Stock #5165

The mighty Pajero Junior is a small, but determined miniature SUV. This 1996 is about as much fun as you can have on four wheels, and this 4WD model would make for an ideal year-round city runabout or unique commuter. Finished in a new coat of the factory hue, a Black over Gold two-tone (S66) the body is in good shape aside from some minor dings. Notable repairs include a new front right fender, which was performed in Japan. The tiny ute is accessorized with a set of OEM Rainguards, a factory spare tire cover, postage-sized mudflaps, and a subtle brush guard. Fresh off a recent service, this Mitsubishi boasts a mere 88k verified and documented miles on the chassis. Affordable, fun, and frugal, this quirky and capable Japanese Classic four-seat 4x4 is turn-key ready to roll, and can be yours today!

While the exterior dimensions are admitted demure, the cabin doesn't feel cramped in the least. As the wheels have been pushed out to the far corners of the vehicle, the interior floor plan is larger than expected. The other benefit of the long-wheelbase is better ride quality. To that point, unlike Kei vehicles, this one doesn't feel twitchy at higher speeds. Headroom is impressive and behind the wheel, it feels like a regular sized vehicle. A ton of side glass and a tall roof line allow for decent visibility and the dash itself is in good shape. The driver benefits from an SRS airbag, power windows, and mirrors. These make daily use more convenient in addition to the simple to use climate control with functional A/C. The seats are trimmed in caramel-colored cloth. Soft to the touch and supportive the front and rear seats are in above average condition. They lack andy rips, stains, or tears and were obviously cared for in a prior life. The previous owner even included the OEM floor mats and owners manuals. The headliner, carpets and door cards all look good at this point and have resisted major wear. That's not to say the cabin is perfect, as the field monitor gauges, OEM audio, and the power lock on the passenger side are no longer working. Still, this Pajero would make for a wonderful daily driver and has everything you need!

The drivetrain is a massive upgrade over the Pajero Mini, which only comes with a 660cc engine. The Junior on the other hand can manage freeway speeds and comes with plenty of additional displacement. The 1094cc Japanese big block is much better suited for this rig and the 4A31 four-banger is fresh off an oil and filter service. It starts up promptly thanks to a newly installed 12v battery and idles with confidence. The longitudinally mounted engine is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The transmissions gear ratio seems perfectly suited for the 1100cc engine and shifts occur without any grinding or excess slack. A selective transfer case can direct power to two or four wheels depending on the driver's preference. For snow and sand, a low-speed setting can be engaged as well. The front and rear differentials need required fluid flushes which we performed here at our shop. We wanted to note the rear differential is slightly audible within the cabin still but works as it should. The suspension feels solid and Pajero seems better suited on rough roads but is also happy on your daily commute. The ABS brakes are impressive and add to the safety factor that is usually lacking in these less expensive imports. The six-spoke factory alloys are all wrapped in new Falken all-season rubber. They quiet down the ride even more so and will provide tens of thousands of miles or year-round grip to come. 

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB complaint first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.