Mitsubishi Pajero NM, NP (2000-2006)

Experience with a petrol Pajero – I have had a 2010 3.8L auto Pajero for 16 months now. I was looking for a diesel Prado, mainly for the 150L fuel tank. When I came across the Pajero I was impressed by the interior space. The second row seats are a slightly knees up proposition. The third row seats are removed and the 90L seat well used for storage. I only have one passenger and… Read more

do not need them.

The engine is very smooth. Pulls well making overtaking a breeze. It does not have the low down torque of modern turbo diesels but is good for a petrol engine. It actually produces more torque at 2000rpm than a non turbo 4.2L Landcruiser diesel and a lot quieter doing it. The main down side is the fuel consumption. On the highway it uses 12 to 13L/100km, rising to 16L/100km in the suburbs. Offroad in 4L it is 25L/100km The high consumption is not a huge concern as I only go out once a month on club outings. Yearly kms would be around 5000 km tops. I feel this is balanced against cheaper and less frequent servicing. Buying 92 RON petrol on the cheapest days also helps.

I would have liked a locking diff (not standard on petrol Pajeros). The traction control does a good job and I am more than satisfied with off road performance. When I put in an aftermarket locking differential the traction control will still be retained unlike the OEM locking diff.

My vehicle has a totally random beeping noise which is annoying but becoming less frequent with time. That is my only real negative with the vehicle. It drives like a big luxury car with plenty of power delivered with the minimum of fuss. If I had to replace the vehicle it would most likely be an Exceed Pajero

Amazingly well designed and competent vehicle – THE 2000 and onwards Pajero does pretty much everything well. I have a late 2008 3.2 DiD 16 valve 4 cylinder turbo diesel auto (4M41), my parents have a 2003 Exceed with the 3.5 24 valve V6 cylinder petrol auto (6G74). Both vehicles are serviced every 7500 kms by our trusty regional Mitsubishi dealership, and we have enjoyed over 150,000 kms of… Read more

trouble free motoring in both cars in a wide range of road and off-road conditions. The only mods from standard are alloy tube-type 'roo bars, extra driving lights, spare wheel lift kits, and All-Terrain tyres (specifically Hankook AT-M, RF-10).

Both Pajeros are comfortable, well designed and built, very reliable and easy to drive. They have a feeling of being solidly constructed and sit on the road in a confidence inspiring way. The worse the conditions get, the more the competence of the chassis, and the superior AWD / 4WD system shines through. They are great comfortable tourers on road, surprisingly capable off-road, and very well built towing rigs. It is true the hitch on a caravan will stop your tailgate opening, but a simple inexpensive lift kit for the spare wheel mostly fixes that. To get the door open further than half-way (which the lift kit allows), just park with your car turned to the right when loading / unloading, creating a 45 degree angle between the car and caravan. The door opens almost, if not completely all-the-way; at the same time; and the 'van is not bashing your shins every-time you approach the now easily accessible open doorway !

FUEL ECONOMY IN THE REAL WORLD.

We have 3 teenager sons, two of which are well over 6 feet tall. Plus 3 large dogs. That adds well over 300 kilos to the vehicle's weight beyond the usual 2 adults.

With the Diesel auto, we get between 12 and 16 liters per 100 km around town. The more time spent stationary (in traffic) the higher (worse) the numbers climb. 12 liters per 100 is easily achievable by avoiding highly congested roads in town. If you are a bit careful with your hard-earned and get stuck in stationary traffic, put her in neutral, hand-brake on, switch off the engine. Instantly saves fuel ! If it's hot , put the windows down a bit.

With most turbo-diesels, you have to learn to drive them right to get the best fuel economy. Strangely, being a little more aggressive on the throttle, but keeping the revs in the correct range improves fuel economy; it gets the engine on the turbo-boost quicker, and if you keep the engine revs between about 1900 and 2600 RPM on the tacho, you use less fuel than if you just drive like there are eggshells under your right foot. There is no point revving the turbo-diesel hard, it makes the maximum mix of torque and power at about 3000 RPM. When towing, we use the auto transmission in "sports manual" mode, we keep the revs between 2200 and 3200 RPM for power, and as close to 2200 RPM as possible for economy. That means a maximum speed of about 90 km/h in FOURTH GEAR, avoid using fifth unless it's is slightly downhill - that also saves the transmission from getting too hot (which means prolonging transmission life).

The petrol auto is perhaps 25 or 30 % worse than the diesel auto around town, but it warms up quicker on short trips, and is easier and a little cheaper to maintain.

On highway, the diesel auto does 10 liters per 100 km without really trying, even with 5 "near"-adults on board. It can do better than 9 liters per 100 if we slow down to 95 km/h, and if conditions are right (cool nights for instance) and we drop the speed to 80 km/h we get into the low 8's (we even saw 7.6 liters per 100 on one 300 km trip at 2 A.M. sitting on 80 km/h). Very impressive for a 2.5 tonne 6 foot high 6 foot wide truck carrying 5 adults-plus-luggage.

My dad's petrol auto does about 12 to 13 without trying too hard, 2 adults plus baggage. Dad has got down into 10 liters per 100 km, but only by driving at 80 km/h and being gentle on hills. He reckons he got 9.2 liters per 100 km on one trip, I am a bit unsure on that one.

For comparison, I do know if we use my wife's 2003 Honda CR/V 2.4 petrol auto on a trip down the coast with the 5 of us on board, following mum and dad in their petrol auto Pajero , we use almost exactly the same amount of fuel as they do - so I reckon that even though the Pajero is a bigger vehicle, a smaller vehicle carrying a load works harder and uses just as much fuel - without the space and comfort of the bigger car !

Quality car – Bought my 2005 GLX 3.2 diesel NP with 290k on the clock. Since then I have driven it to the centre of Australia (Uluru), done heavy sand/beach work, put it through deep (wheel arches high) mud, deep water crossings (bow waving off the bonnet) and it is yet to let me down. It has always pulled me out of all situations so far. Never broken down,… Read more

super reliable (touch wood) and extremely comfortable to drive over long distances. Considering the weight of this cars it gets pretty good mileage avg 10.5-11/100km. Even with it fully laden with camp gear and extra spare wheels and recovery gear it was pulling around 14-15L/100km through the outback desert. It has good power and still shames some newer model 4x4 in acceleration. Awesome torque with effortless hill climbing. I am running a DP chip, but even with it disconnected it still goes good. The 5 speed auto is the go...so easy to drive. If you are thinking of buying one, don't be too concerned about the amount of k's, but rather how well its been maintained. The 4m41 motors are a great donk. The only caveat is the diesel pump as these have known to fail at some point and are expensive to fix. In saying that, members on forums have reported doing in excess of 400,000km with their original pumps still working fine. I now have 315k on the clock and still runs great. The car handles very well and is stable when cornering at speed. I have to say all in all a great 4x4 for the money as they can be picked up at good prices these days. My advice is to run diesel conditioner in the fuel which will help to keep things lubricated and clean in your fuel system, and improve your fuel economy. I have fallen in love with my Paj, and hope to have a long and happy relationship with it for years to come. LONG LIVE THE MIGHTY PAJERO!

NM-NP PAJERO – I found my 2003 Pajero being a 4x4, ultra reliable. Heaps of features for its age, plenty of storage compartments, plenty of room. And Pajero's Super Select gear box, superb for any road condition you'll encounter. The 3.5 litre petrol has plenty of torque for towing your caravan or boat while comfortable to drive, I've found it great on road and off road for me. Great all rounder for the beginner. I'd definitely buy another. Show details

It grows on me! – I purchased my 2006 NM GLX 3.2 diesel Auto two years ago with 220K on the clock. Car originally a one owner suburban vehicle, previous owner fitted OME 2" lift suspension ARB winch bar and electric brake unit. looked to be a well looked after vehicle with good service record, I am located rurally in Far northern NSW and finally sold my 97… Read more

