Overview of the Mitsubishi Pajero
The Mitsubishi Pajero was released in Australia in 1983 to provide families with transport that was capable of travelling tricky terrain as well as the suburbs. Smaller than big 4WDs such as the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser, it could still seat seven in long-wheelbase form. The current model has been around since 2006, though with some updates along the way. It is offered with just a single turbo diesel engine.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO GENERATIONS (SINCE 1999)
1999-2006
2006-present
RUNNING COSTS
Fuel Consumption
3.2L 4-cylinder turbo diesel: 9.1 litres per 100km
= Highly economical.
= Good economy.
= Average fuel use.
= Heavy consumption.
Servicing
Capped price servicing program. Every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever is sooner. Each service currently costs between $450 and $800. Mitsubishi Pajero parts and equipment can be found on Gumtree.
SIMILAR MODELS TO MITSUBISHI PAJERO
Ford Everest
Holden Trailblazer
Nissan Pathfinder
Toyota Prado
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR: MITSUBISHI PAJERO (2006 ONWARDS)
Thanks to a lack of development budget, Mitsubishi really stretched the lifespan of the Pajero off-roader.
The result was a vehicle that was pretty well resolved by 2006 and has soldiered on for more than a decade.
Some diesel-engined Pajeros suffered failed timing chains as the tensioners failed to control the chain's movement.
Other diesel engine problems include the usual warning about failed fuel injectors and a build-up of soot in the intake system that can cause all sorts of performance losses and increased fuel consumption.
A valve associated with the diesel injection pump could also be damaged by dirty diesel fuel (which is more common than you might think). A replacement valve was the only fix.
Since the Pajero was so capable off-road, we'd also take a close look at the condition of the underbody to determine whether the vehicle has been abused in the bush.
This model Pajero was also caught up in the Takata airbag recall.
