Pajero Pre Purchase Inspection Checklist

Print both pages. Take a torch, a magnet, a rag and a friend. Tick every line before you make an offer.

Download the printable PDF (2 pages)

Vehicle and seller

• [ ] Year and model …………………………………………
• [ ] Variant and engine …………………………………….
• [ ] Odometer reading ………………………………………
• [ ] Asking price R ………………………………………..
• [ ] Seller name …………………………………………..
• [ ] Seller phone ………………………………………….
• [ ] Viewing address ……………………………………….
• [ ] Date and time …………………………………………

Documents seen before viewing

• [ ] NaTIS registration certificate photographed
• [ ] Title holder field read and recorded
• [ ] Seller ID matches registered owner
• [ ] Service book photographed, every page
• [ ] One service stamp confirmed by phone with the workshop
• [ ] Roadworthy certificate date checked
• [ ] Microdot certificate present
• [ ] Vehicle status code confirmed as Code 2
• [ ] Free write off check run at the SAIA VIN Lookup site
• [ ] Paid history report run for finance and stolen status

Numbers verified at the car

• [ ] VIN on engine bay plate ………………………………..
• [ ] VIN on dashboard through windscreen matches
• [ ] VIN on driver door pillar matches
• [ ] VIN matches the registration certificate
• [ ] Engine number on the block ……………………………..
• [ ] Engine number matches the registration certificate
• [ ] VIN plate rivets undisturbed, no fresh paint

Cold start, engine stone cold

• [ ] Engine confirmed cold on arrival
• [ ] No rattle from the front of the engine in the first five seconds
• [ ] No rattle that continues after oil pressure builds
• [ ] No blue smoke at idle
• [ ] No white smoke lingering after warm up
• [ ] No squeal or wobble at the crank pulley
• [ ] Dipstick oil level correct
• [ ] No diesel smell in the engine oil
• [ ] No glitter in the engine oil
• [ ] Coolant is the correct HOAT type, not green or orange
• [ ] No oil film or mayonnaise under the oil cap
• [ ] Idle steady, no hunting

Body and rust

• [ ] Rear wheel arches, outside and inner tubs
• [ ] Tailgate lower edge and seal
• [ ] Sunroof drains clear, no staining at the pillars
• [ ] Sills and seams under all four door rubbers
• [ ] Panel gaps even down both sides
• [ ] No overspray on rubbers, glass or trim
• [ ] Paint depth consistent, no colour mismatch in daylight
• [ ] All lights, lenses and indicators intact

Underbody and chassis

• [ ] Frame rails checked with a torch, both sides
• [ ] Rear crossmember solid, probed for rot
• [ ] Body mounts sound, bushes not crushed
• [ ] No fresh underseal hiding repairs
• [ ] No welded plates or filler on structure
• [ ] Front differential dry
• [ ] Rear differential nose dry
• [ ] Rear sideshaft seals dry
• [ ] Propshaft universal joints free of play
• [ ] Constant velocity boots intact, no thrown grease
• [ ] Tow bar condition and ball wear noted
• [ ] Tyre inside edges free of feathering
• [ ] All five tyres same brand, date codes under five years
• [ ] Spare wheel present and inflated

Drivetrain and Super Select

• [ ] 2H engages, dash indicator correct
• [ ] 4H engages, indicator stops flashing and goes solid
• [ ] 4HLc engages, indicator solid
• [ ] Stopped and in Neutral, 4LLc engages within a few seconds
• [ ] No grinding on any transfer case change
• [ ] Drives cleanly in 4LLc for fifty metres
• [ ] Releases from 4LLc back to 2H without a fight
• [ ] Rear differential lock engages and disengages, if fitted
• [ ] No clicking at full lock in either direction
• [ ] No driveline clunk on take up

Interior and electrics

• [ ] All windows up and down, both directions
• [ ] Climate control cold on every mode
• [ ] Carpets dry in all three rows
• [ ] Third row seats fold, latch and belt correctly
• [ ] All seat belts extend and retract
• [ ] Every warning lamp lights on ignition then goes out
• [ ] No stored fault codes on a scan tool
• [ ] Cruise control, wipers, mirrors and lights work
• [ ] Two keys supplied and both start the car
• [ ] Seat, pedal and steering wheel wear matches the odometer

Test drive

• [ ] Brakes only for the first 200 metres, no pedal pulsing
• [ ] Clean take up from standstill
• [ ] No flare between second and third
• [ ] No delayed or harsh engagement
• [ ] Tracks dead straight at 100 to 120 km/h
• [ ] No suspension knock at 60 to 80 km/h on gravel
• [ ] No differential whine on a coast down from 80 km/h
• [ ] Temperature gauge steady on a long hill under load
• [ ] No black smoke under sustained load
• [ ] No power loss or warning lamp after a hard run
• [ ] Idles two minutes after the drive with no new drips underneath

Walk away triggers

• [ ] Code 3 or built up status
• [ ] VIN or engine number does not match the papers
• [ ] Outstanding finance the seller will not disclose
• [ ] Seller is not the registered owner and cannot explain why
• [ ] Timing chain rattle that does not clear
• [ ] Refusal of an independent inspection
• [ ] Engine already warm on arrival, twice
• [ ] Pressure to pay a deposit before viewing

Before you pay

• [ ] Independent inspection booked and report received
• [ ] Written quotes obtained for every fault found
• [ ] Offer calculated as asking price minus quoted repairs
• [ ] Settlement letter obtained direct from the finance house, if financed
• [ ] Payment made to the bank, not the seller, if financed
• [ ] Banking details verified by phoning the bank on a number you looked up
• [ ] Meeting arranged at a bank branch or police station
• [ ] Funds confirmed reflected before keys change hands
• [ ] Notification of Change of Ownership signed and original NaTIS handed over
• [ ] Registration and licensing application submitted within 21 days

Faults found and quoted

Checklist by Mitsubishi Pajero 4×4 Life. mitsubishipajero4x4life.com