Mitsubishi Pajero (1996)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 155 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,606

£217/month

MOT Pass Rate

72%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2800cc Diesel

Check Carefully

72% pass rate, £2,606/year to run. 10 points below average.

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Diesel2800cc30 years old155 tests135k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2800cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,606

Per month£217/mo

Per week£50/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

72% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Mitsubishi brand average of 80%.

72% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Pajeros from 1996 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 28 years old. That's based on 155 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 135,309 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1996 models164th of 243(bottom half)

Rank among Mitsubishi models290th of 390(bottom half)

vs average of all models-10%(82% avg)

vs 1996 models average-3%(75% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average-8%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

135,309

Average miles

207,200

Expected for age

The average 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero had 135,309 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 79%, while the 2001 model has the lowest at 67%. The 1996 scores 72%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Land Rover Defender

1997 · 2500cc Diesel

£2,606/year

76%

+4%

Land Rover Discovery

1998 · 2499cc Diesel

£2,606/year

77%

+5%

Volvo 800 Series

1996 · 2460cc Diesel

£2,606/year

74%

+2%

Volvo V70

1998 · 2461cc Diesel

£2,606/year

71%

-1%

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About the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero

The 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is a large car. Our records list a 2800cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 155 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all models from 1996, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 135,309 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,676 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 £2,606 (£217/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £375 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 3 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero

At 30 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 1994 model has the highest pass rate at 79%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 135k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Engine Mounts

Medium risk

Worn engine mounts cause excessive vibration and movement. Replacement costs £150-£400 per mount. Check for vibration at idle with the bonnet open.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Mitsubishi Pajero(1996)	72%	£1,676	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,606
Land Rover Defender(1997)	76%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606same
Land Rover Discovery(1998)	77%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606same
Volvo 800 Series(1996)	74%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606same
Volvo V70(1998)	71%	£1,676	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,606same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero

Is the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 72% of MOT tests on 1996 Mitsubishi Pajeros ended in a pass, from 155 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,606 a year (£217 a month): £1,676 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero?

72% of 155 MOT tests on the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 164th of 243 models first registered in 1996 (bottom half).

Which year Mitsubishi Pajero has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1994 Mitsubishi Pajero has the highest MOT pass rate at 79% and the 2001 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is 135,309 miles, 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.