Review: 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero

As cars become more technologically advanced it seems they get softer, and softer. Well at least look that way. New 4x4 seem to have a softer look to them and to me feels like taking them off road would be a terrible idea. One thing that I've noticed is many companies selling 4x4 with no bull bar, or some with a small nudge bar, that in my opinion is utterly useless. The only new car I could find that you could get a quality bull bar installed at factory was the Toyota Hilux and frankly that isn't good enough anymore. However you can get a Nissan Navara with a decent bull bar installed, however it still is an added extra and for me it should be standard. One of the major bonuses of having a quality bull bar is winch capability. When you are out and about in the bush with some mates and you end up bogged in the mud what can you rely on to get you out? A winch, thats what. I've seen it time and time again, The winch coming to the rescue and without it you'll make your off roading life a nightmare. This is a reason why I feel the older 4x4 are the best when it comes to off road adventures. And the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is no exception.

Its rugged look and tough exterior make it great for off road situations. But also very easy and adaptable to normal road driving. Now the car now being 23 years old its safe to say that one would think that it would be running pretty rough. Well thats not a bad way of describing it, but after a recondition engine roughly 5 years ago its ran perfectly with only a few minor wear problems since then. Now with a car of that age, treating her right isn't something that is said, or done very often and this is one of the great benefits of the 4x4 from this era because they can be thrown about the harsh Australian outback without fear of too much wear and tear, due to their rugged and strong core. As my father has done many, many times before. Now these off road adventures I can only take from my dad as I never personally drove it off road as I never had the need. But for a car that can do both it wasn't a bad drive on the road either. Other than the boat nature of the springs due to the off road side it drive nicely. The power was good for the size and weight and could get up to the speed limit just as good as any 4-cylinder sedan. The 3L 6-cylinder naturally aspirate engine making 109kw wasn't the worst thing around. However the fuel consumption on these is through the roof with a 92L tank it would still only get 15L/100Kms witch in modern times is absolutely ridiculous. Thankfully, it had many other things on its side.

If you had a large family or lived out in the middle of nowhere this would have been your prime choice from 1994 and honestly probably a number 1 choice now. The choice of the extra 2 seats in the back or a good amount of storage was always a nice addition. As well as quite a comfy interior for the age of the car and something you would mind sitting in for a few hours during a road trip through the desert. Plus with the height of the car you can see pretty much anything coming, or in fact around you. Making it quite easy to drive. Then with the addition of a few essential 4x4 accessories such as the CB Radio (Citizen Band Radio) and winch making you the favorite with both truckies and other 4x4 drivers alike. Now you're set; family all fitted in, a nice safe secure vehicle with the height of a truck but the drive-ability of a family car, great easy communication with other drivers around you with the CB radio and always a crowd favorite with your winch. What could be better?

Now all in all, for the age of the car it is remarkably strong and rigid, now for sure there are stronger, more safer cars on the road today, but can you really fault the efforts of Mitsubishi during the 90s? Creating such a remarkably good car or both business and pleasure, no matter where it took you, on or off road. But again as time goes on it goes more and more out of date, but if you are looking for a reliable (Bare in mind the age of the car it will have issues.) safe 4x4 to go out with your friends in on the weekend, this would definitely be your choice as at the moment the price on these have dropped remarkably and you can usually pick one up for around 5k which isn't too bad. However make sure you check the car and the work that its had done to it. As finding one in mint condition is a diamond in the rough. Take it for a test drive and get it checked out by a mechanic and purchase accordingly. You take these first fine steps and you'll get yourself a great 4x4 for all driving types. Specifications: 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero GL LWB 4x4

Engine: 3.0L V6

Power: 109Kw 146Hp

Transmission: 5- Spd Manual or 4Spd Auto

Length: 4665mm (183.6In)

Width: 1695mm (66.7In)

Height: 1860mm (73.2In)

Weight: 1855Kgs