Buying A Used Mitsubishi Pajero in Thailand : What To Look Out For
The used car market in Thailand includes a great range of options for those looking for SUVs. There are classic cars that remain irresistible, and one of them is the Mitsubishi Pajero.
The Mitsubishi Pajero SUV is a no-frills rugged car with a classic design and ample reliable features. It can be a great vehicle for someone with a big family or a car for an off-roading enthusiast. Due to its 4WD capabilities and low-gear options, it makes for a suitable car for city and countryside driving.
A used Mitsubishi Pajero can be a great choice if you are looking for an affordable and tough vehicle for all kinds of terrain. However, before you buy a used Mitsubishi Pajero in Thailand, take the time to check the vehicle and test drive it before making a decision.
However, before you make a decision on buying a used Mitsubishi Pajero, it's important to do thorough research and testing of the specific vehicle you are interested in. Buying a used Pajero that is full of hidden defects could be a total headache because replacement parts are not easy to find.
1. Chassis
The Pajero's chassis is known for being strong and tough, and there is hardly any Pajero that experiences major chassis problems. What this means is that when examining the chassis, your primary goal is to check for wear and tear.
However, since this vehicle is commonly used for off-roading, check as well if there is any serious damage to the chassis rails. Carefully check also the protection plates if they are still in place. Frequent off-roading can bend or push the plates above the parts they are protecting. Fortunately, the protection plates are cheap and easy to replace.
2. Engines
Mitsubishi did not make many engine updates on the Pajero but for a number of years, the 3.8-liter V6 top-of-the-range engine was known for its reliability. The same is true for the 3.5-liter V6. Although a little underpowered, it is still a reliable engine.
If the Pajero you are buying already runs more than 100,000 kilometers, when properly maintained, the engine should still be in good condition. However, to know for sure, bring the car on a test drive and check if there are dark fumes coming from the exhaust as this could be an indication that the engine isn't in good condition.
Be extra careful when checking the engine because any serious damage may require an expensive engine overhaul.
3. Gearbox
Some Pajero models have automatic gearboxes that should instantly slide into Drive or Reverse easily. However, if there's any noticeable delay in moving the shifter, or if there's a clunking noise, it can be a sign of a knackered gearbox. Just like the engine, the only way to fix a gearbox is a full overhaul, so make sure to test the Pajero’s gearbox for any abnormalities in performance.
4. Steering rack and wheels
Frequent rough road use can cause a bent steering rack. Have someone inspect the front wheels to ensure that they are pointing straight when the steering wheel is positioned at the center. Also check if you can steer the wheel quietly and smoothly, and take note of any grinding noise\. Anything unusual may cause a bigger issue with the steering.
5. Suspension
One of the most common problems with Pajeros that have gone off roading is a cracked shock absorber. You can easily fix a damaged shock absorber if you know that the issue exists, so before driving your new drive home, make sure to double check this part of the vehicle.
6. Interior and other fixtures
Second-hand Pajeros do not have much fixtures or gadgetry, so from the electronics point of view, there is little that can possibly go wrong. However, one of the common issues with used Mitsubishi Pajeros includes problems with the parking sensors, so you want to make sure that this is fully functional.
Moreover, check the overall interior if it is still aesthetically looking good and if the seats are still in great shape. Although a torn seat or stains in the interior aren't dealbreakers, as an interested car owner you should know what you'll be getting.