Mitsubishi Problems

The Pajero is a rugged vehicle that is very good on-road and off, it is roomy, safe and well equipped, while the Prado is a large, reliable, and tough seven-seater. It’s very comfortable, but the diesel’s performance is lacklustre. It’s hard to beat the Pajero.

The claimed average fuel consumption for the Pajero diesel is 9.7 L/100 km, so yours is a little high. I might come down with a little more running, but keep a record of it so you show your dealer at the next service. As for the poor radio reception you could complain to Mitsubishi; you could also go to a radio shop and have them advise you on what you could to improve it.

It has a timing chain, so there's no need to change it.

I reckon your mechanic is on the money with the injectors. Worn injectors are a common problem on common-rail diesels; it's something that affects most brands

If the suction control valve is worn or there is contamination present the fuel pressure will be affected and so will the drivability as a consequence. The car will sometimes go into limp home mode when this happens. It is a relatively common complaint on common-rail diesels, and the only thing to do is to replace the valve.

The NM Pajero has proved to be a sound and solid performer with few problems on road and off. The independent rear suspension is one area you need to be concerned about as it’s prone to sagging. The good news is that there are aftermarket suspension kits available to beef it up for load carrying and towing.

Your choices are limited if you want a four-wheel drive for serious off-roading. You could look at a Mitsubishi Pajero, Nissan Pathfinder, or maybe one of the popular 4WD utes. A ute will do everything you need, and they are quite comfortable on the road.

Your budget limits you to older models, around 2010-2012. One to look at is the Suzuki SX4; others are the Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi ASX.

The claimed average for the Triton diesel is 9.6 L/100 km, the claimed consumption for urban driving is 11.9 L/100 km, for highway/country driving it’s 8.3 L/100 km. That, of course, is the result of a laboratory test, not a real world one, so you have to allow for some variation.

You also have to allow for some variation due to loading, driving style, road conditions, tyres and the general state of the car. I’d recommend that you keep accurate records of the fuel used so you have the data to present to the dealer, and to Mitsubishi. If your data shows the car is not performing as they claim it should ask them to rectify it. Should they refuse approach the consumer affairs people with a claim that the vehicle as supplied to you is not what was represented to you.