2001 Mitsubishi Pajero Pajero 2.5L Diesel · AE51 VMK

The 2001 Mitsubishi Pajero presents a stable but ageing mechanical profile, passing its most recent MOT on 20 September 2022 at 108,930 miles with only minor advisories. The maintenance trend is broadly stable, though the record reveals a pattern of recurring wear and corrosion issues typical of a 25-year-old off-road vehicle. The tester flagged a noisy exhaust and child seat obstructions limiting belt inspection in 2022, neither of which suggests serious mechanical failure but both warrant attention. Earlier tests show the vehicle has been kept on the road with consistent, if basic, upkeep. The mileage accumulation is notably low for a vehicle of this age, averaging roughly 4,357 miles per year over 25 years. The record shows a jump of approximately 16,800 miles between September 2020 and September 2021, followed by a complete halt in recorded mileage from September 2022 to the present date of June 2026. The vehicle has not been presented for a test in nearly four years, and the recorded mileage has remained static at 108,930 since September 2022. This gap raises the possibility of long-term storage, limited use, or a period off the road entirely, all of which can introduce their own risks such as deteriorated rubber components, stale fuel, and brake seizure. A buyer should inspect the underside carefully for structural corrosion, given that the 2018 and 2019 tests both flagged corrosion to the vehicle structure, albeit without significant loss of rigidity at those times. The 2019 advisory regarding a corroded nearside front brake pipe covered in grease or other material is particularly concerning, as brake line corrosion can worsen rapidly in older vehicles and may not have been addressed since. Suspension and steering components also deserve close scrutiny, with both track rod end ball joints flagged for slight play in the September 2021 test at 92,122 miles. There is no evidence these were replaced, and wear is likely to have progressed. The exhaust system should be checked for corrosion and integrity given the 2022 advisory for excessive noise. Tyre condition across all corners, including the spare, should be verified, as the 2019 test noted cracking and perishing to both rear tyres. Brake discs, pads, and calipers require inspection for uneven wear or binding, particularly on the rear axle where older 4x4s commonly suffer from seized handbrake mechanisms. The child seat fixtures noted in 2022 should be removed to allow a full assessment of the adult seatbelts, which may have deteriorated with age. Overall, this Pajero appears to have been lightly used but inconsistently maintained, and a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic is strongly advised.