So a year ago (well not quite) I sold the JDM diesel, sold the wifey's Outlander, bought a 2003 gen3 Montero (Canadian Market), and went down to two vehicles again (2013 Sportback is now my daily, and my wife drives the Montero). Loved the diesel, had it almost 6 years, took it to Moab three times, but I guess I was ready to move on to the next gen...

Or was I?

I've been second-guessing this whole change-up ever since. Now I realize that I miss the second gen. You guys called it, but sometimes you just have to try things out. Don't get me wrong - the gen3 is a great rig, and my wife absolutely loves it. 3.8 is a beauty, and the traction control is genius. NVH is higher than I was expecting but overall its great. Still unique, and I love those swoopy fenders, and its ergonomics. Transmisison is sweet. But it's big. It's wide. And it feels like her truck. Not sure if I can visualize taking it to Moab someday... plus, I have something else in mind...

Yes - the Pajero Evolution. Always loved them, but knew next to nothing about them, until I decided that if I am not going to daily drive it, then the PAJ-EVO is exactly what I need. This is a ways off - Need to save my pennies for a while, but doing my due diligence first...

Here's some of what I've learned. I'm hoping some of you can add to this knowledge base, both for me and other potential owners of a Paj-Evo. If any of my info is incomplete or completely false, please set me straight...

-Was made in 1997, 1998, and 1999, rally homologation, 2500 per each year. Available in white, silver, rarely in red, and black.
-engine - unique to PajEvo, 3.5 MIVEC (bottom end is like normal 3.5), premium fuel, and thirsty
-body - based on blister fender SWB gen2.5, but with extensions to widen the track, hood and fender air ducts, batman's ears on the rear spoiler
-suspension f&r independent, with longer arms and more travel than standard paj. Coilovers instead of torsion bars.
-trans - invecs2 5sp auto (like the gen3) or MT31 manual
-t-case - superselect like standard gen2
-f&r diffs loaded with Torsen limited slips <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
-Plastic f&r bumpers. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />
-recaro seats with poor access to the excuses for rear seats.
-auto climate control and power folding mirrors, as per JDM gadgetry.
-aluminum skids, hood

If you can add to any of this, or correct something, please do so. I'll be adding some links for articles I've found (as few as there are), and other info as I find it. For those of you in the US who have to wait longer than me before you can import one, I hope you'll indulge me. If this eventually happens for me, I promise I'll take you on a virtual ride.

Cheers
Phil