A buyer's interest in any car model depends on many factors. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport engines play an important role in the commercial success of the popular SUV. The wide range of engines offered by the developers allows you to choose the most optimal configuration from the point of view of car enthusiasts with different financial capabilities and temperament.
The motors installed on the machine differ not only in design and technical characteristics. Even the most successful power units have their advantages and disadvantages, knowing about which you can not only avoid many unnecessary problems, but also significantly reduce maintenance and operating costs.
Let's focus on the currently relevant second generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. In Spain, India, Central and North America, this model is sold under the Montero Sport brand. The engine installed on it with a certain factory marking does not have significant design differences from analogues supplied to the European market and Russia.
Motors in this category are unlikely to appeal to those who pay attention to the high traction characteristics of the car and fuel economy. First of all, they are of interest to fans of fast driving and high dynamic performance. It is worth mentioning the relatively low costs of repair and maintenance of gasoline power units.
6B31
Introduced in 2007, during the production process this engine was subjected to significant modernization, as a result of which it was possible to significantly reduce fuel consumption and improve traction characteristics. Speaking about the features of its device, it is worth mentioning:
- V6 architecture;
- cylinder block cast from gray cast iron;
- working volume 2998 cubic meters. cm;
- cylinder diameter/piston stroke (mm) – 87.6/82.9;
- Cylinder head with four valves per cylinder;
- overhead camshafts;
- timing belt.
Thanks to the changes made by the developers, power and torque gradually increased, amounting to 209 hp in the first years of production. With. and 276 Nm, and in the latter – 230 hp. With. and 291 Nm. For Pajero Sport equipped with 6B31, fuel consumption in the combined cycle should be about 13.3 liters of AI-92 or AI-95 gasoline.
The Mitsubishi 3 liter engine is not very reliable. Among the common problems is motor jamming as a result of wear and rotation of the liners. Most often this happens with a mileage of 150 - 200 thousand km. Since there is no consensus among repair and operation specialists about the causes of the breakdown, there is no way to give effective recommendations for eliminating the problem. Despite the existing shortcomings, 6B31 migrated under the hood of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport-3.
Despite the excellent performance of the 6B31, it has one small drawback. After 40-50 thousand km, the intake manifold flaps may begin to rattle. | Working volume, cm3 | 2998 |
| Optimal power, hp | 209 - 230 |
| Maximum torque, N*m (kg*m) at rpm. | 292 (30) / 3750 |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Approximate fuel consumption, l/100 km | 8.9 - 13.1 |
| Injection system | distributed injection ECI-Multi |
| Engine Features | DOHC, MIVEC |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 87.6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 82.9 |
6G74
The disadvantages inherent in the 6B31 can be avoided if you purchase a frame SUV Pajero Sport-1 version of the Challenger, equipped with a 6G74 engine. Structurally similar to its smaller brother, it has an increased capacity of 3496 cc. see displacement and two cylinder head designs - with 2 or 4 valves per cylinder. Depending on the version, power can range from 178 to 280 hp. With.
Users and experts rate the operational reliability of the engine at 4 points. However, you will have to pay for it, as well as for the increased power, with high oil consumption. Burnout of 1 liter per 1000 km is the norm for Mitsubishi Pajero Sport with 6B74. But during normal operation, the engine resource is over 400 thousand km. The engine is popular among racing enthusiasts. The potential for tuning is also great. There are known cases of increasing the power of 6G74 to 1000 or more horsepower.
Diesel engines Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2
The native element of such an SUV is not the racing tracks, but the off-road. Therefore, it is not surprising that the manufacturer supplies the market with a significant percentage of cars equipped with diesel engines. Their high torque allows you to get out of unpleasant situations even when their gasoline counterparts are powerless.
4D56
The production of engines in this series began in 1986. it was inherited from the first generation models. First, an inline four-cylinder four with a displacement of 2477 cc. cm. had 2 valves per cylinder. Later the number of valves was increased to four. Early modifications did not have turbocharging. The addition of a turbine to the design made it possible to gradually increase power - on the latest modifications it reaches 178 hp. With. The list of problems typical for 4D56 that Pajero Sport owners have to face:
- characteristic noise appearing due to wear or damage to the crankshaft pulley (replacement of the part is required);
- oil leakage through various gaskets and seals (there are many specific places, and therefore finding and eliminating leaks takes time);
- smoky exhaust appearing due to damage to the injectors;
- cracks in the cylinder head, most often caused by overheating (a clear sign of their appearance is the bubbling of the coolant in the expansion tank).
