Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| V | Model series | V — Pajero V-series (second-generation and later) |
| 20 | Generation/body code | 20 — second-generation Pajero body (1991–1999) |
V20 is the series designation for the second-generation Pajero; specific codes include V21W (2.5L diesel SWB), V46W (3.0L petrol LWB 4WD). The Super Select 4WD system debuted on this generation.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- Gen 2/2.5 is the collector sweet spot
- Pajero Evolution is the top-value halo model
- SWB 3-door commands a consistent premium
- Rust + cooling are the biggest inspection items
- Gen 3/4 are best value for daily + overland
- Diesel legality varies; verify import compliance
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V20/V30 | 4D56 | 2.5L | estimated | NA diesel; regional tune |
| V20/V30 | 4D56T | 2.5L | estimated | Turbo diesel; IC on some specs |
| V20/V30 | 4M40 | 2.8L | estimated | 2.8TD; mechanical/electronic pump varies |
| V20/V30 | 6G72 | 3.0L | estimated | SOHC V6; multi-point injection varies |
| V20/V30 | 6G74 | 3.5L | estimated | SOHC/DOHC varies by model |
Transmission Options
| Type | Ratios | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-speed Manual | estimated | Gen1-Gen2 (varies) | Early RWD/4WD applications |
| 4-speed Automatic | estimated | Gen1-Gen2 (varies) | Hydraulic 4AT; market dependent |
| 5-speed Manual | estimated | Gen3 (varies) | Diesel/petrol depending on market |
| 5-speed Automatic | estimated | Gen3-Gen4 (varies) | INVECS-II 5AT on many models |
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen2 (V20/V30; SWB/LWB) | Pajero XR | 4D56/6G72 (market dependent) | Super Select 4WD (spec), cloth, basic audio |
| Gen2 (V20/V30; SWB/LWB) | Pajero XL | 4D56T/6G72 (market dependent) | Super Select 4WD, upgraded trim, A/C |
| Gen2 (V20/V30; SWB/LWB) | Pajero GLS | 4D56T/6G72/6G74 (market dependent) | Alloy wheels, power accessories, better seats |
| Gen2 (V20/V30; SWB/LWB) | Pajero Exceed | 6G72/6G74/4M40 (market dependent) | Top trim, leather (spec), premium audio |
| Gen2 (V20/V30; SWB/LWB) | Pajero Super Exceed | 6G74/4M40 (market dependent) | Luxury trim, dual A/C (spec), wood accents |
| Gen2 (V20/V30; SWB/LWB) | Pajero Evolution (JDM) | 6G74 3.5 V6 DOHC NA | Widebody, MIVEC, Recaro, rally homologation |
| Gen2 (V20/V30; SWB/LWB) | Pajero Field Guard | 4D56T/4M40 (market dependent) | Utility spec, durable trim, off-road focus |
Should You Buy a Mitsubishi Pajero V20?
Why You'll Love It
- Super Select 4WD versatility Many trims offer full-time 4WD modes plus low range; great in mixed weather.
- Rally-bred durability Dakar heritage shows in cooling, driveline strength, and long-distance reliability.
- Strong off-road geometry Short overhangs (esp. SWB) and robust underbody make trails and sand easy.
- Comfortable daily usability Gen 2+ rides well for a 4x4; Gen 3/4 are genuinely road-friendly.
- Good global parts ecosystem Shared components across markets; aftermarket supports lifts, armor, and service parts.
- Value vs Land Cruiser tax Often 20–40% cheaper than comparable Toyota 80/100/Prado in similar condition.
- SWB and rare trims upside 3-door, widebody, and Evo variants have stronger collector demand and liquidity.
Why You Might Not
- Rust is the #1 value killer Rear arches, sills, body mounts, and frames rot; repairs quickly exceed savings.
- Cooling system neglect risk Old radiators, hoses, and viscous fans can cause overheating; check service history.
- Diesel import complexity Registration/emissions rules vary by state; verify paperwork and compliance before buying.
- Fuel economy is mediocre V6 models are thirsty; lifted/armored builds worsen range and operating costs.
- Aging electronics/trim Window regs, climate controls, and interior plastics can be brittle on older gens.
- Evo parts scarcity Pajero Evolution-specific body and suspension parts are expensive and hard to source.
