Mitsubishi Pajero (2003)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 582 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,991

£249/month

MOT Pass Rate

78%

Average

Road Tax

£760

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 35-50

3490cc Diesel

Check Carefully

78% pass rate, £2,991/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel3490cc23 years old582 tests151k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 3490cc)

~40 mpg

£1,676

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£760

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£500

Total per year£2,991

Per month£249/mo

Per week£58/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

78% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

78% of MOT tests on Mitsubishi Pajeros from 2003 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 21 years old. That's based on 582 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 150,765 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2003 models120th of 429(top half)

Rank among Mitsubishi models195th of 390(top half)

vs average of all models-4%(82% avg)

vs 2003 models average+6%(72% avg)

vs Mitsubishi average-2%(80% avg)

Mileage Analysis

150,765

Average miles

155,400

Expected for age

The average 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero had 150,765 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.

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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 2003 scores 78%. 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

BMW X3

2005 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,641/year

76%

-2%

Mitsubishi Shogun

2004 · 3200cc Diesel

£2,991/year

73%

-5%

BMW X5

2003 · 2993cc Diesel

£2,641/year

77%

-1%

Toyota Land Cruiser

2005 · 3000cc Diesel

£2,641/year

77%

-1%

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About the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero

The 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero is a large-engined car. Our records list a 3490cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 582 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 2003, the average MOT pass rate is 72%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 150,765 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Mitsubishi Pajero owners drive about as much as the UK average.

2003 Mitsubishi Pajero Fuel Costs

The 3490cc 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 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,991 (£249/month), broken down as £1,676 fuel, £760 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 78% 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 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero

At 23 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 151k 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 2003 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(2003)	78%	£1,676	£760	Grp 35-50	£2,991
BMW X3(2005)	76%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641-£350
Mitsubishi Shogun(2004)	73%	£1,676	£760	Grp 35-50	£2,991same
BMW X5(2003)	77%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641-£350
Toyota Land Cruiser(2005)	77%	£1,676	£410	Grp 30-42	£2,641-£350

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 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 78% of MOT tests on 2003 Mitsubishi Pajeros ended in a pass, from 582 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 4 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,991 a year (£249 a month): £1,676 fuel, £760 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 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero?

78% of 582 MOT tests on the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 120th of 429 models first registered in 2003 (top 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 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero is 150,765 miles, which is in line with the expected 155,400 miles for a 21-year-old car, suggesting normal everyday use.