Pajero Review - 2002 3.5 litre Petrol NP Exceed - 2nd Hand 4WD Review

This Mitsubishi Pajero is a very popular four-wheel drive in Australia, and today, we’re going to take a look at the very first NP model Pajero as a second-hand buy. And the model we’re reviewing is a 3.5 litre, Petrol, Exceed.
Mitsubishi designed a monocoque body for the previous NM Pajero in 2000, and the NP model is the first face lift Mitsubishi would give the well accepted 4WD.
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As a suburban warrior, the Pajero drives more like a car than a 4wd, and that’s thanks to the independent front and rear suspension, which for an off-road vehicle some think is a disadvantage. But put a 50mm lift, a decent set of shocks and some all-terrain tyres on the Paj, and it’ll go just about anywhere that a sensible driver will want to take it.
The Super Select Gearbox was fitted as standard in the NP Exceed, in fact you couldn’t get an Exceed in a manual, and why would you when the super select system is such a reliable and easy to use gearbox control system.
Unlike many 4wd’s in its class, the Pajero had, and still has the option to drive in 2WD, and then change into 4wd at highway speeds. The centre diff lock can be engaged on the run when 4wding. And with a quick stop, you can have the Pajero in four-low for the more serious tracks.
For general 4WD tracks and trails, the Pajero eats it up. It drives well off-road and provides good feedback through the wheel, which in many newer model 4wd’s is disappearing. The Independent suspension on the Pajero does limit the wheel travel somewhat, but if you pick your lines carefully and drive the tough stuff sensibly, it’s very capable over even the hardest of tracks.
The 3.5 litre Pajero has good power at 140kw and reasonable torque 303nm, but it also has a small 90 litre tank which will limit the length of a big outback journey, so be sure to pack some jerry cans.
In terms of buying a second-hand Petrol Exceed, expect to pay between 4 and 10 thousand dollars depending on condition and number of kilometres. You’ll be lucky to get one with less than 200 thousand kilometres, and for a petrol engine, it’s likely to need extra care and more regular servicing to keep it in tip top shape.
As an off-roader, the Pajero is a great 4WD, and if you want to take it to the office on Monday, it’s still a comfortable ride. As a second-hand four-wheel-drive, for the money, they still stack up against the competition, but our recommendation would be to consider the Diesel model over the petrol.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we’d love to hear your stories of buying 2nd hand 4WD’s. Make sure you watch our other review videos, linked in the description below.
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