Comments: 1-15, 16-27
Rear axle cracked.
Cylinder head seized.
Mysterious noise in the differential.
Oil leaks, diesel leaks.
Leaking sunroof.
Many small things.
I live in Kenya in which I must admit the roads are sub-standard. I bought a 2.5 litre turbo diesel manual Pajero with 115.000 km on the clock. Normally a diesel can run high mileage easily but not the Pajero!
The car just crumbles apart. In 20.000 kms the rear axle broke which is hard and expensive to replace. Also the cilinder head jammed distroying the whole enigne making a complete overhaul needed. There is a mysterious rattling sound in the differential that is just impossible to trace and doesn’t sound healthy. The sun roof leaks like it rains inside. We have had diesel leaks, oil leaks and all sorts of other small stuff. And worse of all it is not a very logical car so mechanics find it difficult to repair it properly.
It is not that I just happened to buy a bad car, there are scores of people here in Nairobi that have had huge problems with the Pajero diesel cars. I would not advise anybody to buy a Pajero diesel unless you like to bring your car to the garage weekly. Although I must admit I have heard much better stories about the petrol engine Pajero’s.
Fair is fair, they are comfy and if they work they are nice to drive. But take my advice and spend a bit more for a Toyota or Nissan because the Pajero is a breakdown waiting to happen!
You are talking about a car which is nearly 15 years old.
You don't know how well it has been maintained and I would imagine that pounding along Kenyan road is hard on any car and many cars would drop apart much sooner than this.
I have 1993 second hand,2.5 auto turbo diesel engine and I like it very much, recently I used CONOCO engine oil and improved the performance especially on Johore Bahru - Kuala expressway, Malaysia.The keyword maintainance of your pajero is important eventhough the 4WD you seldom used,change the oil,
For your information I have clock almost 600,000 km over 10 yrs. and recently I made a trip 500km starting at 11.00 pm at night and reach at 6.00 am next morning some stretch 500 above sea level metres. I still have the confident with my Pajero.
I have mixed emotions with my 1991 petrol GLS Pajero.
I love the looks, comfort and ride. But I have had many problems that have ended up costing me a fortune. But for some silly reason still haven't brewed the strength to sell it.
Since buying my Pajero 2 years ago I have continually spent money repairing broken parts. Firstly I dealt out over 2 grand overhauling the front steering rods, bushes and all other steering and alignment componets. Shortly after I required a new coil after an easy beach run that nearly cost me the vehicle, followed by the replacement of the distributor. I have had two cracks in my rear diff that have required welding. My power windows have started to break and my sunroof has a lot of rust, but as yet is not leaking, additionally my cruise doesn't work anymore, air-conditioning buggered and my suspension adjustment is a big falsely. I have had to replace the whole exhaust system and more recently have found out I have a cracked head which will cost an additional 2 thousand dollars to fix and my rear diff lock no longer engages.
This vehicle has cost me a mint to keep on the road, but when it is going its the best allround 4WD on the market.
A big tip for those throwing around the idea of buying an older pajero. Don't purchase one with k's over 250,000 especially if it's a petrol. Fully inspect car prior to sale including electrics and make sure you drive it.
I believe it depends on the conditions of the vehicle, maintenance history and how it is driven. I live in Hong Kong and owned a Pajero 2.5 turbo diesel since 2003. It ran 118,000km when I bought it. Today the total mileage reached 185,000km. I've got one break down on the road. Apart from regular oil changes, I have the oil pump overhauled, dynamo replaced (with recycled parts), some shaft oil seals replaced, water pump, cam belt, fan belts and minor repairs. I believe it is normal wear and tear for a car of that mileage.
I have been to Kenya/Tanzania 8 years ago and know the road conditions there. May be it is one of the causes.
I also live in Kenya and have a 1991 2.5td V44 pajero which I bought with 240,000 km on the clock.
I have diven it to Kampala Uganda a journey of about 1300 km both ways, ihave to Mombasa from Nairobi a journey of 1000 kms both ways a number of times and a week ago I did a trip of another 1000kms.
The only items I have replaced on top of the normal service items are tie-rod ends, clutch, water pump, alternator, timing belt as a precaution and put in heavy duty shock absorbers. The car now has 280,000 kms and I have no plans of selling it. The only persistent problem I seem to have is breaking fan belts so I always travel with a spare set.
I think the problem with the above writers car is he probably got a vehicle whose mileage has been tampered with (not uncommon here in Kenya) and he probably does not realise how critical it is for diesel cars (especially older ones) to be maintained regularly again not an uncommon problem for people who have been used to gasoline vehicles. Finally I got the same scare stories when I bought my pajero.
I also live in Kenya and have a 1991 2.5td V44 pajero which I bought with 240,000 km on the clock.
