1993 Mitsubishi Pajero: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero than on all cars registered in 1993.

• Rigid brake pipes2.5× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  29.8% All 1993 cars

  12.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.7% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  35.1% All 1993 cars

  17.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 1993 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  43% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  39% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  38% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Rust and bodywork
  31% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

• Lights and electrics
  31% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Exhaust and emissions
  19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 1993 Mitsubishi Pajero as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?