Landcruiser 80 GXL auto that had provided great service over many years since almost new. I have owned a number of Landcruisers, wagons and utes, a Patrol ute, 4WD F series and a considerable number of Ford and Holden's over the years and was looking for a late 100 series turbo diesel Landcruiser auto however the prices were through the roof, for even high mileage ones, while looking I came across the Pajero in a dealers yard, the dealer whom i knew said, look just take her for a drive, no obligation, I did, I was surprisingly impressed!. The price was much more reasonable and it was well looked after. The diesel does have good low down torque, the 5 speed auto is very smooth and is actually the same excellent Japanese Aisan brand auto as in Landcruiser 5 speed models and I believe the Isuzu D'max auto's. Aisan auto,s properly maitained and not overheated will outlast most engines in my experience! Seating in mine is the cloth type and very comfortable, I'm 6'1' in the old money and leg room is more than ample something the 80 series did not as my leg was always reating against the very warm transmission console. Fuel consumption is quite good, and i regularly carry some weight in the rear however I don't do much stop start city driving, my average would be around 10-11 L 100k and i find the 90 l fuel tank sufficient, I can squeeze a few more liters to around 94-5 if I wait for the air to purge when filling. I have done 50k now, virtually all long runs, even the return shopping run is 105 Klm. It powers well up over the Great Deviding range, and the climb up to Toowomba with plenty in reserve. I towed a 3 horse float regularly and while not a V8 200 series it copes well with no signs of overheating, the OME 2" after market suspension is firmer than standard but comes into its own when towing a heavy trailer. coping with a heavier ball load also and holds level with little drop. There are 2 creek crossings into our property and local roads are a combination of dirt and seal, the Pajero handles them well with no rattles or fuss. We have a number of vehicles on the property and have owned many over the years and I can say that the Pajero has surprised me and is my preferred drive when doing a long drive, over my Ranger or 79 series utilitys.. I've removed the fold up rear seat and find the space under the flat rear floor great for storing tools and spares. Only repairs have been a replacement battery, a new set of AT tyres (Hankook Dynapros) great wearing tyres! I have also replaced a fading starter motor very reasonably priced via E'bay , I do all my own servicing and changed all fluids, Diffs, Transmission, coolant when I purchased the vehicle. I also replaced all of the brake discs and pads immediately after purchase as there were "hot spots ' on the rear discs, the parts were very reasonably priced via E'pay supplier. Compared with the 80 series cruiser, it has less wheel articulation, however it does pull as well as the diesel turbo 80 and IMO feels more stable on the road with its rack and pinion steering than the 80 ball and worm with 2 " lift, there is less body roll also. Otherwise it has been a very reliable, comfortable vehicle and although an older model is bearing up well to less than great roads in my area. The original CD radio with 6 CD stacker still works perfectly and has a good sound, air is good and I haven't regassed yet. Four wheel discs are excellent and provide very good stopping with good pedal feel, steering is excellent and the Paj has a great turning circle. Handbrake is much better than the problematic and well known poor Landcruiser one. Body, construction, interior fittings /controls are all excellent quality and the door handles are solid with good sealing on the dust seals. One complaint common to the Pajero, opening the barn type rear door is that when a float, caravan, traler is on the hitch unless a McHitch or similar coupling is fitted the door will hit the hitch handle, Cruiser lift type door drop type tailgate didn't! Otherwise my Pajero has been a good experience and I find it has ample power, good comfort, very stable on the road, is well constructed and has so far been reliable.

great touring 4x4 – i spend alot of time touring in the mountains , i have owned a gq patrol and an 80 series cruiser both of which are great 4x4s but not super comfy on the road , the pajero is the best of both worlds good in the bush great on the road .have travelled 190,000ks in it now trouble free . Show details

excellent family 4wd – i have owned 5 np 3,2 diesel pajeros ease of driving..great comfort seat..excellent on fuel ... cheaper to repair service then a prado..5 speed autos are excellent for towing would recommend to anyone 2/12/2022 have now upgraded to 06/2017 nx pajero excellent car Show details

Compass configuration error with – Hi, I was looking for any blown fuses as air con is not working. Now I have an configuring error and closing in 7secs. where the compass is in the dash and low power in the ignition lights in dash and getting dimmer, also the compass isn't lighting up now at all. Any ideas?????????  Show details

Our latest Car – We recently purchased a 2004 Pajero due to having an accident in our previous vehicle. We are really pleased with the way it drives and the comfort it gives us. We use the vehicle daily and being a diesel seems to have heaps of power and no sluggishness that is normally associated with other diesels.  Show details

Supreme engineering value – Purchased W.A. $35,995 - 37021 km - to date 2018 had basic off road use - converted gas 2009 cost $4,840 - rebate $2 k - major repairs = 1 r/h/f wheel hub brg assy 2013 - crank & rocker oil seal 2014/15 - clutch kit 2018 - drive belt tensioner brg 2018 - serviced whenever timing belt replacement due - eng oil castrol gtx 15w-40 use now - odo… Read more