Despite the fact that the resource of the 4D56 is estimated at 350 thousand kilometers or more, the reliability of the engine is average, with a four minus. Since all reserves for increasing power have already been exhausted, there is no point in tuning this aged veteran.
4M41
The most reliable of all engines installed on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport appeared in 1999. It has a successful design and balanced technical characteristics:
- R4 architecture;
- cast iron cylinder block;
- working volume – 3200 cubic meters. cm;
- number of valves per cylinder – 4;
- camshaft location – upper;
- Timing drive – chain;
- maximum power, depending on the version – 160 – 200 hp. With.
The 4M41 diesel unit has a working volume of 3.2 liters. The cylinder diameter is 99 mm. Rated 4+, the diesel still has some inherent problems. Most of them are associated with the failure of fuel equipment. The reason is the low quality of diesel fuel. But the timing chain also gives car owners some concern. If it starts to make noise (this usually happens after a mileage of 150 - 200 km), you need to change it before it breaks. Nevertheless, 4M41 can be considered the optimal choice for those who intend to operate the car in difficult conditions. It is reliable, unpretentious, and its operating costs are low.
4N15 diesel engine Mitsubishi Pajero 3
The third generation of popular SUVs of the Japanese concern is equipped with 4N15 diesel engines. This is a new generation of power units. Among their design features:
- R4 architecture;
- aluminum cylinder block with dry cast iron liners;
- working volume – 2442 cubic meters. cm;
- maximum power (depending on the degree of boost) – 154 – 181 hp. With.
The motor is more economical than its predecessors and is somewhat quieter. There is not yet enough information to compile a full reliability rating for the 4N15. However, we can safely assume that the service life of a power unit with an aluminum cylinder block will be lower than that of its predecessors, and the requirements for consumables will be higher.
When deciding which engine to give preference, in no case should we forget about the specifics of Russian operating conditions. Low-quality diesel fuel, motor oil that does not meet the requirements of the developers and is bad can cause breakdowns of even the most reliable power unit.
Pajero Sport was purchased from Rolf in 2011 for 1,600,000 rubles.
diesel 2.5 l 178l/s.
Full stuffing.
Currently the mileage is 397,000 km.
I changed the oil 12000-15000 km.
The main problem is airbag error. In common parlance, “pregnant man”... The problem is that the connections are made in the “male” connectors with square connectors, and the mating parts are round pins... And the system is interrogated by current... As a result, this connection does not pass by current, and an error is displayed and the airbags are blocked and the “pregnant man” lights up... The Rolf officials only reset the airbag errors for the first three years and sprayed something on the manufacturer’s recommendation... After five years, they recommended replacing the wiring in the cabin for 40,000 rubles.
Therefore, professionals have to block errors by soldering a 3-ohm resistance into the airbag circuit break, thereby turning it off.
Poor reception of FM channels. The navigator does not show many streets and house numbers.
The multimedia unit vibrates in the case, you have to insert a folded piece of paper...
At 200,000 km. engine replacement, due to the officials not changing the oil (presumably)...Two pistons and the crankshaft are stuck..(RUR 130,000 with work)
At 394,000 km. The gearbox died, the gears except the rear gear did not engage...Replacement with a repair one with a 2-year warranty (allegedly)...(RUB 130,000 with labor)
From 70,000 km. Constant errors of the box with entry into emergency mode after an hour or two of operation, probably after installation of crankcase protection on the entire bottom when purchasing...Probably a violation of the temperature regime. Changing the oil and filter was enough for 500 km without error. When changing to a repair box (third party), the box error remained..
The air conditioner cannot cope in traffic jams at air temperatures of 25 degrees and above. As a result, the air conditioning compressor was replaced due to its breakdown. At a high freon temperature, the safety valve is activated and the freon flows through the inner circle... and the compressor operates without oil... as a result, the compressor was full of chips...
