A Mitsubishi Pajero is not a cheap car to run, but it is a predictable one — and that is what matters for budgeting. Understanding Pajero running costs in South Africa means looking past the purchase price to fuel, servicing, tyres, insurance and parts across a year of real ownership. This guide puts approximate 2026 Rand figures against each, per engine, so you can plan with your eyes open.
All figures below are approximate for 2026 and depend heavily on fuel price movements, your driving, your region and where you service. Treat them as planning ranges and verify locally. For the upfront side of the equation, pair this with our Used Pajero Buying Guide: The 20-Point Inspection.
Fuel consumption by engine
Fuel is the biggest single running cost. The diesels are far kinder than the petrol V6s, which is why the 4M41 3.2 Di-D and 4N15 2.4 Di-D dominate the SA market. Real-world figures sit above the official claims, especially with a load, roof rack or off-road use.
| Engine | Type | Typical real-world consumption |
|---|---|---|
| 4D56 2.5TD | Diesel | ~9–11 L/100km |
| 4M40 2.8TD | Diesel | ~10–12 L/100km |
| 4M41 3.2 Di-D | Diesel | ~10–13 L/100km |
| 4N15 2.4 Di-D (Sport) | Diesel | ~8–10 L/100km |
| 6G72 3.0 V6 | Petrol | ~13–16 L/100km |
| 6G74 3.5 V6 | Petrol | ~14–18 L/100km |
To estimate your monthly fuel bill, multiply your monthly distance by the consumption above and the pump price. A diesel Gen 4 covering 2,000 km a month will cost meaningfully less to feed than a petrol V6 doing the same — over a year the difference funds a major service.
Service costs
Servicing a Pajero is straightforward but uses a fair amount of oil and good filters. An independent 4×4 or diesel specialist is usually cheaper than a franchised dealer for older models, while keeping to the schedule protects resale value.
| Service type | What it covers | Approx. cost (Rand, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor service | Oil, oil filter, basic checks | R2,500 – R4,500 |
| Major service | Oil, all filters, fluids, inspection | R5,000 – R9,000 |
| Timing chain (4M41) | Chain, tensioners, labour | Major job — quote locally |
| Diff & transfer case oils | Drain and refill all units | R1,500 – R3,500 |
For exactly what is due and when, follow our Pajero Service Intervals & Maintenance Schedule. Budgeting for known wear items in advance — rather than reacting to them — is the single best way to keep ownership affordable.
Tyres
The Pajero runs large-diameter tyres, so replacements are a notable cost. Your choice of pattern matters: highway-terrain tyres are cheaper and quieter, all-terrains balance road and trail, and mud-terrains cost more and wear faster.
- Highway/road tyres: roughly R2,000–R3,500 each (2026, approximate), depending on brand and size.
- All-terrain (AT): roughly R2,800–R4,500 each — the popular all-round choice for SA conditions.
- Mud-terrain (MT): roughly R3,500–R6,000+ each, with shorter tread life on tar.
Budget for a full set every few years, plus wheel alignment and rotation. Don’t forget the spare — a matched fifth tyre matters on long Karoo or bushveld trips.
Insurance
Insurance premiums depend on the model’s value, your profile, where you live and how the vehicle is used. Older Gen 2 and Gen 3 models are cheap to insure on value alone, while a late Gen 4 or Pajero Sport carries a higher premium. Off-road and overlanding use, plus accessory cover for winches, dual batteries and roof tents, can add to the bill — declare modifications honestly to avoid claims being rejected.
Parts and repairs
Common wear parts — filters, brake pads, belts, bushes — are readily available and reasonably priced in South Africa, helped by the Pajero’s popularity and shared components with other Mitsubishi models. Where costs climb is on injection components (injectors, the 4M41 timing chain) and emissions hardware (EGR valves and DPFs on later diesels). Aftermarket and quality used parts can soften these blows; the trade-off is fitment quality, so use a reputable specialist.
The cheapest Pajero to run is a well-bought one. Spend the time choosing a clean, full-history example and your annual costs stay predictable.
A realistic annual running-cost picture
It helps to think in terms of a full year rather than individual line items. For a diesel Gen 4 covering around 20,000 km a year, fuel is comfortably the largest expense, followed by a service or two, a tyre fund spread across the set’s lifespan, insurance and a contingency for wear items. Pull those together and a well-maintained diesel Pajero is no more expensive to run than many large SUVs — the difference is that it keeps going long after they have been traded in.
- Fuel: the dominant cost, set by your distance, engine and the pump price. Diesels keep this in check.
- Servicing: one minor and one major service a year for higher-mileage drivers, scheduled in advance so nothing is a shock.
- Tyres: a full set amortised over its life — budget a monthly set-aside rather than a single painful hit.
- Insurance and contingency: a steady monthly premium plus a small reserve for the occasional repair keeps ownership stress-free.
Petrol V6 vs diesel: the real divide
The single biggest lever on Pajero running costs is petrol versus diesel. A 6G74 3.5 V6 can drink half as much again as a 4M41 3.2 Di-D over the same distance, and for a high-mileage SA driver that gap easily funds servicing and tyres each year. The petrols make sense for low-mileage owners who value smoothness and cheaper purchase prices, but for daily drivers and overlanders the diesel maths is hard to argue with. Confirm exactly which engine a car carries against the Pajero Specs Database before you base a budget on it.
Before any purchase, cross-check the known weak points and their repair ranges in our Pajero Common Problems by Generation guide, and confirm the exact engine and spec against the Pajero Specs Database — a 3.2 Di-D and a petrol V6 of the same year have very different running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical Pajero running costs in South Africa?
Which Pajero engine is cheapest to run?
How much does a Pajero service cost?
Are Pajero parts expensive in South Africa?
How can I keep my Pajero running costs down?
For the complete picture, work through the rest of our Pajero Buying Guides and run any prospective vehicle through the Used Pajero Buying Guide inspection. A Pajero bought well and serviced properly stays an affordable, capable companion for the long haul.