What's Bad

Rear mounted spare obscures rearward vision and rear of car gets very dirty in winter conditions.

Don't buy for economy. Even the 2.8 litre chain cam diesel in the 5-door body is pushed to better 22 mpg and the 2.5 diesel is not really powerful enough. 3.0 litre V6s even more thirsty.

Beware of grey imports and RHD Pajeros stolen in another country. The Pajero is Europe's most stolen and unrecovered vehicle. 

Diesels are a bit slow.

Average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 101.16 v/s lowest 31.93). Average warranty repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability index (index 101.16 v/s lowest 31.93). Link:- www.reliabilityindex.co.uk

What to Watch Out For

Eventually, they do rust and it's important to check all the points where the body meets the chassis.

Gearboxes are the first bits to break. Listen for transmission whine (used replacement gear and transfer boxes are available from API, tel: 0500 830530).

Make all usual 4x4 checks: underbody damage; grumbling wheel bearings; suspension alignment; if it's been towing, what has it been towing?

Steering arm balljoints go, but are fairly cheap to replace and easy to get at.

Quite a few 'exported' to BFPO squaddies and re-imported tax-free.

Make sure it's a real UK-market Shogun and not a 'Pajero' or 'Montero' badged as one. Idfit is a Pajero or Montero, pay less, though not so relevant now the cars are getting old anyway and better to buy on condition rather than where the car was first registered.

Timing belt of V6 drives water pump, so seizure of water pump wrecks engine.

Recalls

1996: (1991-1994 build): check for loss of brake fluid.

27/9/2000: 278 Shoguns built in 1994 recalled because brake fluid may seep from front hoses. Hoses to be replaced.

26-4-2002 2002: 45,000 Shoguns and Pajeros built 1989 - 1999 recalled to replace steering 'Pitman' control arm because tapered section of ball pin may break leading to loss of steering. UK recall includes private imports.