Stock Number: 4492

The Japanese domestic market was chock full of incredible SUVs during the '90s. Peppy turbodiesels mated to manual transmissions kept enthusiasts happy and kept costs of ownership low. Meanwhile, stateside consumers were given more underwhelming options such as the Ford Explorer and Chevrolet Blazer. Offered with only 131K verified miles, this 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero makes for an incredible value. The body is in good shape, other than a dent on the lower rear bumper and some small dings, and chips associated with normal use. Featuring a surprisingly well-equipped interior with three rows, and the right powertrain, this manual ute is all you can ask for and more!

The cabin on our 1991 is definitely period correct for its era. A set of OEM running boards aid passenger entry into the SUV. The view of the road is commanding and a telescopic wheel allows drivers of all sizes to get comfortable behind the wheel. There is a small chip in the windscreen, but besides that, the skinny A-pillars and massive amounts of side glass promote visibility. The dash is in good shape and features an off-road style gauge suite. Soft blue seats and color-matched interior panels transport you back to a different time and are in good shape. The front captain's chairs have armrests that can be tucked away if necessary and are nice to sit in on long journeys. The seats, like the carpet, note some light staining; however, there are no major defects such as rips, holes, or tears. The gray door cards and headliner break up the blue theme and are properly upholstered and clean. Notably more upscale compared to its USDM counterparts, this Pajero comes standard with power windows, locks, and mirrors. A fully automatic climate control system was also used in Japan with a dedicated rear climate system. The OEM audio works as it should and pipes tunes to all three rows. It doesn't feel too small in the rearmost row due to a surprising amount of headroom and lots of natural light that enters the cabin through a nonfunctional sunroof. Best of all, the rear jump seats fold away to aid cargo capacity in a pinch.

The driveline Mitsubishi chose for this Pajero is known for its reliability and efficiency. The 4D56 four-cylinder diesel churns out tons of torque and is known to be a bulletproof mill. Benefitting from a fresh oil and filter change, she purrs like a kitten when you twist the key. Off the line, acceleration is brisk and this midsize truck gets out of its own way with ease. The gearing is short in order to make the best use of the power, but you won't have to worry if you're keeping it legal. A five-speed gearbox makes this truck special in a sea of automatics, and it rows through the gears without a hitch or grind. Connected to a selective transfer case that can be used while driving, this Pajero can switch between powering all four wheels or two. Another example of Mitsubishi's investment in technology was the factory adjustable suspension. With the press of a button, the driver can change the suspension firmness on the fly, thereby adjusting the ride quality. The Pajero feels stable at speeds, and the aforementioned suspension sorts out road imperfections large and small. The brakes are confident and the power steering carries average weight but is direct enough for a truck. The alloy wheels all have new Falken all-terrain rubber-mounted read to handle challenging traction conditions on and off the beaten path.

Delivering a premium driving experience at a basement entry price, this freshly imported Pajero is a great value and a certified Japanese Classic.

*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.