The Mitsubishi Pajero Mini Is A TINY 4x4 That Will Blow You Away Off-Road (Turbo, 4x4, US Legal!)

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Meet the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini! This is a true off-roader with some incredible capability in a pint size package, you've got to check this thing out! In this video we take this turbo charged, 4x4, kei car off-road!
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Time Stamps:
0:00 What Is It?
9:38 Off-Road Time!
14:48 How Does It Drive?
22:06 Legal In The U.S?
#Mitsubishi #Pajero

[@FlipsideJapan]

Just a quick correction. The tax on cars is paid yearly in Japan, it's on average about $400 for a regular mid sized car (2000cc for example). Kei cars are about $80. I own a kei and a full sized Pajero in Japan.

[@greengobbler4842]

Weeb. Come back

[@FlipsideJapan]

@@greengobbler4842 yeah nice comeback champ.

[@NakedPigeon]

In Europe we also had the Mitsubishi Pajero Pinin, and still have the Pajero Sport. BTW add Larry to the TFL team, love the guy's enthusiasm

[@TheMeanmarine13]

I second that notion

[@ruimachado8560]

and it was designed by pininfarina i think

[@mardamek]

To be fair, though, the Pajero Pinin is still a "big" car compared to this. This is the Pinin version of the Pajero Pinin.

[@EmmetPowermootski]

I used to own a Pinin 1.8 petrol engine, Great little 4x4 I wish i still had it

[@danielg2129]

This guy's attitude is great, what a goof. I've always been curious of the process.

[@hhhs001]

Larry is awesome. There's something about his gentle and genuine enthusiasm.

[@SiuLeung]

Larry is amazing. Learned a lot from him and he's such a great resource on awesome cars I didn't know I wanted. All those regulations are so stupidly complicated.

[@kevinblock2307]

What a cool vehicle- and Larry knows his stuff

[@jasonmcconnell9419]

My first car was an '89 Samurai. In 1992. I still have dreams where I get it back and wake up happy only for the realization to set in that it's long gone. Hurts every time.

[@edwardpeters4700]

The little wing mirror is amazing for parking and off-roading. I have one on my full size 1995 SWB JDM 4m40 Pajero.

[@jbutler9756]

Larry is such a rad dude. So cool to learn about cars we don’t get here. These videos are awesome! Gotta say though I been itchin for some yak farm videos, too!

[@TheMeanmarine13]

Man I love how pumped up this guy is about his rides. It makes me want to drive one now haha. Cool video

[@DarkStarX]

We need to embrace Happy People!!

[@finerbiner]

Mitsubishi had a 2 door Montero in the late 80's. My wife sold Mitsubishi's and we used to borrow one often for camping. I then bought a 93 Montero as my first new vehicle. They had excellent 4wd systems for their time and were really good off road.

[@paladin11C40]

Dont forget about the Dodge version of the 2 door Montero called the Raider. Chrysler had versions of Mitsu built cars for a while there in the 80s and 90s.

[@catrider4863]

I sold my Land Cruiser 40th Anniversary to buy a 1994 Montero SR. I think the drivetrain is one of the best. The SR has a factory lift and center and rear locker and top spec interior.

[@ramiroini9504]

You guys forgot about the Pajero iO (5 door junior, very popular in Brazil) and the Pajero Sport (based on the L200) Lovely little kei car :)

[@pkatsigris]

We have the pajero pinin in Europe .3 and 5 door

[@joelcarterramadge183]

Thats what I thought too!

[@darrengray2309]

They sold the io Pajero in Australia

[@joelcarterramadge183]

@@darrengray2309 That is also what I thought!

[@davepiotrowski1992]

@@darrengray2309 came with a 1.8L 4 cylinder here in Australia. Great little car. Mostly 3 door but yes, a 5 door was available. 😃

[@blautens]

Larry is back! Love that guy!

[@cejulius21]

What a cool dude. Always smiling and happy. Need more chapters

[@benpinter1988]

I love the Kei car and JDM content that came out recently!

[@sail72]

Tommy, I love both of your enthusiasm, Importing a car is something I'd never try so it's great to hear from someone who has the balls to do it.