The result is replacing the air conditioning compressor and installing an additional standard fan (on which the officials save money)... It works fine in traffic jams....
At 200,000 km. The rear axle bump stops were torn down...(2000 rubles)...
On a bump somewhere, the rear rod of the headlight range control was torn off (maybe due to the lack of a rear bumper)...
At 150,000 km. front shock absorber leaked...Replacement of both 1500rub...
At 200,000 km. the crosspiece of the rear axle universal joint vibrated.... at that time, replacing the universal joint (new) at Rolf cost 72,000 rubles. (replacement crosspieces were told not to be sold separately).
At 270,000 km, the CV joint of the front axle cardan died... Replacement of a used cardan assembly 15,000 rubles.
Over the entire run, caliper pistons with guides and brake discs (RUB 3,500 per pair) were replaced once in a circle... one piston costs about RUB 3,000....
The rear pads are enough for 25,000 km..
At 25,000 km the multimedia control buttons on the steering wheel failed... not annoying...
at 295,000 km. Kmat control is lying... it may be necessary to disassemble the torpedo and lubricate the damper shafts... it’s either hot or cold in winter...
At 200,000 km. The rear view camera is cloudy, and what it shows is difficult to understand...
Now the mileage is 397,000 km. The CV joints of the front axle are dying, there is vibration during all-wheel drive (the cost of replacing a used one is 15,000 rubles)...
The turbine has died and is sending oil into the intercooler. It is necessary to replace the intercooler, air conditioner radiator, engine radiator... (25,000 rubles for everything not original) Perhaps after this the box errors will disappear...
At one time at the car wash, a very advanced washer ran a Karcher over the air conditioner radiator, which is the first one, and bent the plates.... I think this is why the engine and air conditioner overheated in traffic jams..
But otherwise, in the eight years of ownership, I haven’t changed or done anything....
Consumes 13.7 liters for a given mileage. for 100 km... no matter where...
The 2nd generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV (restyling 2014) is equipped with two types of power units. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine produces 178 hp. and a torque of 400 Nm when equipped with a manual transmission (when installing an “automatic”, the torque is reduced to 350 Nm). The engine is equipped with a Common Rail injection system and a variable geometry turbine.
The second engine available for the SUV is a petrol V6, familiar from. In this case, it has slightly different settings. Thus, the maximum output is 222 hp, and the peak torque is limited to 281 Nm (at 4000 rpm).
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.5 diesel modification is equipped with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed INVECS II automatic transmission. The version with a 222-horsepower petrol “six” is equipped exclusively with an “automatic”.
The car has a body frame structure, sharing a platform with a pickup truck. Super Select 4WD all-wheel drive includes a symmetrical center differential that distributes torque equally between the axles, as well as a rear cross-axle differential and low-range gearing. Both differentials can be locked, with the rear one being forced using a separate button.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport suspension is built according to the following scheme: at the front there is an independent design on double wishbones, at the rear there is a continuous axle.
