2004 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel than on all cars registered in 2004.

• Rigid brake pipes2× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  34% All 2004 cars

  17.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 3% of all 2004 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

  30.4% All 2004 cars

  14.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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 damage5.1× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  17.8% All 2004 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.6%, against 1.1% of all 2004 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

  14.2% All 2004 cars

  3.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.4% of all 2004 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.

• Body structure rust or damage3.8× usual
  Mitsubishi Pajero

  11.4% All 2004 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

Common 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  46% 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
  44% 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.

• Rust and bodywork
  36% 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
  32% 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
  32% 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.

• Tyres
  16% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 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 rigid brake pipes? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel 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 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the chassis rust or damage? (Flagged at MOT 5.1× as often on the 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?