[@grunkohlaktionar7474]

1:40 actually, there’s one more: The Pajero Pinin, which is smaller than the regular Pajero but bigger than the Junior

[@0_demented_0.]

also regular 2 door short wheel base pajero

[@Thecarexchangepodcast]

I love how you guys are showcasing Pajero/Monteros lately ! You should have Nathan create an update video on his Third Gen. I also would love to see you guys feature the 2.5 Gen!

[@user-fi2zi8of1p]

Jimny is overwhelmingly popular in Japan, and Pajero Mini is not popular. The reason is the frame structure, Jimny is the ladder frame structure and the Pajero Mini is Built-in frame structure, Jimny is not a problem even if the body is seriously damaged is not. Jimny has an overwhelming advantage off-road

[@tannerbaer]

I have one, all he needs to do is air down to 15psi off-road, simple spring lift, weld the rear diff, and disconnect the front sway bar. Mine goes up anything I have tested it on.

[@jimmychimmle8798]

Thinking of buying one, how reliable are these?

[@abdulbarshams9564]

@@jimmychimmle8798 They are kinda reliable.... The 1100cc ones are a bit better though

[@WeAreChecking]

@@abdulbarshams9564any good sources for parts? Been thinking of importing one but unsure about how difficult it'd be to keep it on the road should anything go awry.

[@hanstubben]

In Brazil we had the Pajero Full (short and long), then there is the mid size Pajero Sport (based on L200 truck and still available) and then there was the small Pajero TR4 with 2.0 L 4 cylinder. Surely all bigger than this Mini

[@wushock92]

Larry climbed Dare using the 'Nathan" technique: Keep your foot in it and bounce up the trail.

[@rubenbraekman4515]

Well with a 600cc engine you need the high rpms 😅

[@BorisEkner]

I live in Guatemala City and for the first time ever in my 59 year old life I’ve had people coming up to me praising the looks of my Jimny.

[@ffl1409]

Tommy, as always, great interview. Just the right amount of setup and let the guest speak.

[@akim2007p]

I wish Suzuki was selling Samurai/Jimny in US. For tiny Pajero, they also have Pajero iO, which is newer version of Mini and available in 3 and 5 door.

[@bakhtiyarpakhirdinov2461]

The latest Suzuki Jimny has got great looking old LR Defender or Mercedes G-Class styling kits. Plus they are going to produce a 5-door version in India. A very cool machine, it has a very off-road capable traction control system with all old-school hardware like front and rear rigid axles in place.

[@MitchZero9]

There were a 2-door version of the full size Paj in the 90s. They look mint. They done a "Evolution" model which was a Dakar homologation model.

[@willcampbell2114]

We do a ton of this in Canada, here we can import them at 15 years old where the US has to be 20 years old. I have a jdm forester, here we get a guy who takes care of everything. It’s so cool to get the cars that us in Canada and the US could never get

[@yourgrandmasjzexboyfriend]

U.S. is actually 25 years :(

[@chillislives]

I've got so many pictures of Japan's mini ute's from travels over there. If it was an easy process there are a plethora to choose from. They would fit where many modern UTV's could not on narrow trails.

[@hatman4818]

Can confirm, I crammed mine through jungle trails in Okinawa which Im pretty sure were supposed to be just research trails used by a biology institute out there, using ATVs and dirt bikes. They looked like they hadnt been used by proper offroad vehicles in a LOOOONG time, if ever. I still wound up ripping my roofrack and the hood mirror off on branches, but still, we were impressed with the kinds of trails it could make it down.

[@stephensalt6787]

The fender mirror is/was a legal requirement in Japan for spotting cycles and motorbikes maybe?. I like to see these different classics being tested, good vid Tommy.

[@caramelypoops]

Small offroaders are usually really good because theyre light and have great angles (aproach, depature, break over) they also are so short that they have great turning circles.

[@norincofan1949]

short wheelbase can also be a serious disadvantage though

[@shrimp562]

@@norincofan1949 only for tip over.

[@holdenadkins8022]

Wow perfect timing, literally just bought one of these last week!

[@thomas1699]

What you guys are missing is . . . The National speed limit in Japan is only 100 kph (62 mph+/-) on highways. Average speed around town is 50 kph. You get that "warning message" when you exceed 60 kph. So the car is not underpowered for it's home market.

[@andreydunin6712]

Love Larry’s passion and how knowledgeable he is!!