307,094 kms - compression levels even - nil exhaust smoke - nil gas system service required so far - shock absorbers feel rough - suspension system glides a dream ride on undulated roads at speed on bends - rides high and roomy - s/w loads anything easy - best 4x4 of all 4 me by far no problems - stereo speakers boom - no computer glitches 4 me - just wind it up and let it fly 0 - 100 in 5 - at 60 years she'll do me and they can bury us together - bring on the electric version and I might trade up.

second Mitsi – retired my 1990 3ltr manual Pajero with over 500k on it to farm firewood duties. Bought a second hand 2000 Exceed(nm-np) although automatic, 3.5ltr and weighing more it has better fuel consumption. I run on synthetic oil and NulonE30 friction proofing. I believe that this and excellent design and construction give longer life and better… Read more

performance. This one tows a car trailer with a vehicle on it like its hardley there , i can't imagine how good the newer ones are with all the modern additions and power.

Will miss it – Has never let me down even at 408,000klms. Horse float towing is a breeze. Fuel economy has been great although not much city driving. Lots of grunt. Upgrading to another late model Pajero. Feel sad to let mine go as brought new. Dual mass flywheel replaced with solid last year.  Show details

Love my 4by – Driving my 4by is like driving a car but up higher and you can see everything. I love the cream interior, I love the boot seats sit under the floor rather then in the windows, more room and you can see out the back I'd need be. The only downfall is its not cheap on fuel  Show details

Great for long trips – Great for long trips and yes, it's a bit thirsty and gutless if you use low octane, while running it on 98 will give you very good range and performance we have found. We have been all over the places fully loaded. So far nothing major and plenty of good quality 3rd party components. One thing worth mentioning was the engine light went on after… Read more

using 91 fuel during a long trip in countryside NSW, the dealer Sydney wanted to replace the cat converter, but a cleve cop in NSW reckoned filling up with 98 for several time will rid the problem, and it did. So we saved big $. Just don't go extreme off-road without modification as this 4x4 actually drives like a big car with its standard tyres that are good for ranges of VIC to beaches in NSW and S.A.

Perfect for Australia – This car is just amazing. I mean I bought it just a month ago, and yes it is 16yo already but damn it is solid. good for light offroad and some serious with good tyres. Independent suspension makes is handling really nice and there is plenty of space inside thanks to that. It is a powerful car but at more than 2t it is not fast :) It consumes 14l/100km when I drive it.  Show details

ABS braking problem – I have just had fitted a new ABS module to my 2000 NM Pajero (256,000kms) This was carried out by a Mitsubishi dealership with a 2 year warranty. Upon cold start there is a distinct buzzing noise coming from the ABS module which now lasts for 24-26 seconds. Initially this noise lasted 15 seconds. After 3 brake activations the noise again commences… Read more

and lasts 3-4 seconds,. The dealership and the mechanic stated "this is normal" and it will go away"

As I have just paid almost $4,000 for this "noise" and if this is "normal" I am left to wonder how many new vehicles would be sold if all new vehicles had this noisy brake system.

Regards. Griffo

unstoppable and reliable 4WD – Love this car. I have a 2002 NM Pajero 3.2 litre turbo diesel. It has been a very reliable and economical car with seven seats. It is great off road and rides very well. Would recommend a suspension upgrade especially in the rear as it does sag. The timing chain is an added extra bonus and adds to vehicles reliability. The old girl has now done… Read more

280000klms and still going strong. Averages 10 litres per 100klms. Very capable off road and has a great VCU four wheel drive system. Great value for money.

bad experince – i have 2003 3.2 diesel pajero,in pakistan there is very bad service given by mitsubishi,my car always turn off engine while shiffting the gear{auto},when i shitf to parking to drive its engine becomes off,several times i visited dealers they said change this thing that thing,increase the rpm,but it still gives problem,i have spend almost 4000 dollars on this car but it gives no comfort.  Show details

nm pajero 3.5 auto petrol – awsome 4wd getting 12litres per hundred averaged over 15 full tanks.Has extractors and ran slick 50 in motor .Think these assisted good economy for 2100kg car.Drives awsome family love its well thought out features .fold down seat is brilliant ,,will upgrade to nt diesel later ..Had 4 gq patrols and 80 series petrol hiluxes etc ..pajero best one by far for allrounder  Show details

No complaints at all – 2005 NP Pajero with 345000 kms, bought ex government at 90K. do regular engine oil and filter changes(does not burn oil), no electrical issues, no other maint on motor,serviced the auto once, flushed and changed radiator coolant once, original radiator hoses, changed fan and air con belts once, only mechanical failure was loose bolts on the intake… Read more

and made noise, last set of tyres 110K with only 2 wheel alignments(not a lot of off road and then only sand) seats are now getting uncomfortable and springs are sagging. time for a new Pajero i think.

