MITSUBISHI PAJERO (1997)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 91 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
86%
Total Tests (2024)
91
Avg Mileage
116,257 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,390
Is the 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the MITSUBISHI brand average of 80%.
At 27 years old, 86% of MITSUBISHI PAJEROs from 1997 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 91 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 116,257 miles.
How does the 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO has 116,257 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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 1997 sits between the two at 86%.
How much does a 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO cost to run?
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 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO
The 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO is a city car with a 1100cc petrol engine. 91 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 17% of all 1997 cars for reliability.
With an average of 116,257 miles at 27 years old, MITSUBISHI PAJERO owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO Fuel Costs
The modest 1100cc petrol engine keeps fuel costs low, which is a real advantage for a city car. Expect around 50 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £955 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,390 (£116/month), broken down as £955 fuel, £30 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 86% 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 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO
At 27 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%. Note: with only 91 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Alternatives to the 1997 MITSUBISHI PAJERO
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- MAZDA MX-5 (1999) 73% pass rate (-13%) from 8,535 tests
- VAUXHALL CORSA (1999) 89% pass rate (+3%) from 7,697 tests
- NISSAN MICRA (1999) 70% pass rate (-16%) from 6,792 tests
- FORD FIESTA (1999) 67% pass rate (-19%) from 4,854 tests