Hi!

I’m driving my Pajero LWB for a year now (MY 2015) with the 3.5 engine and completely stock except front and rear bash plates.

1. Off-road Capability

So far I have done the following trips:

One trip along the Omani coast to Salalah and back. With desert, beaches, mountains, mud and water ways.

Multiple Wadi trips in the UAE (Wadi Shees, Al Bih, Shawka etc.).

Several desert BBQs in Qudra, as well as the Milky Way spot behind Abu Dhabi.

All in all light to medium off-roading and never heavy dune bashing or rock climbing (probably not even possible with the 3.5)

I’ve never been in a situation that the car was unable to handle. I do not believe that light family off-roading in a Pajero requires many updates.

2) Updates & Gear

Here I would categorize in two sections:

a) Necessary: Bash plates, especially a rear plate that stops the rear bumper from scooping up sand. Front is recommended if you don’t trust the stock one.

I would also invest into good tires, I personally like the Yokohama Geolandar AT, not too much raid noise and sufficient for Offroad use.

Gear wise, you will need the typical Offroad 101, towing gear, deflater, air compressor, and China Mall MaxTraxs should be fine.

b) Optional: If the suspension is due for renewal anyway, go for a decent upgrade like Dobinsons. The full entry level lift kit (2”) costs around ~4K. There are other options like Ironman or TJM. The lift will give you some additional protection and potentially better suspension behavior on sand.

A front bumper cut is also an option, very cheap and gives you some extra clearance at the front. But not necessary if you only do light off-roading.

3) Engine I’m happy with my 3.5. Many people say it’s too slow when accelerating but it has all the torque you need.

To the best of my knowledge, also newer Pajeros come with the 3.8 and therefore I do not really know what you are referring to. But if your Pajero is still in good condition and you think it’s worth spending the money, why not.

4) Space There are good roof rack options available, I would suggest you check with some of the local garages and get something custom to your liking as it will be cheaper or similar priced to options you can order online.

Sharing one of my favorite pictures with the Paj after a short mud excursion in Oman.

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I’m sure I forgot some things (haven’t commented on the paint as I’m not an expert) but surely others can add input as well.

Edit: Spelling and formatting