Great beach car – Pajero io great little car low range and centre diff locks goes anywhere. Good points awesome 4x4 ability . Easy to park great visibility can take a beating day in day out and never broke down. Top speed 170km great lsd diff. Bad points - seat wears out not made for 100kg person could do with a 2 litre fuel economy lucky to get 12 l per 100… Read more

km fuel tank is to small only like 50 litre and fuel gauge is not accurate. Also can't put bigger tyres on as they hit the front strut also car to get parts for quite a rare car .

Great for learners drivers as it is easy to drive .

Reliable family car – 2003 model 2.2 liter diesel. 220,000 km. Great car to drive has been reliable for 12 years. tows well. Great mileage (diesel 2.2 di) usually do 9/10 liter per 100 round town or on highway. Major problems are dual flywheel collapsed at 160,000 which we replaced with a solid flywheel. Fuel gauge circuit board problems needed to re-solder the circuit board) and since about 200,000 sticky 2nd gear when cold but apparently castrol oil fixes that.  Show details

love my mitzy,2000 .paj,exl – i have had my pajero for about 9 going on 10 yrs and except for fixing lots of stuff do to a doggy mechanic i have found it great, i have driven everywhere in her towed my camper trailer off road,she handles well and if kept service is good for her size and weight on fuel ,comfortable and roomy, took very back seats out and don't use them, could… Read more

n]be a bit longer if your going to sleep in back as you have to take back bench seat all way out as it folds down and up not back is its only fault. i like my 4x4 and will when the time comes buy another newer model and if i could get a deisel in auto that would be it .

Converted to A JTG Gas coversion Kit – My experience with this 2000 Pajero is very pleasant. Bought it from Metro Family Cars at Five Dock in Sydney for $10,000.00 in 2011. The odometer reading was 176K. Got JTG kit fitted by a V&S LPG Kits at Croydon, recommended by LPG Warehouse of Melbourne. The Dyno test curve indicated the power boost was significant over the petrol performance.… Read more ·  1

Since then the car runs extremely good. Very good in gas.Gives 275km per 50 litre gas tank fill on a highway or 240km per tank of gas in city. Never drove on Petrol but topped the full tank every 3 months with 15 litres of petrol. Only minor serving costs so far. It misfired an year ago. No one could find the reason. Finally Goff & Sons at Ramford Rd, Marayong tested and asked me to change the computer. I got one from ebay with the matching ignition key of the car from which they removed the computer from a wrecker for $250.00. The mechanic refitted and started the car. It worked too good. Now a little sound is being experienced when de-accelerating the car for stopping on a red light. Mechanic says it could be a worn out bearing in the front diff gear box. Took it to a transmission mechanic who tested it. He says it could be the unevenly worn front tyres.

Still don't know the exact cause but appears to be a small repair.

After 260,000km towing a 2500kg 23' caravan around Australia-tailgate opening fix-NP 2005 Turbo Dies – I cut the handle of the caravan coupling, laid it parallel to the ground and rewelded it. This gives extra clearance to allow the tailgate to open when hitched up. A simple solution. I had new Injector elements replaced at 239,000km as preventative maintenance. The only negative was a Diesel Pump failing at 259,000km. Purchased a reco Pump and… Read more

installed it myself, Automotive Mechanical being my trade. I installed Water Watch and pump from Cooma Diesel in Canberra to prevent water entering system-fits just before Filter. Still has same power and economy. Great vehicle! Still haven't replaced any suspension or driveline components. Amazes me! Still towing the 2500kilo caravan- 3 months last year on a couple hundred kms dirt road up to Lawn Hill National Park near NT border then Karumba (Qld). A tip on maintenance, have an Auto Trans Service, changing filter every 20,000km and flush Torque Converter and trans cooler in that service. To adjust tappets every 20,000km, remove Glow Plugs to allow engine to be turned over easily by hand. Change Timing Chain Tensioner every 100,000km to be sure that it doesn't fail as they have been known to and then bits can dislodge and jam timing chain or have it jump teeth. Happy motoring.