Technical characteristics of Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2 restyling - summary table:
| Parameter | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.5 DI-D 178 hp | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.0 222 hp | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | |||
| engine's type | diesel | petrol | |
| Injection type | direct | distributed | |
| Supercharging | Yes | No | |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 6 | |
| Cylinder arrangement | in-line | V-shaped | |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 | ||
| Volume, cubic cm. | 2477 | 2998 | |
| Power, hp (at rpm) | 178 (4000) | 222 (6250) | |
| Torque, N*m (at rpm) | 400 (2000-2850) | 350 (1800-3500) | 281 (4000) |
| Transmission | |||
| Drive unit | full | ||
| Transmission | 5 manual transmission | 5 automatic transmission | 5 automatic transmission |
| Suspension | |||
| Front suspension type | independent multi-link | ||
| Rear suspension type | dependent | ||
| Brake system | |||
| Front brakes | ventilated disc | ||
| Rear brakes | disk | ||
| Steering | |||
| Amplifier type | hydraulic | ||
| Tires and wheels | |||
| Tire size | 265/70 R16 | 265/65 R17 | |
| Disk size | 7.0Jх16 | 7.5JJх17 | |
| Fuel | |||
| Fuel type | diesel | AI-95 | |
| Environmental class | Euro 4 | ||
| Tank volume, l | 70 | ||
| Fuel consumption | |||
| Urban cycle, l/100 km | 9.8 | 11.2 | 16.6 |
| Extra-urban cycle, l/100 km | 7.3 | 8.3 | 9.9 |
| Combined cycle, l/100 km | 8.2 | 9.4 | 12.3 |
| dimensions | |||
| Number of seats | 5 | ||
| Number of doors | 5 | ||
| Length, mm | 4695 | ||
| Width, mm | 1815 | ||
| Height (without rails/with rails), mm | 1800/1840 | ||
| Wheelbase, mm | 2800 | ||
| Front wheel track, mm | 1520 | ||
| Rear wheel track, mm | 1515 | ||
| Trunk volume (min./max.), l | 714/1813 | ||
| Ground clearance (clearance), mm | 215 | ||
| Geometric parameters | |||
| Entry angle, degrees | 36 | ||
| Departure angle, degrees | 24 | ||
| Ramp angle, degrees | 23 | ||
| Weight | |||
| Curb, kg | 2045 | 2040 | 1950 |
| Full, kg | 2710 | 2600 | |
| Maximum trailer weight (equipped with brakes), kg | 2500 | ||
| Dynamic characteristics | |||
| Maximum speed, km/h | 179 | 176 | 179 |
| Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s | 11.7 | 12.4 | 11.3 |
Mitsubishi Pajero diesel is of interest to many car lovers today. This is clear, because it is the diesel versions that are recommended by experts of Japanese cars as the best options for Russian off-road. All models are interesting, including Mitsubishi Pajero Wagon 3 2 diesel and others.
The main preference given to diesel Pajero is the possibility of good savings. Indeed, such fuel is cheaper, and diesel versions, as a rule, consume less. The efficiency of diesel engines is largely due to high torque throughout the entire speed range. And the power units of recent years are generally super engines capable of demonstrating unique capabilities.
The operating principle of a diesel engine is no different from a gasoline internal combustion engine. The same cylinders and pistons are located inside, but the valve parts are significantly strengthened in order to be able to easily absorb the higher loads of a diesel unit (compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine, they are twice as large). This also explains the greater weight and size of a diesel engine compared to a gasoline internal combustion engine.
Differences are also observed in the methods of forming the combustible mixture and its further use. This is what I would like to draw your attention to.
- In a gasoline internal combustion engine, a fuel conglomerate forms in the intake system, spontaneously igniting in the cylinder from a spark plug. In a diesel engine, fuel is supplied separately. First, air enters the cylinders of a diesel internal combustion engine, then during compression, when the air is heated enough, fuel flows into the chamber under high pressure. It spontaneously ignites in an instant;
- Self-ignition leads to an increase in pressure in the cylinder, which causes disadvantages of the power unit: loud noise during operation and harshness;
- On the other hand, such development makes it possible to use fuel at a lower price;
- Diesel can also operate without problems on very lean mixtures.
Note. It is interesting that the environmental compatibility of a diesel engine is also comparatively better, because when burning lean mixtures, the emission of harmful components into the air is reduced.
Among the main disadvantages of a diesel unit are the following:
- strong roar when working;
- excessive vibration;
- less liter power;
- problems with the plant in the cold season.
It would be fair to note that these disadvantages most of all apply to old-type engines, and in modern engines these problems are no longer so obvious.
Turbodiesel
Mitsubishi Motors has been using turbodiesel units on its car models for a long time. It is believed that turbocharging is one of the modern and inexpensive ways to significantly increase the power of an internal combustion engine.
What is a turbodiesel - this is a separate type of diesel unit, equipped with a turbocharger, which increases engine power several times.
Pajero Sport diesel
This “frame”, popular in our country, currently offers fans a couple of diesel versions.
