2003 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  27.1% All 2003 cars

  14.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2003 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 damage3.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  13.8% All 2003 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.6%, against 1.1% of all 2003 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.

• Corroded fuel pipes12.4× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  8.7% All 2003 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 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.

• Wheel bearings2.9× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  11% All 2003 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 1.3% of all 2003 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.

• Rear fog light4.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  7.7% All 2003 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 1.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  40% 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
  40% 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.

• 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  29% 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
  28% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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 2003 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 1.8× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 12.4× as often on the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?