Mitsubishi Pajero 3 review

The third generation Mitsubishi Pajero was introduced back in 1999 at the Tokyo International Motor Show. Despite the presentation in his native Japan, the all-terrain vehicle was later shown in the US and Europe. It was the third generation of Pajero that became the most revolutionary car in the Mitsubishi Pajero SUV family. Remember the first two generations of Pajero, both SUVs were equipped with a frame body and a beam in the rear suspension, while the new car received the so-called frame integrated into the body, as well as independent suspension both front and rear. Even if we proceed only from this, the difference from the main competitors will become obvious. When the fourth generation was released, the Japanese gave the body more straight lines, the car became similar to the second generation, but technically the fourth Pajero repeats the third generation. In this review, we will pay attention to the Mitsubishi Pajero 3.

Overview of the Body and appearance of the Mitsubishi Pajero

Pajero of the third generation was produced in three and five-door bodies. The dimensions of both modifications have grown in comparison with the second generation. The length of the three-door increased from 4060mm to 4280mm, the five-door increased from 4680mm to 4795mm. Mitsubishi in a three-door body has become wider by 90mm, and in a five-door body by 100mm. The wheelbase of the three-door Mitsubishi Pajero has increased by 125mm, and the five-door by 55mm. Despite the overall increase in dimensions, the body height of both modifications decreased by 45mm. SUVs destined for the US were called Montero. The American can be distinguished by the turn signals that are built into the front wheel arches, on the Europeans, the signals are installed in the front fenders, in front of the door. In 2003, the SUV was restyled.
The updated Pajero can be recognized by the round front foglights, previously they were rectangular - pay attention to the photo. Depending on the configuration and equipment, the Mitsubishi Pajero is fitted with tires measuring 235/75 R15, 245/70 R16, 265/70 R16, 235/80 R16.

Salon and equipment Mitsubishi

In the dashboard block there is a device that prompts the driver about which drive the car is currently moving on.
Cars destined for Arab countries are equipped with two air conditioners, one air conditioner is for those sitting in the back. On machines that are intended for the CIS countries, instead of the second air conditioner, a stove is installed. The most expensive GLS equipment already in the base is equipped with heated front and rear seats, heated wiper rest areas and climate control. Five-doors can have additional seats in the trunk designed for two passengers. Pajero's trunk volume with the second-row sofa unfolded is 1295 liters.

Technical part and characteristics of Mitsubishi Pajero 3

As we have already understood, the main difference between the third generation Pajero and the rest of the mass of SUVs of that time is the absence of a frame in its usual form and an independent suspension. Skeptics of this model constantly say that the independent suspension is less enduring in constant driving on heavy off-road than bridges, and this is actually the case. But the designers themselves understood this, they created a car that, although not so hardy, is no less passable off the highway, and on the track it is much better than the Patrol Y61 with its front beam. In addition, the third generation Pajero, unlike the Nissan Patrol Y61, is equipped with a center differential, which allows you to drive all-wheel drive on any surface without harm to the car. The manufacturer himself disseminated information that the rigidity of the body of the third Pajero is three times higher than the rigidity of the body of the frame Pajero of the second generation. The suspension travel has even increased by 30mm compared to the previous model.

The following engines were offered for the CIS market. The newest and most advanced was the 3.5-liter V6 petrol with GDI direct injection technology. The system constantly monitors exactly when it is necessary to make an injection and regulates the amount of the fuel mixture. The power unit received the index 6G74, the motor develops a power of 202 horsepower and a torque of 318N.M, it is very important that 80% of the thrust - 270N.M is already available at 1,500 rpm. V6 3.5 intended for the domestic market of Japan gave out power of 220 and even 245 horsepower. Initially, the engine with the GDI system looked perfect: power, economy and environmental friendliness, but as time has shown, this unit does not like domestic gasoline too much. Due to bad fuel, the fuel pump suffers.

The 3.2-liter 4M41 diesel engine produces 160 horsepower, and the 3.2 DI-D torque even exceeds that of the 3.5GDI gasoline V6, the 3.2 diesel torque is 372N.M. The big advantage of a diesel unit in comparison with the above-described gasoline V6 is the use of a chain in the timing system, and not a belt like on a gasoline V6, but it is also recommended to change the chain at a run of 180,000. Some problem with a turbodiesel is that the intake manifold becomes clogged over time. The fact is that due to low-quality diesel fuel, the gas recirculation system "drives" not only gases into the intake manifold, but also excess - unburned fuel. Servicemen recommend checking the intake manifold for cleanliness every 40,000. Another characteristic problem of the 4M41 diesel engine is that over time, the fuel injection timing control sensor wears out in the fuel pump, this trouble is accompanied by increased idle smoke and loss of power.

The least powerful diesel engine with a volume of 2.5 liters with a capacity of 100 horsepower and 240 N.M of torque was installed only on the basic versions of the GL and was not in significant demand in the CIS.

The cars intended for the Arab countries were equipped with the second-generation Pajero petrol V6 with a volume of 3.0 liters already tested under the hood. The motor is also familiar from Pajero Sport. Power - 170hp, designation of the power plant - 6G72.

For the United States, a 3.8-liter gasoline engine was proposed that develops 218 horsepower.

A common malfunction for the 3.5 GDI 3.2DI-D engine is a possible malfunction of the camshaft position sensor, while the car will not start. If such a trouble occurs, you can find repair specialists in the city, for example, if you live in Sochi, just enter in the search box - Sochi Auto Repair, or the name of the city where you live.

Another important advantage of Pajero is the Super Select 4WD all-wheel drive system. This system allows you to drive and even turn on all-wheel drive on the go, but you should definitely stop to turn on a lower gear. In normal mode, 37% of traction is transferred to the front axle, and 63% to the rear axle. A simpler all-wheel drive system was also installed on the basic modifications - Easy Select 4WD, which was not equipped with a center differential, but such a transmission was installed only on the basic versions - GL.

Mitsubishi Pajero designed for the CIS were equipped with either a five-speed automatic Invecs 2 with manual shifting, or a five-speed mechanics. Invecs 2 can adapt to the driver's driving style, but it is unlikely that he will be able to please fans of truly fast driving. A simpler four-speed automatic was installed on Arab cars.

GDI motors are distinguished by not very durable hydraulic compensators, they usually die by 60,000. With runs of 80,000 km on Pajero engines, the timing belt should be replaced, at the same time the rollers and hydraulic tensioner should be changed, as well as the attachment drive belt.

Front wheel bearings live for 50,000 km. Mitsubishi's weak point is the rear eccentric camber / toe adjustment bolts, which stick with time. The stabilizer and ball bushings serve 100,000 each, and the silent blocks of the rear levers can travel 150,000 km. Replacing the tie rod ends will be needed with a run of 100 thousand.

Let's pay attention to the technical characteristics of Mirsubishi Pajero 3 with a DI-D turbodiesel engine and automatic transmission.

Specifications:

Engine: Diesel 3.2 r4

Volume: 3200cc

Power: 165hp

Torque: 373N.M

Number of valves: 16v

Performance indicators:

Acceleration 0 - 100km: 13.8s

Maximum speed: 170km

Average fuel consumption: 10.7l

Fuel tank capacity: 90L