Christiaan du_Toit

I'm planning on it, thanks. It is one of the last one's Samcor brought in before Mercedes took over. Luckily the Gen 3 has some safety improvements over the Gen 2 which puts it at a 4/5 on the NCAP test unlike the Gen 2's 1/5. Doubt I would keep it if the score was lowwer than 3, it would have been like driving a coffin.

Very true, a few of my friends are equally capable on the 4x4 trails in their awd cars. A trip to Namibia sounds lekka and is definitely on my bucket list but until then I'm also sticking to mtb😆

I can only tell you what types of cars we had at our public high school. The student parking area consisted of the following: assortment of Vw's (City's, Polo's, Jetta's and the odd Gti), older Ford Focus RS, a demo Fiat 500, a demo Mahindra xuv500, Honda Jazz and too many Suzuki S-Presso's😂I counted at least 4. Most of the cars there were between the 100k-150k mark except the Fiat 500 which was a sport edition so probably closer to 180k-200k and then my friend borrowing his dad's Golf R. This was mid to end 2022 so I am sure inflation had a role, not only that but supply and demand.

I agree with you but view it from my perspective. This is my first car (a hand me down, now worth around 120k or less which is right in that student budget) it has 170k km's on the clock and only has one previous owner. Now yes I could have traded it in to buy a Jazz or Polo but then I wouldn't be able to access my local trails or 4x4 and I would have car payments. Not doing my 2 min noodle student diet any good. Keep in mind, the Pajero gets it's rating due to the lack of auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, driver attention detection ect, nothing I would expect to see in a 22 year old car. The 2001 Gen 3 is also very different from the 2000 Gen 2 you posted but I understand what you are saying. Attached is a ss of a '04 Gen 3 with the same body as mine but updated facelift bumpers. Again, not saying the Pajero is the best option here. Just explaining my experience and my setup.

This is my first forum post but I thought it might be insightful. I am turning 19 in a few months so I relate to the student life. This is my setup, a 2001 swb Mitsubishi Pajero with a custom bike rack. I understand that it is difficult to find one with low km's but they are extremely reliable and a great option if you ride remote trails. They are also fairly safe in collisions. The short wheel base has enough space in the back for two+ bikes (granted you take the bikes apart and fold the seats over) if you prefer transporting your bike in the car. Might be a bit heavier on fuel and insurance but it's safety aspects justifies it for me. Not saying this is the best setup for you, just giving out some ideas. Good luck.