Mitsubishi Pajero (2004)
2004 Mitsubishi Pajero
CarHunch analysed 110 real MOT records for the 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero falls slightly below the UK average with a 75.4% first-time pass rate compared to 80%, suggesting it's a reasonably solid performer for its age but not exceptional. The dangerous defect rate of 19.1% is notably high and worth taking seriously—nearly one in five vehicles has suffered a safety-critical issue, which should prompt a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
At 136,740 miles median mileage, these Pajeros show typical wear for a 20-year-old vehicle, yet they're racking up an average of 2.56 failures per test, indicating accumulating mechanical issues. The 11.9 average advisories suggest component deterioration is progressing steadily; before buying one, get a full pre-purchase history check and budget for imminent work on suspension, brakes, and emissions systems.
What to check before buying a 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Mitsubishi Pajero
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (69%) | 76 | 72.9% | 2.91 |
| Petrol (31%) | 34 | 80.9% | 1.79 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero vehicles fall between 106,594 and 167,818 miles.
2004 Mitsubishi Pajero — Still on the Road
26 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 68% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2004 Mitsubishi Pajero
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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30.9%
Oil leak, but not excessive
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24.9%
Oil leak
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17.7%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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16.6%
Nearside Front wheel bearing has slight play
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15.5%
Fuel pipe/s corroded
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15.5%
Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin
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14.9%
Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded
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14.4%
Offside Front wheel bearing has slight play
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2004. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Mitsubishi Pajero?
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