- Auto trans wear on heavy use Towing/off-road heat can shorten life; look for smooth shifts and clean fluid.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone needing modern crash safety and ADAS
- People who can't wrench or pay specialist labor
- Buyers without proof of timing belt service
- Anyone who ignores cooling system maintenance
- Rust-belt buyers without lift/inspection access
- Drivers wanting quiet, car-like ride and handling
- People expecting 25+ mpg or cheap fuel costs
- Those needing easy parts availability everywhere
- Owners who tow heavy without adding trans cooler
- Anyone who can't tolerate occasional 4WD quirks
- Apartment dwellers with no place for DIY repairs
- States with strict emissions/inspection hurdles
- Buyers who need a small parking footprint
- People who hate slow diesel warm-up in winter
- Anyone expecting low running costs like a Corolla
- Those who need a truly adult-usable third row
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing belt overdue | Skipped interval; unknown history imports | Full belt kit, tensioners, water pump | $900-1800 |
| Balance shaft belt failure | Old belt snaps; can take timing belt with it | Replace both belts; inspect pulleys/tensioners | $900-1800 |
| Diesel head cracks/warpage | Overheating, poor coolant, clogged radiator | Pressure test; head job/replace; fix cooling | $2500-6000 |
| Cooling system weak | Aged radiator, hoses, cap, fan clutch | Radiator/hoses/cap/thermostat; flush properly | $600-1600 |
| Injector pump seal leaks | Aging seals; ULSD shrinkage on older pumps | Reseal pump; set timing; replace return lines | $700-1800 |
| Worn injectors (diesel) | High miles; poor fuel filtration/quality | Test/replace nozzles; set pop pressure | $500-1500 |
| Turbo wear/oil leaks | High EGT, poor oil changes, clogged breather | Rebuild/replace turbo; clean intake/intercooler | $900-2500 |
| EGR/intake carbon clog | EGR soot + oil mist builds thick deposits | Intake/EGR clean; check boost leaks | $300-900 |
| Auto trans overheating/wear | Towing, old ATF, clogged cooler, high temps | Fluid/filter service; add cooler; rebuild if bad | $350-4500 |
| Transfer case actuator faults | Vacuum leaks, stuck solenoids, seized actuator | Smoke test vac lines; replace solenoids/actuator | $150-1200 |
| 4WD lights flashing | Position switches dirty; actuator not completing | Clean/replace switches; verify vacuum/actuator | $100-600 |
| Front diff pinion leak | Worn seal; vent clogged; off-road contamination | Replace seal; service vent; refill correct oil | $250-700 |
| Rear diff clunk/whine | Worn gears/bearings; low oil from leaks | Rebuild diff; replace bearings/gears as needed | $900-2500 |
| CV joint/boot failure | Aged boots, lift angles, off-road debris | Replace boots early or swap axle assemblies | $200-900 |
| Wheel bearing failure | Water ingress, age, incorrect preload/service | Replace bearings/seals; set preload correctly | $300-900 |
| Steering rack leaks | Seal wear; torn boots trap grit and moisture | Rebuild/replace rack; flush PS fluid | $600-1600 |
| Front suspension wear | Heavy vehicle; bushings/ball joints age | Replace ball joints, bushes; align afterward | $500-1800 |
| Brake caliper sticking | Corrosion on slide pins/pistons; old fluid | Rebuild/replace calipers; flush brake fluid | $300-1200 |
| Rusty brake lines | Road salt; neglected underbody washing | Replace lines; inspect flex hoses and fittings | $400-1500 |
| Heater core leak | Corrosion; old coolant; electrolysis | Replace heater core; flush; new coolant | $700-1800 |
| A/C weak at idle | Low charge, tired compressor, condenser blockage | Leak test; recharge; replace compressor if noisy | $200-1500 |
| Sunroof drain leaks | Clogged drains; cracked tubes; poor sealing | Clear drains; replace tubes; dry interior fully | $100-600 |
| SRS light from seat plugs | Loose/corroded connectors under seats | Clean/repair connectors; clear codes properly | $80-300 |
| Window regulator failure | Worn cables/plastic guides; dry tracks | Replace regulator; lube tracks; check switches | $150-500 |
| Crank pulley/damper wobble | Rubber delamination with age/heat | Replace harmonic balancer; inspect keyway | $250-700 |
| Oil leaks (general) | Aged seals: valve cover, front/rear main | Reseal; clean PCV/breather system | $200-1500 |
| Fuel tank rust/contam | Condensation; long storage; poor fuel | Clean/replace tank; new filter; flush lines | $400-1500 |
| Electrical ground issues | Corroded grounds; battery acid damage | Clean/replace grounds; load test charging | $80-400 |
| Body/frame rust repair costs | Salt exposure; hidden rot under seam sealer | Proper cut/weld; avoid patch/undercoat flips | $1500-10000 |
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Low Priority
Generation History
Gen 2 (V20) (1991-1999)
- Big leap in comfort; still very capable off-road
- Super Select 4WD on many trims
- 3.0/3.5 V6 and popular 2.8 diesel options
- Strong JDM supply; best parts availability
Pajero Evolution (V55) (1997-1999)
- Homologation special; Dakar-focused hardware
