is better if you get the pole and flag mount as well and get the mount fixed to your car. But There are some poles available which can be just inserted in free space between rear door and spare tyre which is I was supposed to do with My pajero as brackets were difficult to get. Luckily 2 weeks back I got a kind of small bracket in sharjah which is fixed to rear door.

I will get you the photo once I get down of my building. 

1. Please see the images (1 to 4) of bracket attached to rear door edge. I don't know what is the name of this bracket. Also attached the shop visiting card.

I am not sure it will survive or not. But giving a try as pole which I have purchased is pretty slim and very much lighter than the one available in ACE. 

2 .There is 1 more cheapest solution which I found out yesterday in ACE. I have seen the parts but not tried it fixing to my car. May be I will try it if my existing bracket dosen't work.

There are U Bolts and various angle connect's available in any hardware. See picture 5 & 6.  Which can be connected to roof rack or door handle. Need to choose the U Bolt which is matching the size of handle or roof rack. Also choose the suitable connect which can be easily fixed to U Bolt screw. Once these are connected and fixed it handle or roof rack then we can anytime attached or remove the flag pole to it. 

P.S. I didn't thought that how will it look like on our beautiful cars. Surely it wont look good.

15 minutes ago, Matti Brockman said:

Good afternoon everyone! Great to see the drives continuing!

Still don’t have a flag on my car. Any tips where to find a flag for a Wrangler..? Thanks!

Please find the earlier posts. 

You can also get in ras al khor accessories shop. It is better if you get the pole and flag mount as well and get the mount fixed to your car. But There are some poles available which can be just inserted in free space between rear door and spare tyre which is I was supposed to do with My pajero as brackets were difficult to get. Luckily 2 weeks back I got a kind of small bracket in sharjah which is fixed to rear door.

I will get you the photo once I get down of my building.