1985 Mitsubishi Pajero NB review from Australia and New Zealand

The back wheel fell off while driving due to faulty wheel bearings.

The Gearbox is incredibly noisy and on it's way out.

The Automatic front locking hubs lock up whenever they like, causing the front diff to spin consistently.

The front differential siezed also while driving, causing the front wheels to lock up due to the auto hub locking problem.

Although the list of rather unusual problems I've had, this car is excellent off road. A limited rear differential and chuncky off road tyres make it incredibly capable in mud and on steep slopes.

I don't know weather it's build quality or lack of care taken by the previous owner, but this car has given me nothing, but grief. I had it for only three weeks, and when I was driving down a rather steep slope the rear wheel and half-shaft basically fell out off the axle leaving me with 3 wheels and hardly any brakes. It goes without saying this was quite an eye-opening experience. $400 later that problem was fixed.

The gearbox developed a shocking whining noise in all gears. It has become worse, and I believe it is draining power from the already powerless engine.

It has come to my attention that the automatic locking hubs sometimes engage whenever they like, not just when the vehicle is put into 4x4. The front differential siezed for whatever reason while driving, causing the front wheels to lock up (i.e. stop rotating) while I was flying along at 110 km/h which made for yet another interesting experience.

Apart from those, it is a nice car to drive around in. Although, it is very gutless and has a lot of trouble making it up hills especially when towing a trailer.

The power steering is very light, the air conditioning works really well, but the stock radio is total rubbish.

It has a good riding position, comfy seats and the back seats fold down into a double bed.

I think Mitsubishi focussed more on a comfy, cruisy ride than a long lasting and robust 4x4 when they brought out this vehicle. The old Sigma engine doesn't stand up to much in a massive offroader such as this.

All up a total waste of $7000 in my opinion, but considering the age it can't be blamed totally on Mistubishi.