MITSUBISHI PAJERO (1996)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 155 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
72%
Total Tests (2024)
155
Avg Mileage
135,309 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£2,050
Is the 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 28 years old, 72% of MITSUBISHI PAJEROs from 1996 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 155 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 135,309 miles.
How does the 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO has 135,309 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 207,200 miles for a 28-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
Best year to buy a MITSUBISHI PAJERO?
The most reliable year is the 2016 model with a 88% MOT pass rate, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1996 sits between the two at 72%.
How much does a 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO cost to run?
Higher than average due to low pass rate
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 83% | 42 | 75,994 mi |
| 2017 | 82% | 45 | 75,569 mi |
| 2016 | 88% | 51 | 83,996 mi |
| 2015 | 64% | 36 | 111,798 mi |
| 2010 | 77% | 30 | 95,272 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 69 | 127,382 mi |
| 2007 | 73% | 128 | 124,605 mi |
| 2006 | 78% | 260 | 136,303 mi |
| 2005 | 77% | 486 | 152,412 mi |
| 2004 | 70% | 616 | 157,611 mi |
| 2003 | 78% | 582 | 150,765 mi |
| 2002 | 68% | 270 | 153,687 mi |
| 2001 | 67% | 203 | 152,872 mi |
| 2000 | 73% | 129 | 138,864 mi |
| 1999 | 76% | 127 | 132,497 mi |
| 1998 | 77% | 105 | 114,961 mi |
| 1997 | 86% | 91 | 116,257 mi |
| 1996 | 72% | 155 | 135,309 mi |
| 1995 | 78% | 166 | 172,553 mi |
| 1994 | 79% | 106 | 184,471 mi |
| 1993 | 76% | 59 | 160,898 mi |
| 1992 | 63% | 30 | 174,063 mi |
| 1991 | 60% | 48 | 162,983 mi |
Checking a specific MITSUBISHI PAJERO?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO
The 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO is a large car with a 2800cc diesel engine. 155 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.
With an average of 135,309 miles at 28 years old, MITSUBISHI PAJERO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO Fuel Costs
The 2800cc diesel engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 40 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,245 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,050 (£171/month), broken down as £1245 fuel, £250 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 72% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
MITSUBISHI PAJERO Reliability Trend
The MITSUBISHI PAJERO has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Buying a Used 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO
At 28 years old, the MITSUBISHI PAJERO is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2016 model has the highest pass rate at 88%.
Alternatives to the 1996 MITSUBISHI PAJERO
If reliability is your priority, there are 2 similar cars with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (1998) 69% pass rate (-3%) from 12,811 tests
- LAND ROVER DEFENDER (1997) 76% pass rate (+4%) from 10,084 tests
- LAND ROVER DISCOVERY (1998) 77% pass rate (+5%) from 3,539 tests
- FORD TRANSIT (1998) 72% pass rate (same) from 3,080 tests