"Four" at 2.5
The 2.5-liter inline-four has many advantages. Let's look at the motor in more detail:
- This engine produces fewer horses than its analogue – the petrol 3-liter “six”. The diesel power is only 178 hp, but the torque is 350-400 Nm, which is a good indicator for SUVs;
- On the other hand, the diesel “four” is called lazy by most experts and owners. When switching the automatic transmission to Drive mode, this is especially noticeable;
- Both gearboxes are easily integrated with the engine: both 5-speed manual and automatic;
- The Four has 16 valves, but there is a timing belt, which is considered unusual for diesel cars;
- The engine consumes little fuel, especially compared to a gasoline unit. In the city, the “mechanics” consumes no more than 9.8 liters, on the highway even less – 8.2 liters. The “automatic” version consumes comparatively more, but these are already disadvantages of the box itself.
- The internal combustion engine also has quite decent dynamics and accelerates to hundreds in 11.7 with a manual transmission. So-so, nothing. But with the automatic transmission, the 2-ton Sport is much slower, accelerating to 100 km/h in 12.4 seconds;
- The disadvantage of the diesel Pajero is also sharp acceleration and overtaking. Indeed, it’s already inconvenient to maneuver in an SUV, and then there’s the diesel version, where you need to get used to the gearbox and accelerator each time, invigorating the engine with manual shifts from the steering wheel;
- The maximum speed of Pajero Sport with an automatic transmission is 176 km/h, with a manual transmission – 179 km/h;
- Noise – well, there’s nothing you can do about it, diesel, after all. On the other hand, such a guttural roar of the engine is appreciated by lovers of brutal SUVs, but the constant “pandemonium” of the transfer case lever, vibrating from the engine, is no longer acceptable at all.
The 2.5-liter “four” is a modernized 4D56 DI-D, known since 1980 as a very powerful engine. The Sport is already equipped with the third generation of this unit, equipped with Common Rail electronic direct fuel injection, which explains the good dynamics of the engine and moderate fuel consumption by most experts.
By the way, the L200 pickup truck is now sold with the same engine. Only on it the 2.5-liter unit of the Pajer is no match - the weak version is. On the Elka, the same engine produces only 136 horses, which is 42 hp more. less than Sport. But Mitsu Motors promises that they should soon release the L200 with a 178-horsepower diesel engine onto the Russian market.
A motorist who buys a diesel Pajero Sport receives a multifunctional computer-router with a proprietary inclinometer, which displays useful information about the angle of inclination of the car at a certain moment of movement (for SUVs this is an important function that helps determine by the angle of inclination whether the car will effortlessly pass various bumps or not).
Note. It is interesting that such a router is only available in the Intense and Instyle configurations, but it is not included in the expensive Ultimate (not counting models released after 2014). But the top version has modern multimedia with all the corresponding bells and whistles.
Let’s now compare the 2.5-liter Sport diesel with the 3-liter gasoline “six”:
- The gasoline engine runs smoother, that's true;
- It is faster than its diesel counterpart, as stated in the technical data - by 1 second or more, but in fact its automatic transmission responds better to the gas pedal and the engine.
So is the second gain in dynamics and the high transport tax that is currently imposed on gasoline “sixes” worth the real savings on fuel consumption? We think not, especially since the gasoline version does not have the same traction as a diesel engine, which is felt well both on a flat road and off-road.
In general, off-road for the diesel version is a haven where the car can easily overcome obstacles that many gasoline cars give in to. For an additional fee, dealers offer to install additional protection on the engine, gearbox and transfer case. If you are a lover of hunting and other purely male pleasures, and intend to often use the Sport as an all-terrain vehicle, then use the service. There is no need to skimp on protection.
And the winches, coupled with universal road tires with “toothy” mud tires, will generally turn the Pajer tank into a universal soldier.
3.2 liter engine
The Japanese are offering another diesel Pajero Sport. We are talking about a version with a 3.2-liter engine, introduced in Russia back in 2008. The car is available with both “mechanics” and “automatic”. In mixed mode, this Pajero Sport consumes about 7-10 liters of fuel. It accelerates to 100 km/h superbly in 10.4 seconds, and its top speed is 174 km/h.
Unfortunately, there are also disadvantages:
- The brake pedal is too loose, although the car brakes well at speed;
- The steering angle is also too large, which negatively affects control (although, depending on your opinion, there are also drivers who like such a steering wheel).
Prices
Now Pajero Sport is assembled here in Kaluga. The Japanese decision to move production facilities to Russia is in some way explained by the natural disaster that occurred in Thailand in 2007. Let us remind you that before the start of production of Pajero Sport in Kaluga, the car was imported to us from this Asian country, where it was assembled.
Note. By the way, the Outlander and other cars are also assembled at the Kaluga Automobile Plant.
The price of diesel Sport, assembled in Kaluga, has fallen in price. Now a brand new Mitsubishi Pajero Sport diesel 2.5 can be bought for 1.3 million rubles with a manual transmission and for 1.4 million with an automatic transmission. A 3.0 petrol “six” with automatic transmission costs more than 1.4 million rubles. A Pajero with a diesel 3.2 costs 2 million or more.
Let's take a look at the diesel competitors. A Ssang Young Aktion with a 2-liter unit sells from 1,390 thousand rubles, but not everyone likes such a car. The new frame Chevrolet Triblazer costs much more - 1,444 thousand rubles and more. And the price for Land Rover Defender and Nissan Pathfinder with a 2.5-liter diesel engine starts at no less than half a million.
It turns out that the only ones cheaper than the 2.5 liter diesel Sport are the “Chinese” and our UAZ. Yes, Pajero Sport today has no “pure” competitors, since most frame SUVs have gradually left the race, and light crossovers have taken their place. So, if you need a real tank that can go both ways into fire and water, buy a Sport with a diesel engine, you won’t regret it.
| Model | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.5 Di-D | Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 3.2 TD |
| Engine capacity, cc | 2477 | 3200 |
| Power, hp | 178 | 160 |
| Supercharging | Turbo | |
| Engine location | Transverse | |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | L4 | VR5 |
| Fuel supply system | Diesel | Direct injection diesel |
| Drive unit | Constant | |
| checkpoint | 5 manual transmission/5 automatic transmission | 5 manual transmission/4 automatic transmission |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h (manual/automatic), s | 11,7/12,4 | 10,4 |
| Fuel consumption in the combined cycle (manual/automatic), l | 8,2/9,4 | 7,9 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 176 | 174 |
Mitsubishi Pajero
Let's present an encyclopedic reference:
- The world first saw the diesel Pajero back in 1981. This was a 1st generation Pajero with a 2.3-liter 4D55 diesel engine, which underwent engine restyling within 2 years. The diesel unit was strengthened and equipped with a turbine, becoming even more powerful. It was now called 4D55T or 2.3 TD for short;
- The next diesel engine began to be installed on Pajero from the beginning of 1988. It was a 2.5 liter 4D56T with a turbine and intercooler;
- The 2nd generation Pajero or Wagon was initially equipped with a 2.5 liter 4D56 diesel engine. Since 1993, the engine range has undergone restyling: now the diesel version is the 2.8-liter 4M40 with an intercooler and a timing chain. In 1997, a full restyling of the second generation was carried out. Now the 4M40 has become integrated with a 4-speed automatic transmission;
- The 3rd generation Pajero was already equipped with a 2-liter 4M41, equipped with a DI-D direct injection system;
- The 4th generation Pajero was equipped with the same version of the diesel engine as the Pajero 3.
Throughout history, either turbodiesels or naturally aspirated engines have been installed on Pajero and Pajero Sport jeeps. By design, these are significantly larger motors than the engines of passenger cars such as Lancer and others.
The main flaws of the Pajero diesel unit are a broken timing belt, problems with valves, jamming of balanced shafts due to deficient lubrication and other problems.
One of the stable, good engines among the diesel versions of the Pajero family is the 2.8 liter 4M40 unit. It has been installed since 1993 and is superior in reliability to 4D56.
If your choice fell on a diesel unit or you intend to buy just such a car from the Pajero family, then you will certainly like its fuel consumption, and the price of diesel fuel is lower than that of gasoline. A diesel engine has a longer range on one tank, which will allow you to stop at a gas station much less often. Among the strengths of the diesel engine is high torque, which makes it possible to accelerate from the very bottom. Decide for yourself what to choose: on the one hand, a modest appetite, reliability and good support from the very bottom, and on the other, more expensive service, lower speed and a worse plant in cold weather.
