Overview and Common Failures
Body and Interior
The car body is not weak, with proper care it can be kept in good condition. The most prone to corrosion are the edges, exhaust system elements, and the frame. The interior is very spacious, with a roomy trunk, and there is also a version with seven seats. The materials used for the interior finishing are cheap, the assembly is of poor quality, and there is no sound insulation. It is advisable to buy a version with two heaters, as the heater itself is rather weak.
Engine
The 3.0-liter gasoline engine G6AT is quite reliable, but it has high fuel consumption. The main complaints on the forum are related to oil consumption or cylinder head gasket failure. The 2.5-liter atmospheric diesel engine D4BA is the strongest, but lacks power. The 2.5-liter turbocharged diesel engines D4BF and D4BH are best suited for off-road vehicles. However, under heavy loads, the diesel engine's cylinder head can crack.
Transmission
The 5-speed manual transmission V5MT1 is considered quite durable and reliable. The main complaints are related to frequent oil leaks and low clutch lifespan. The 4-speed automatic transmission V4AW2 is reliable, but does not tolerate too active owners. With regular aggressive starts, the gearbox may need to be overhauled before reaching 100,000 km. Its weak points include weak seals, control cable, and speed sensor.
Four-Wheel Drive
The full-time four-wheel drive with a viscous coupling does not cause much trouble.
Suspension
The suspension is quite strong, with inexpensive parts that are compatible with Mitsubishi Pajero. The ball joints and bushings have the shortest lifespan and shocks often need to be replaced. The steering system can be quite troublesome, with the cross piece being a weak point. There are no major issues with the braking system: both the discs and drums work normally.