- Wider track, unique body, upgraded suspension
- Limited production; strongest auction results
- Condition and originality drive huge premiums
Sales Numbers by Year
| Year | Exports | Domestic | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 80,882 | 64,381 | 144,988 | Gen1 → Gen2 (V20/V30) transition; Super Select 4WD debuts |
| 1992 | 89,835 | 83,685 | 174,708 | Second Dakar Rally win |
| 1993 | 88,788 | 67,899 | 158,922 | Third Dakar Rally win |
| 1994 | 106,570 | 54,329 | 161,238 | |
| 1995 | 110,365 | 44,933 | 152,102 | |
| 1996 | 99,200 | 28,851 | 128,593 | |
| 1997 | 111,144 | 26,181 | 136,941 | Pajero Evolution (V55W) introduced for Dakar homologation |
| 1998 | 90,416 | 9,412 | 95,675 | Fifth Dakar Rally win |
| 1999 | 65,212 | 20,189 | 90,524 | Gen2 → Gen3 (V60/V70) transition; monocoque construction |
| 2000 | 129,198 | 12,701 | 138,315 | |
| 2001 | 85,324 | 6,725 | 91,700 | Dakar Rally win (start of seven-year streak) |
| 2002 | 106,376 | 5,681 | 112,161 | |
| 2006 | 68,563 | 6,025 | 75,933 | Gen3 → Gen4 (V80/V90) transition; Montero withdrawn from US market |
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen2 (V20/V30) | 1991-1999 | estimated | Includes Pajero Evolution subset |
Rarest variant: Pajero Evolution
How It Compares
| Feature | V20 | Toyota Land Cruiser 80 | Nissan Patrol Y61 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Era/segment | Gen2/2.5: 1991-2002 | 1990-1997 | 1996-2002 |
| Chassis type | Gen2: body-on-frame | Body-on-frame | Body-on-frame |
| 4WD system | Super Select (many trims) | Full-time 4WD (HF2A) | Part/full-time (varies) |
| Low range | Yes (most 4WD trims) | Yes | Yes |
| Diff locks | Rear LSD/locker varies | Front/center/rear avail | Rear locker common; others vary |
| Engine highlight | 6G72/6G74 V6; 4M40 diesel | 1FZ-FE I6; 1HD diesels | TB45/TB48; ZD30/TD42 |
| Power (typical) | V6 ~150-215 hp (market) | I6 ~212 hp (1FZ-FE) | TB48 ~245 hp (market) |
| Weight/feel | Lighter, more nimble | Heavier, tank-like | Heavy-duty, stable |
| On-road comfort | Gen3/4 very good | Good but trucky | Truck-like; solid feel |
| Parts/aftermarket | Strong global; JDM support | Excellent; huge aftermarket | Strong; region-dependent |
| Collector premium | High for Evo/SWB | High for triple-locked | High for TD42/TB48 |
| Comparable size | Mid/full-size SUV | Full-size SUV | Full-size SUV |
| SWB agility | 3-door SWB available | SWB rare (some markets) | SWB available (some markets) |
| Value vs rivals | Often cheaper than Toyota | Toyota tax common | Similar or slightly higher |
| Overland readiness | Great; needs rust check | Excellent; costly entry | Excellent; parts vary by region |
Comparable Alternatives
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 90
Similar size; Toyota reliability; often pricier than Pajero
Isuzu Trooper (UBS)
Great value 4x4; simpler; less collector demand than Pajero
Toyota 4Runner (3rd gen)
US-friendly support; smaller; strong resale; less unique than Pajero
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which Pajero generation is best to buy today?
- For value: Gen 3. For collectability: Gen 2/2.5 SWB. For top-tier: Pajero Evolution.
- What is Super Select 4WD and why does it matter?
- Super Select allows 2H/4H/4HLc/4LLc on many models, giving full-time 4WD flexibility on-road.
- What are the biggest problem areas to inspect?
- Prioritize rust, cooling system, 4WD engagement, trans shift quality, and front suspension wear.
- Are Pajero Evolution models worth the premium?
- Yes if you want rarity: limited production, unique body/suspension. Budget for Evo-only parts and originality.
- Is a short-wheelbase (3-door) Pajero better?
- SWB is more agile off-road and more collectible, but rides choppier and has less cargo space than LWB.
- How do Pajero prices compare to Land Cruisers?
- Comparable-condition Pajeros are often 20–40% cheaper than Land Cruiser 80/Prado due to Toyota demand.
- What mileage is too high for a Pajero?
- Mileage matters less than maintenance. Rust-free, well-serviced examples at 150k+ miles can be solid buys.
- What options add the most value at resale?
- SWB, factory lockers (where fitted), clean underbody, documented timing/cooling service, and stock condition.
Sources & References
Sources (12)
- Mitsubishi Pajero (Wikipedia) — Wikipedia Verified
- Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution (Wikipedia) — Wikipedia Verified
- Mitsubishi Pajero iO (Wikipedia) — Wikipedia Verified
- Mitsubishi Montero (Wikipedia) — Wikipedia Verified
- Dakar Rally history and manufacturer results — Wikipedia Verified
- Mitsubishi Motors Dakar Rally heritage — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Verified
- Mitsubishi Montero reviews and pricing — Car and Driver Verified
- Mitsubishi Shogun (Pajero) UK review — Autocar Verified
- Mitsubishi Pajero common problems — CarsGuide Australia Verified
- Mitsubishi Pajero owner reviews — ProductReview.com.au Verified
- Pajero auction listings — Bring a Trailer Verified
- Goo-net Exchange JDM Pajero listings — Goo-net Exchange Verified
Sources last verified: