Exterior:
While the Pajero Evolution is purpose-built and derives heavily from the 25-year-old Pajero foundation, only strengthened for competition use, certain common Pajero issues, notably the dreaded rust problem, can potentially emerge.
Upon inspecting the undercarriage, it is crucial to conduct a thorough assessment for signs of rust and corrosion, meticulously scrutinizing areas such as around the doors, trunk, within the wheel arches, and at the base of the roof. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is paramount to identifying any potential vulnerabilities.
Given its rarity and collector’s appeal, a significant portion of these specimens should possess impeccable exteriors. However, there are notable considerations worth keeping in mind. For instance, envision a minor fender bender, like an encounter in a parking lot.
Unlike readily accessible components such as door handles and various mechanical elements, certain body parts for the Pajero Evolution might not be readily available through your local Mitsubishi dealership. These components, when attainable, could entail a considerable expense and require a substantial duration to source. Even seemingly routine tasks like refinishing the front bumper due to minor stone chips could pose a challenge – the distinctive raised Evolution decals are reportedly exclusively accessible in Japan and could demand a hefty price.
Furthermore, considering the Pajero Evolution’s role as an off-road capable performance vehicle, it becomes paramount to meticulously inspect the entire automobile for any indications of damage or, worse yet, subpar repair work. A more in-depth exploration of this subject and a wealth of additional insights are presented in our comprehensive 4×4 buyers guide video. Prior to embarking on any four-wheel drive purchase, we strongly recommend viewing this resource.
Interior:
The Pajero Evolution’s unassuming cabin design contributes to its resilience, resulting in a relatively trouble-free environment.
While sporadic reports have emerged regarding the wear of the side bolsters on the exquisite Recaro seats, and occasional, isolated incidents of electronic quirks have been mentioned, these issues do not appear to be of a severe nature. Fortunately, such matters can generally be addressed with ease and affordability.
Mechanically:
Given its age and status as an older Mitsubishi V6, it’s important to anticipate potential oil leakage and consumption. Much like other V6 Mitsubishi models from this era, valve stem seals are prone to leakage. This occurrence is a consistent trait in vehicles of this time.
The MIVEC system, for the most part, is dependable. Nevertheless, hydraulic lifters can develop a slight rattling sound in instances of high mileage or if the vehicle has been neglected over time.
Timing belt replacement is imperative when the odometer hits 100,000 kilometers, and this task should not be overlooked.
Vigilance is crucial for age-related concerns. Components constructed from rubber, particularly coolant, oil, and fuel lines, might necessitate replacement due to wear and tear.
This engine has been adapted to endure competitive use, which implies that, with proper upkeep, it should effectively withstand typical road driving conditions. Nonetheless, like any aging engine, meticulous maintenance remains paramount. Undertaking a comprehensive refurbishment of a specialized competition engine comes at a notable cost.
Shifting focus from the engine to other aspects, the independent rear suspension shares similarities with the design employed in the subsequent 3rd generation Pajero. This essentially translates to a robust and reliable setup. While later models occasionally encountered rear driveshaft issues, it is noteworthy that such occurrences were not widespread.
When addressing transmissions, whether automatic or manual, there’s little need for concern. Both variants are built to endure, showcasing ruggedness and reliability.