2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel than on all cars registered in 2002.

• Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  34.2% All 2002 cars

  15.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.4% of all 2002 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.

• Chassis rust or damage3.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  14.6% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 1.3% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

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

• Wheel bearings3.7× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  14.6% All 2002 cars

  3.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 1.2% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

Common 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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.

• Brakes
  45% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  39% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  36% 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
  34% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  16% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the wheel bearings? (Flagged at MOT 3.7× as often on the 2002 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?