2003 Mitsubishi Pajero GLS from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

At this stage, nothing. Nor should it, being a new car.

The new 3.2li turbo diesel is fantastic, mated with the 5 speed auto. You cannot go wrong.

Seating comfort is the best in it's class, if there is one small fault. It is the over use of plastic.

Re "...if there is one small fault. It is the over use of plastic..." you said it mate, and there's more.

Mitsubishi have lost the Real 4x4 game with their newest Pajero, probably they have given in to the comfort-demands of the "soft SUV" fraternity at the expense of the farmer/stables crowd who still need something less plasticy.

The new Pajero has "birthing hips" and is pug ugly, there too much plastic on the bodywork to last rough treatment, and some of it is too close to the ground (e.g. lower front fender) where it is likely to catch and expensively break on some rock or branch.

The engine is probably a great unit, 4 pots with big capacity will be great for heavy work and engine longevity.

But as I said, the bodywork really sucks, which is a pity because even for 4x4s looks still matter if you have to see it every day. The 90s Pajeros look so much better, and are more rugged.

If you did not like the windows or thought it had poor vision, why did you buy it? Shouldn't you test drive a vehicle before you purchase it? It it comfortable for me? Will it serve the purpose that I need it to serve? Will it be costly to maintain? Also, most important---IS IT SAFE?!!

I wanna buy this car!

I think this 4x4 is well suited for any terrain. I drive one is the UAE in desert and it responds as well as a Prado (definitely not like the Land Cruiser). A bit sluggish on the road, but it's a safe bet.

I have owned a 2003 3.2. D.I.D. GLS since new. After reading all the test results from all the 4 X 4 magazines I was interested enough to test drive & finally purchase my car. This diesel motor (according to the experts) is the best diesel motor to come out of Japan. I recently towed a heavy off road camper trailer around Tasmania and was very impressed with the vehicle especially the low down torque & the 5 speed auto. A friend drove his 3.0 litre Patrol 2002 I/C T/D manual and could not get any where near the Pajero on long steep hills. He constantly complained that the gearing from second to third on the Nissan was to big a gap causing numerous changes to try & hold revs to keep the big patrol on "boost" I agree there is too much plastic on the car & a trip computer would be a great help. A work mate borrowed the Pajero to tow two horses in his float (his wife had their Prado in Melb.) He was amazed at how well the Pajero performed stating that it "has more guts" than his 3.0 litre turbo diesel Toyota Prado. I am realistic, knowing that the Pajero will not perform like a Landcruiser or Patrol off road however I only four wheel drive 15% of the time the rest is on the blacktop. There has been a rumour in the car inductry that Toyota copied the auto in the Pajero (5 speed) which replaced the 4 speed in the Landcruiser

I have a 2000 model, 5 speed manual, and I agree about the plastics quality, but in the interior. They make much noise when off roading. About the exterior plastics I really don´t think they are weak at all. The front bumper is low, but only in front of the tires and the suspension can go to it´s minimum and the only thing that touches the surface it´s the carter shield. I recomend new shocks and a 5cm higher springgs. It will be fantastic after it. I think it´s a great 4X4. I also own a GDI also from 2000 and I like far better the D-ID.

I would like to know how much I shall pay for a second hand excellent condition Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 GLS DID long wheel base dated September 2003 with full Mitsubishi service history and showing 80,000 documented km on the clock, automatic gearbox, leather. The color is pale gold. It has almost never been used as a 4x4 but rather in town and countryside asphalted roads. Your replies very much welcome. I am supposed to purchase such a car from a friend in August 2009.

All the best to share among the Mitsu lovers,

Pascal B.