I know there is an existing thread on Pajero or actually 2 threads merged but I feel that a separate thread specific to Subic or JDM Pajero might be helpful. In my case, I felt that of the P150,000 I already spent, about half of it sayang lang due to the mechanic's incompetence and/or high prices of the shop. May labor or service charge na malaki pa ang patong nila. A thread where other Pajero owners share their experiences and problems, and where they were able to have the problem fixed or find the parts might be helpful.

One problem I encountered kasi and I think this is unique to JDM owners, is that some mechanic, knowing that it is a JDM and some units are really a headache to fix, captilaizes on this and scares the hell out of the owner with tales of what could go wrong. Admittedly some are true but exaggerated.

1. Problems and fixes (more of DIY)
2. Problems and shops or mechanics who was able to fix it properly
3. Parts and where to look for them.
4. Myths and the truth about 2nd hand cars and converted LHD
others and in no particular order or format.

For me:

1. A/C. A shop along Reina Regente in Manila, near Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz (I forgot the name but the owner is Robert) was helpful in helping me find the freon leak. I went to MitAir in Paco and they wanted to replace the aluminum tubes with copper tubes because it difficult to check for leaks daw. They alsop wanted to replace the evaporator but they did not even took a peek at it.

I would say na tama rin ang palitan yung tubes siguro on the ground na mahirap hanapin ang leak especially kung sa may likod ng makina. But the shop along Reina Regente put some luminous liquid and together with the freon and after 2 weeks, found the culprit (of the leak) to be the compressor shaft seal. Now, why didn't the expert at MitAir, na may kayabangan magsalita, thought of that?

And another thing. Technicians at MitAir incorrectly guessed that the freon was an older type (R22 ?) and suggested I had it converted to 134a. Well, that shop at R Regente also presumed wrongly as the compressor was 134a type. However, they did not pretend to know everyting at a single or partial glance like MitAir did.

2. Now there is that a/c shop also at Reina Regente named celsius yata who was supposed to be an expert as recommended by someone I know. The owner either does not know or don't want my business kasi I first heard the words high pressure from him but he was not able to explain what it is except that it is a problem and the reason why my a/c is not cold. He offered nothing to check the leak (it wasn't fixed yet at that time) but when pressed for a solution to my a/c problem he offered to refill my 134a (P1500 yata) because the 134a used by the above shopo is fake daw. If that does not solve the problem then they suggest transferring (or was it adding) the cooling coil at the bottom of the Pajero (or something like that).

3a. Are their fake 134a? 3b Are all 134a the same? How much should a Pajero Full of 134a cost? What ship in QC, Manila, SJ or Sta Mesa charges a reasonable rate for 134a?

4. How do I know if my intercooler is "sira"? I already experienced "experts" being wrong with my A/T so I want to make sure na sira na nga intercooler ko.

5. A friend suggested I had my JDM streamlined. All wires are not changed but are checked and soldered. I had it done at Wizard along Tomas Morato and it seems worth it. I saw all the wires bveing pulled out and saw that almost all if not all wires cut and reconnected during the conversion are simply twisted together.

6. I had most of my electrical and a/c problems fixed by Wizard along Tomas Morato. A/C is listed as one of their specialty but I am not sure how specialized they are. They did solve most of my problems but was not able to give me the coolness I wanted. But no complaints really kasi I am satisfied so far.

7. After 2 years, I was finally able to enjoy my a/c when I had my new tint (Solarguard) and at the same time, an aircon technician named Tolits at the Autocentro in Cubao replaced a leaking o-ring. He first said that my thermostat was not functioning but made some adjustment and later said gumana din and asked me to observe as I may need to replace the thermostat. After the tint and the adjustment to the thermostat I found that the a/c is now cool enough meaning hindi na ako gaano pinapawisan. But I still trust Wizard more for my a/c.

8. Earlier, after having my injection pump recalibrated, I started experiencing hard starting problems. Sometimes, my JDM simply won't start. Brought it to a number of mechanics here and there and no luck. The person who recommended me to wizard used to be in the buy and sell business so my impression is that wizard fixes mostly buy and sell cars or puro remedyo lang. To a certain extent that may be true kasi the mechanic who attends to me susually suggest low cost alternatives and surplus. However, he was also able to correctly identify the problems (albeit after 3-4 takes).

9. I am not recommending Wizard because I felt I am not in a position to judge if they are good or not. I think others with more kinowledge about cars should comment on this. But for one thing, and at least in my case, hindi sila sugapa sa pera(vs others) and was patient enough to try find the problem unlike others who are very quick to comment that this or that is defective and as quick to recommend the part replaced.

10. How can I make sure that the conversion done to my JDM is OK. Is there a way of double checking what a mechanic says?

11. Is the kayaba shock OK? What other brands are OK for a smoother ride and aside from the 8k or so OEM?

12. I heard that it is the practice of some people to replace the air filter at the same time they has their oil changed? Cleaning daw is not enough and a new air filter is more fuel efficient daw lalo na sa 2nd hand cars like a JDM.

13. Where can I find surplus shops in QC, Banawe, Pasay or nearby areas?

14. Which talyer are experienced in JDM? Aside from Mr Joseph Atututbo in Multinational Village. I haven't tried his service though (bec I can't find time to go to pque) but he seems to be the acknowledge Pajero Expert. His cel is 0917.8405.942

15a. What is the best tire pressure for normal load (say, 4-5 people on board) for the front and rear tires? 15b. What if nitro?

16. Where can I have my steering gearbox repaired? May leak kasi and "hinang" is required.

Iyan lang muna. I hope others share their experiences, problems, finds, suking talyer or mechanic, suking shops, tips, and whatever info may be useful