After getting his Toyota Hilux stolen, TopAuto reader Hendrik bought his first Mitsubishi Pajero – and drove it until the wheels nearly came off.
He traded it in for a newer model at the time, which is the car he still drives today.
For the past six years he has owned a 2007 Mitsubishi Pajero and has doubled the mileage that the original owner put on it.
After many miles and lots of smiles, Hendrik said that the only thing he would consider upgrading to would be a newer version of the same SUV.
What model do you own, and when did you get it?
I own a 2007 Mitsubishi Pajero 3.2 DI-D with 275,000km on the clock.
I bought it second-hand in July 2015 for a rather good deal after trading in my previous Pajero.
What are your three favourite things about the SUV?
I like the spacious cabin and seats.
The seats do not fit as tight as in most other vehicles, and the flat and wide design makes it much easier to get in and out.
The next great thing about my Pajero is the engine.
The 3.2-litre turbo-diesel engine provides enough power so that I don’t have to struggle merging onto the highway, while still letting me tow a double-axle trailer to Cape Town.
The car is reliable, too. I have had very few mechanical problems that didn’t stem from wear and tear, and a new set of tyres is the biggest expense my Pajero has ever put me through.
Which three things do you like least about the SUV?
I’m not particularly fond of the colour of my car.
It is a dark purplish-blue colour that has suffered some sun damage throughout the years, and that made me get the bonnet repainted in 2019.
It is also very heavy on diesel: I get around 8km per litre on a normal day.
Apart from these small gripes, I have nothing to complain about.
What is it like to drive your SUV every day?
It is always an amazingly comfortable ride.
It feels like I’m owning the road everywhere I go.
What is the hardest journey you have ever taken with your SUV?
Although the vehicle is a 4×4 I have only driven long distances.
Annual trips to Cape Town with a double-axle trailer full of my wife’s prized possessions is about the most difficult task that I have put the car through, but it handles this with ease.
I know that any terrain is possible, which is nice, and you can park anywhere, too.
The car provides peace of mind because it is so reliable, and I know that if I have to drive in terrible conditions that I have the vehicle for it.
Would you recommend your car to friends and family?
Definitely.
In terms of convenience, reliability, and easy maintenance I don’t think you can go wrong.
If you can look past the fuel consumption, and get your hands on one that isn’t purple, there is nothing else I would recommend besides a Mitsubishi Pajero.
Keyword: 2007 Mitsubishi Pajero owner’s review – 275,000km and still going strong