25.04.2017
MITSUBISHI Pajero Sport)– one of the most popular SUVs of the Japanese company Mitsubishi. In our market, the number of crossovers is increasing every day, but real frame SUVs with transfer cases, lowering and huge ground clearance are slowly becoming a thing of the past. But, our today's hero remains an exception to the rule, despite all fashion trends, even with the change of generations he remains a real off-road conqueror. Well, here’s how things are with the reliability of a used Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2, and what you should pay attention to when choosing this car on the secondary market, now we’ll try to figure it out.
A little history:
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport first appeared in 1996 and was available only on the Japanese market; the world premiere of the new product took place in 1997. For different markets, the car was sold under different names, for example, in the CIS and Asia “Pajero Sport”, in South America “Montero Sport” , in Latin America “Nativa”, in Australia “Challenger”. This model is built on the same platform and occupies an intermediate place between the Pajero and Pajero Peni. The word "Sport" in the name means that this model is designed using the enormous experience Mitsubishi has accumulated in rally competitions.
The premiere of the second generation of the car took place at the Moscow International Auto Show in 2009. Initially, Pajero Sport 2, intended for CIS markets, was assembled in Thailand; in 2013, the car began to be assembled at the Russian PSMA Rus plant in Kaluga. In 2014, a minor restyling was carried out, which did not bring any special changes to the exterior of the car. The main changes affected the radiator grille, front bumper and rear optics. Also, among the innovations we can note wheels with a new design and turn signal indicators in the mirrors. In August 2015, the third generation of the model debuted.
Disadvantages and common malfunctions of a used Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2
Like most cars of Japanese origin, this model has a rather weak paint coating, because of this the body quickly becomes covered with chips and scratches. As for the corrosion resistance of the body, there are complaints about it, the fact is that after 4-5 years of operation, bugs appear on the body. Most often, the trunk door is affected; you should also carefully inspect the sills, door edges and roof. You shouldn’t count on the good condition of the chrome-plated body elements, but you shouldn’t blame the manufacturer for this, since this is the merit of our municipal services, which generously sprinkle the roads with reagents in winter. The mechanism responsible for lowering/raising the spare wheel often jams, therefore, when inspecting the car, be sure to check its functionality.
Engines
Initially, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2 was equipped with two power units: diesel – 3.2 (160 hp) and petrol – 3.0 (220 hp). In 2010, the outdated diesel engine was replaced by a more modern and economical power unit DI-D volume 2.5 liters (178 hp). All engines are quite reliable, but not eternal, therefore, over time, they require certain investments. Among the most common shortcomings of the 3.2 engine, owners note problems with the turbocharger, even on cars with low mileage (an extraneous sound appears and oil starts to leak). Another common problem is delamination of the rubber layer of the crankshaft pulley. If the problem is not diagnosed in the early stages, this will lead to abrasion of the engine front until a through hole through which engine oil begins to leak. To fix the problem you will have to pay about 1000 USD. The motor is equipped with a timing chain drive; with proper and timely maintenance of the motor, the chain will last up to 300 thousand km.
The 2.5 engine is equipped with a timing belt drive. The official service recommends replacing belts and rollers every 90,000 km, but operating experience has shown that it is better to carry out this procedure every 60-70 thousand km. The fact is that it is during this mileage that signs of wear on the balancing shaft belt (cracks) appear. Among the disadvantages of this power unit, one can note: the short service life of the crankshaft rear oil seal (on average 60,000 km). Also, owners note increased noise from the viscous coupling of the engine cooling fan (manifested by a whistle in the cold season) . This ailment is a design feature and does not require urgent repair. This engine is prone to overheating, so many craftsmen equip their cars with an additional cooling fan. Also, to avoid overheating, it is necessary to clean the radiator at every maintenance.