I have diven it to Kampala Uganda a journey of about 1300 km both ways, ihave to Mombasa from Nairobi a journey of 1000 kms both ways a number of times and a week ago I did a trip of another 1000kms.
The only items I have replaced on top of the normal service items are tie-rod ends, clutch, water pump, alternator, timing belt as a precaution and put in heavy duty shock absorbers. The car now has 280,000 kms and I have no plans of selling it. The only persistent problem I seem to have is breaking fan belts so I always travel with a spare set.
I think the problem with the above writers car is he probably got a vehicle whose mileage has been tampered with (not uncommon here in Kenya) and he probably does not realise how critical it is for diesel cars (especially older ones) to be maintained regularly again not an uncommon problem for people who have been used to gasoline vehicles. Finally I got the same scare stories when I bought my pajero.
I live since 5 years in The Philippines. Last year I bought a 1989 Pajero 3 doors with a 2.5 turbo diesel engine. It has now 135.000 km on the clock. The main roads here are good, but secondary roads can be rough. I drove several thousands of km on these roads. The main problem for me is rust on the body. The car was imported from Japan, chopped and converted. Since I repaired it when I got the car, I have spent very little money on it. I do know the history of the car and it was always good maintained. It even has an original gearbox driven winch, which I never had to use. I put 31” tires on it. Injector nozzles, battery, belts, water pump, tires, lights and alternator are the things I changed when I bought it. To me it is a great (old) car, strong and reliable. I am going to give it a new paint job, do a little welding of rusty body spots and enjoy this car another couple of years. By the way, the fuel pump has been put 2 degrees earlier, so I have about 10 to 15 hp more, good for the mountains!
I bought my pajero 2.5 TD exceed in early May, I travel in it for 3000km in a month!!This is my dream 4x4.I found out that this 4x4 need to take a good care. (more time to be spent for checking).As I love pajero for 8 years, I check almost everyday for engine, temp, radiator water level, engine oil leak, transmission oil leak, fuel pump. i have to do this repeat and repeat as I still don't know how's the condition.
As many owner complaint about the engine part, I didn't found any major problem on it, but what I know is, i still have to spent below RM5000.00 to change the spare-part by One Go!Don't make the mechanic headache as the engine is quite difficult to fix. (hand can't goes in if some part are not remove).Service the fuel pump, changing timing belt, turbo kit, reset valve, fan belt and etc. Remove the engine dirt with degreaser, you will see clearly if any leaking occur. Just a minor problem for pajero. Check offen for a safety ride!!
I'm from philippines and got one very same 1991 model 2.5 turbo diesel. although it was a japan version rh drive, but the conversion was quite good having used an original conversion kit for left hand drive. eversince I have purchase it, i haven't experince any major problems it might be a results from a good maintenance practices. i used to drive it every each day from home to work (56kms) with some rough roads to dealt it.I'm not expecting much power from it although it can if I want to, but the comfort drive has no question to raise up. i considered it the best 4wd...ariel a.a.
I live in the united kingdom and own a 2.5td shogun (british pajero).although the vehicles have slight cosmetic differences the mechanics are the same. it has 160000miles on it and still runs like new. In the 12months I've had it I've done 15000miles on and off road and I can't break it.I've drove through 1.5 metre deep water and mud, really harsh terrain and only breakages I've had are the exhaust and alternator.I've put a 2inch suspension lift on and 2inch body lift. run 3degrees advance on pump timing and 14psi turbo boost... all electrics, air con, adjustable suspension all still working perfect and body is in good condition.. best 4x4 made in my opinion.
I live in Zambia and bought a used diesel V44 with 125,000 on the clock. Good car.
I'm from South Africa, and have bought a 2.5 diesel Pajero 1991 model, with 157,000 km on the clock. Excellent vehicle!!! No problems; I am still planning to go deep into Africa with it!
I am driving a Pajero V44 auto intercooler, there are few problems I alway face, i) the alternator always broke down once in less than a year. ii) the 4WD indicator always show blinking light for 4H drive despite the car is only on 2H. Can I have the view and opinion from the pool? Thank you.
I am not sure if I am a lucky man. I have a 1988 3L Petrol and a 95 3L Petrol Pajero. The joke in our family is that we need two cars to keep one on the road!
Simon.
I have a Pajero 2.5 tdi inter-cooler turbo auto-transmission. It is a perfect car, and very comfortable to drive. I travel in it with confidence, saving fuel, and the cabin is very comfortable.
Maybe Mitsubishi company can re-market this type of 4x4, but with an improved engine (such Toyota diesel engine, the d4d technology).
I am just a little bit disappointed with the engine under power and oil leaking occur after only a few years. Still I love this vehicle very much and don't think of selling it.