Mitsubishi Pajero: best and worst years
3 generations sold in Australia, rated from our guides
Best bets: NA-NG / NH-NL (1983-2000), NM-NP (2000-2006), NS / NT / NW / NX (2006-2021) (good value in our guides).
1983-2000NA-NG / NH-NL (1st-2nd gen)
Good valueGood value: 18 known problems, 6 high-severity. Worst to watch for: Rust - rear quarters, tailgate, windscreen surround, chassis; Overheating from aged cooling systems.
Full NA-NG / NH-NL guide →2000-2006NM-NP (3rd gen)
Good valueGood value: 15 known problems, 4 high-severity. Worst to watch for: Timing chain guide wear / chain jump; Injector failure / melted pistons.
Full NM-NP guide →2006-2021NS / NT / NW / NX (4th gen)
Good valueGood value: 12 known problems, 1 high-severity. Worst to watch for: Timing-chain guide wear.
Full NS / NT / NW / NX guide →Verdicts are the ratings in each FlamingCars guide; reasons and year notes come from the problems those guides list. Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection.