1997 Pajero GDI V6
Sold: $15,995
Stock #5769
The Pajero is a timeless yet tough little rig, with a reputation that spans the globe and a rugged, no-frills style that's instantly recognizable to the modern enthusiast. Models like this 1997 rolled off the production line at the tail end of the generation's long and accomplished tenure, and with only 68k verified/documented miles on the clock this one is primed and ready for a fruitful second life stateside! The exterior is finished in a sleek two tone Summit White over Munich Silver (W0H). Aside from some expected stone chips, dings, and scratches in the paint, the outside has held up quite well over the years and has been fully dressed up with some choice off-road inspired modifications. An aftermarket roof basket does a lot to enhance the bad boy aesthetic, and large OEM rainguards, fog lights, and a subtle factory brushguard give this one the aggressive, off-road inspired bodylines reminiscent of the brand's presence in the Dakar Rally. Wearing some choice 15" alloys clad in trail ready 32" rubber this Pajero undoubtedly has looks that kill. Rugged, durable, and incredibly user-friendly, the V45 Pajero is a Japanese Classic ute that's packed with power, personality, and off-road potential!
The interior is plenty spacious and capable of hauling around a full squad of 8 passengers if needed. Should you not need the functionality of the 3rd row, the bench can easily be folded up to the sides of the cabin to accommodate extra cargo space. Judging by the condition of the upholstery, this cockpit was clearly cared for in a prior life. The grey cloth shows almost flawlessly, with only some light stains present from 25 years of day to day use. The same fabric is mirrored in the door cards, which also show nicely despite some separation on the cloth. Safety conscious enthusiasts will be pleased at the brand's addition of dual SRS airbags up front, and the driver also receives a tilt adjustable steering column to tailor the cockpit to their liking. The lower dash trim and steering wheel are trimmed in a luxurious tortoise finish, which has remained in great nick over the years. The center stack houses fully functional OEM audio, and a digital automatic climate control unit is tucked in above. With cold A/C and hot heat at the ready, this all-weather warrior can truly exceed in whatever climate you put it in. For the outdoor enthusiast, a factory field monitor is positioned atop the dash, displaying some useful engine vitals with a functioning compass to boot. While the Pajero is a classic chassis, by '97 the power amenities were pretty much on par with what you'd expect out of a family hauler. Power windows work at the push of a button, and a large, centrally mounted power moonroof rapidly unfurls to let some natural light and ventilation flow throughout the cabin. Power locks and power mirrors are in good working order, although the driver's power folding mirror has given up the ghost. As expected, the headliner and carpet are in terrific shape as well, and we've even retained the vehicle's original carpeted floormats and owner's manual for the next owner to cherish. Save for some wear on the center console plastics the cabin is truly a great place to be and the condition should be plenty adequate for even the most discerning enthusiast.
Under the hood, the 6G74 GDI stands loud and proud. For those who've previously enjoyed the appearance of the Pajero but weren't fans of the sluggish turbo diesel, this motor should quell all your woes. The 6 pot fires up swiftly with the twist of a key, care of a freshly installed 12v battery, and operation at idle is near whisper-quiet. Our trained technicians have given this one the green light for the road ahead, pampering this one with a fresh oil and filter service to ensure you won't sweat a drop of lubricant. Under full throttle this mid size hauler is a riot! Shifts through the automatic transmission are smooth, and a selectable manual mode works quite well if you want some extra control over the gear changes. Mated to the trans is Mitsubishi's world class SS4WD system, allowing you to adjust your drive wheels at speed, and the selector works with no complications. If the going gets tough, a center locker can be engaged, as well. The suspension is plenty agile and glides over bumps with ease, and we've even installed new brake pads in the front which should stop this rig abruptly in any sticky situations, with ABS on the ready should you need to screech to a halt. You definitely feel the rally heritage in this Pajero as you dart around on and off-road obstacles, but the power steering is light and on point for daily driving as well. Lastly we've even mounted and balanced new Falken A/T tires at all four corners to keep road noise down and grip strong for tens of thousands of miles 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 compliant 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.