Safe and reliable – Got my NP 2003 for a few years, have drove all around long and short distance trips, outback, QLD, etc, no mechanical problem. Even with engine oil much less than min level (I noticed the noise like a tractor but didn't bother or could to find out), it still took us back all along the 1500KM road home. When my mechanic checked it out he said some… Read more

of the metal gasket had melted into the engine body... however it still go strong. Amazing.

Well it is thirsty, 18L-20L/100km in wife's hand or best 13.5L/100km on high way, but as a mum taxi and a weekender it's not a big issue. Wife absolutely loves it said easy to drive and felling safe as sitting high with better view when driving. Once when hit by a big Hilux from the back on the road, the big bang let me think it could be the end of the car, and found that only the label on the spare wheel dropped - that's it, tow bar and spare tire took all the hit power and no more damage.

Comfortable for long trip. Easy to put an air bed in and sleep in car when needed (very flexible for outback and beach trip). Comfortable for driving and long distance trip. Safe and reliable. Thirsty a bit but guess it's normal for this size of 4x4. Electronic system sometimes plays a bit but nothing critical.

Piece of crap by US standards, – rides poorly, back end tends to sway back and forth and hard to keep on a straight projectory. , and comes with no cruse control. Very low end, and not competitive or sold on US market. Price in Brazil is too way high for this class of vehicle.

NP Diesel Exceed - Excellent Vehicle – After 11 years of faithful service I'm considering replacing my NP Paj Exceed with a new GLS (the extra $10,000 for the current Exceed is now questionable value over the GLS imo) - feels quite strange because the new one so much like mine - even the niggling bits like no footroom for rear seat passengers under the electric seats, knees up sitting… Read more

there also, and I find my knee always ends up against the hard plastic trim on the doors whether driving or sitting in the back

Ours has been great and it makes it hard ot make the decision to replace it...

The NX has some features I don't like - the instrument cluster is worse than on the NP, the spare tyre placement is stupid, the rear door stay has been changed to a gas/oil strut (heaps of people breaking these @$200 a pop) (Mine has a simple steel bar slider, which is tough - but moving the spar to the centre makes the door harder to open hence the strut assistance, but it has a lock and if you lock it and then try and shut the door.. goodbye strut- goodbye $200 - poor design - heaps of complaints on the Pajero Club forum)

The NX steering is lighter than mine but at the expense of a lower gearing so it takes more wheel movement - more boatish imo. The NX brakes are also softer in the pedal than my NP - It is however somewhat quieter.

Getting back to mine, one reviewer complained about starter motor failures - I can help here - I've had 2 replaced - the first under warranty - the second at considerable cost (over $1,000) - The first was replaced and the MM dealer said nothing about the old starter. When it happens it's like a failing battery - very sluggish. Anyway some years later the same thing happened but this time I recovered the old motor and stripped it to find it full of diesel and 'mud' - I went searching for the problem and found that it was caused by a 10c clip!! - the fuel pump in the NP is above the starter motor and MM had used wire type spring clamps on the fuel pipes which distorted the tube and caused a slow drip onto the starter - I replaced them with a sleeved screw type clip and the problem is solved.

Other than that we've had no issues with the vehicle over 160,000 k's - it's like a pair of comfortable shoes....

I've looked at all the alternative vehicles and the only possible alternative for me would be the Jeep - BUT - 14 recalls in the last 12 months and terrible reports on customer relations ???---- think I'll pass unfortunately, because on paper it's seems the bees knees

Pajero Very Good - also owned Nissan Patrols & 3 Landcruisers – Purchased new in 2001 - 3.5 litre petrol V6 - 13.5l per 100k highway - 420,000 km no problems replaced cracked manifold with extractors at about 320k - just normal maintenance - occasional tow - fitted auto transmission cooler larger after market when new - change diffs & auto gearbox oil every 100k (including convertor) - engine fully synthetic… Read more

oil every 10k - does not use oil - had an auto elec reset Water temp gauge at about 250k cost $300 - replace timing belt & bearings, and genuine Mitsu coolant every 100k

Best 4WD I have owned – Comfortable... Practical... Reliable... Economical... Dependable... Stylish... 3.2 DiD 2002 which I LOVE... Had a Prado before this and there is no comparison. I have owned many 4WD's and this is the best for all round reliability and economy. I will buy another...(a New one! ). Diesel of course. The 3.2 diesels are virtually bullet proof and have plenty of grunt.