On some copies, over time, cracks appear in the cylinder block or cylinder head. Fortunately, the problem is not widespread and does not occur often (the main reason is engine overheating). But oil leaks from under the gasket between the block and the head are a more common occurrence on cars with a mileage of more than 150,000 km. Both diesel engines are demanding on fuel quality and, if you refuel with low-quality diesel fuel, replacing injectors and injection pumps will not take long (usually problems begin after 100,000 km).
Despite the fact that the gasoline engine is the most trouble-free in the lineup, it is not a frequent visitor to the secondary market in the CIS. Among the common disadvantages of a gasoline engine, problems with the intake manifold can be noted (a whirring sound appears during engine operation in the range of 1800-2000 rpm). Fortunately, the problem is not widespread, but if this trouble does happen, you will have to change the collector, and this is not a cheap pleasure (about 1000 USD + labor). The gasoline engine is equipped with a timing belt drive. To avoid serious troubles (belt breakage), the belt and rollers must be changed at least once every 60 thousand km.
Transmission.
Depending on the type of engine, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2 is equipped with one of three gearboxes: five-speed manual (installed in conjunction with 3.2 and 2.5 power units), four-speed (with 3.2 engine) and five-speed automatic (with 2.5 diesel power unit and 3.0 gasoline power unit) . The mechanics have proven themselves to be the most reliable. The clutch, under average loads, lasts quite a long time - 100-120 thousand km, but if the car is constantly used in off-road mode, replacing the clutch may be necessary even after 60,000 km. There are no complaints about the performance of the four-speed automatic. But, a more modern automatic transmission can present surprises in the form of ECU failures (“glitches” are found only on diesel models). To eliminate the deficiency, the ECU must be reflashed in the service.
Also, the disadvantages include poor cooling of the transmission, which often leads to overheating during prolonged driving under load. When driving off-road, take into account the fact that if it overheats, the transmission goes into emergency mode (driving is only possible in 2nd gear). To correct this drawback, many owners install an additional transmission oil cooler. When installing a second radiator, you need to take into account the fact that in winter there is a high probability of overcooling of the automatic transmission fluid.
The all-wheel drive system is reliable and causes virtually no problems, but only if used regularly. If you do not use all-wheel drive for a long time, the mechanisms become sour, which makes it impossible to activate many modes. Also, to increase the service life of the all-wheel drive system, do not forget about the need to extrude the articulated joints of the cardan shafts. On the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2, the first years of production, the weak point is the coupling shaft for connecting the front right axle shaft (prolonged slipping must be avoided).
Weak points of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2 suspension
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2 suspension has an impressive margin of safety and, under average loads, requires attention no more than once every 100-120 thousand km. On most cars with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, you can detect a slight body roll to the left side: this problem is a particular specificity of the paint job. Among the shortcomings of the chassis, we can note the short service life of many steering elements. The weakest point is the steering rack, which can start knocking with a mileage of less than 50,000 km. Often, the steering column is also the cause of knocking. When calling for service, dealers fill the unit with a special liquid, after which knocking noises appear less frequently. Also, many services offer to replace a knocking column with a new one, but there is no guarantee that it will not knock after 20,000 km. The worst thing that can happen to a steering wheel is the steering shaft joint biting ( The steering wheel stops turning), I am glad that such cases do not happen often. This defect can be detected at an early stage; the appearance of additional forces when turning the steering wheel will be a cause for concern.
Salon
Most of the interior trim elements of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2 are made of hard plastic, which quickly becomes covered with scratches and, over the years, fills the interior with an unpleasant squeak. If we talk about the reliability of electrical equipment, then the owners of cars with 6 airbags experience the most problems (the computer displays a system malfunction error s). The reason is weak contacts connecting the control unit. The airbag cable mounted on the steering wheel is also not known for its reliability. The problem manifests itself as a crunching sound when turning the steering wheel. Over time, the boot at the bottom of the steering column near the floor begins to creak. To get rid of the annoying squeak, just lubricate the boot.
Result:
In practice, it turned out to be a fairly durable SUV, but, like most modern cars, it is not without its drawbacks. But, if you are looking for an inexpensive, modern, comfortable SUV for frequent off-road trips, then the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2 is unlikely to disappoint you.
If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you encountered while using the car. Perhaps your review will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.
Best regards, editor AutoAvenue