NP Diesel 21st Anniversary Pajero – Have nearly done 300,000 km in this 4x4 and have really enjoyed driving it. It's very comfy in the driver and front passenger seats, this model has electric driver seat which is fantastic! Rear passenger seats really cater for my young boys (early to mid teens) but adults find while there is enough legroom the floor is high so on long trips this… Read more

could be a bit of a pain.

Fuel consumption I think is fantastic for a 10 year old 4x4 with a 3.2ltr Diesel engine. I get roughly 820 km to 850 km around town (90 ltr tank). When it's Fully loaded on the black-top to destinations I can get over 1000 km traveling at 100-105 km per hour. When I'm on Fraser Island and really working it in 4wd it's around 500 km.

I'd recommend regular servicing, every 10,000 km. Cost for the average service is $350.00

We take this 4wd everywhere and it does it easily as long as it's not absolute extreme 4wd'ing. Fraser Island for example, has a bit of everything, sand, dunes, hills, mud, water crossings and we've never had an issue or found anything this 4wd can't do. One thing, on the sand or mud, turn off the stability control as it will bog down with it on. But once you've done that, (push of a button), it's 4wd time and this Pajero will do everything you ask it to do and get you home safely.

I'd recommend the following after market additions to this model Pajero;

First, after market suspension: Bilstien Shocks and Lovell Springs will give your Paj a 2inch lift (it's needed) but with this suspension, it will change the dynamics of the 4wd, it's amazing how much better it is 100% improvement.

Then Snorkel, Bull bar and exhaust and Diesel power chip and finally Diff locks (ARB are the best for this model Pajero as there is no factory Diff locks available).

The only issues we've had with this Pajero in it's 10 years of life is a few fuses have blown, sensors tend to be a bit sensitive and will set off lights on your dash, there is no concerns with this, nothing is off, you just need to clean the mud off the under body and around the tyres. Also a solenoid has gone twice in 300,000 km's which defuses the cruise control. ($150-$180 part) then labour costs on top will be a $400 issue.

Overall I love this Pajero, it's cheap to run, service and parts are cheap too. It has excellent 4wd capabilities. It is running like new with just shy of 300,000 km's on the clock (regular service with a good mechanic that uses good fluids is needed). Just add the suspension I mentioned, you can buy it on line as a bundle for $1,200 from the Sunshine Coast. this suspension will transform you Pajero to a real 4WD.

Mitsubhishi Pajero 2005 3.2L Turbo Diesel – My 2005 Pajero NP 3.2L Turbo Diesel which I got since new. First 2 yrs went alright but after that the starters started to go like hot cakes, oil started to leak and the dealer don't want to know about it. Up until now I had to replace six starters and it's not cheap. I never going to buy another Pajero again, my next car will a Prado, hope that… Read more

will be better. Good for towing that's about it. Fautly starters, oil leak, noisy and always worry when going on a long trip.

Nice Car – We have owned a late 2006 Diesel Pajero from new. It has now traveled 298,000 kms without any breakdowns. The clutch was replaced under warranty at 140,000kms after the dual mass flywheel failed. Starter motor at 210,000kms. Replaced radiator due to blockage at 280,000kms. As you can see from the mileage we must have been through some tires. We… Read more ·  2

have opted for Toyo Open Country ATS. Lasting for about 85,000kms. Coopers A/Ts became very very noisy at about 30,000Kms .

Very very good fuel consumption considering the weight car and the aerodynamics of brick. You just can't fault these cars. They are very well made and easy to work. I must point out that I am qualified mechanic with a degree in automotive engineering from England. I have done all my own servicing from day one. The car has never been to a dealer apart from the warranty repairs on the clutch. They gave me extremely good service.

We're considering purchasing another Pajero this year. This vehicle Will definitely be an automatic model. According to my friend at Mitsubishi who I trust "we just don't have any problems with the autos" (quote unquote). Said it all above Rear seats are only suitable for children up to about 12 years old. The spare wheel is in the wrong place. Gets in the way when Towing.