[@markjones4358]

I actually want one of those. Looks like fun for light off roading and showing it off in town.

[@jonzaremba]

another great regular guest on the channel. bring this dude back again.

[@chillislives]

Many cars in Japan have that curb mirror for parking. Not an off-roading feature.

[@JohnHuxleySavage]

Larry! My favourite guest every time

[@nigelmchugh5541]

We got them in Ireland as the Pajero Junior. All s/h imports from Japan. 4x4, auto, 1.1 petrol engine.

[@JeepnJeff]

Interesting thing is Mitsubishi made a licensed version of the CJ3B up till '98. They also made a cool CJ-3b/Willys Wagon conbination that was really cool too. And there's something to be said about being small and light offroad.

[@scottyellis3442]

That's a cool little 4×4 & you comparing it to a side by side, I would say the big advantage is you would stay dry on those rainy days and warm on those cold days because I'm sure it has heat.👍🏻👍🏻

[@Kevintherubiconjeep]

I can see Larry becoming the newest face for TFL!

[@cocktailconcierge713]

Having owned a right hand drive import in Canada, I believe the additional wing mirror is to aid visibility from the right hand driver seat whilst driving on opposite side of the road than originally intended. For example overtaking and parallel parking.

[@averageeverydayfishermansh4501]

I had an 88 Samurai from 96 to 99. I lived in upstate NY then TX and took it on a hunting trip to AZ. It was the most amazing thing I have owned and I have owned many four wheel drive vehicles. It was so light and maneuverable it would go anywhere. From the deep snows of the Adirondack mountains to the arroyos of southeastern AZ it was so much fun. In AZ I took it places my father's F250 couldn't go because of the turning radius and size. I kick myself all of the time for getting rid of that thing!!! I don't have a huge need for one now but it sure would be better for where I hunt than taking my new truck through the pin oaks and jacking up the paint!! And besides, who ever said "need" was important!!! I am thinking one of these might be fun enough instead of paying Samurai prices. Or maybe even a Jimny!!!

[@nathanwolf5547]

These sold really well in the uk. They have quite a following, a bigger engine and are liked because the do so little damage to the countryside.

[@sswwooppee]

When the Japanese call something ‘mini’, they mean it!

[@FullscreenNightmare]

I saw this same car climbing Tombstone hill a few weeks ago!!! The driver couldn't stop smiling and the little tiny even compared to my Fiesta!!

[@deejayimm]

The Pajero is fantastic, we got them over here for a while as the Dodge Raider. Technically since this is a Mitsubishi Pajero Mini, it competes with the regular version of the Suzuki Jimny that we never got here. It also met the Kei car requirements of 660cc. The Suzuki Samurai in the US market was actually the Suzuki Jimny Sierra over there, and was a more direct competition with the regular Pajero, which is what we got as the Dodge. Later, in the mid-90s they introduced The Pajero Junior, which stayed pretty much the same size as the Jimny Sierra, while the regular Pajero got bigger and became what we know of as a Montero over here.

[@20tea]

Well I got the 2 door 1987 Mitsubishi Montero in my garage right now. Had it since 1998. Raider is basically the same thing just rebadged. Got an 86 Samurai too. Enjoyed seeing a 1999 Mitsubishi Pajero Evo in Hiroshima, Japan. Those are wild sporty little 2 door suvs too, but parts are not very easy to get a hold of.

[@kvnbdvs]

​@@20tea Do either of you know how the interior size of a pajero mini compares to a 1995 Jimny?

[@20tea]

@@kvnbdvs I believe they're both very similar in size. I recall Mitsubishi being a bit nicer, but the Suzuki has a better offroad following and better aftermarket support. I'd say go with what you feel more comfortable with. The Pajero mini looks fun, but it's not a Pajero. The Jimny has a nice presence for it's size and a better following. The Pajero mini is more in the shadow of the Pajero.

[@chall3ng3r]

Awesome review. I own one exactly same model with same engine and manual gearbox, its an amazing mini truck and off roader.

[@globalcitizen8321]

There are actually four Montero / Pajero sizes: Pajero Mini, Pajero Junior, Pajero IO, and Pajero (full size). The IO is quite an interesting vehicle.

[@deet4895]

There was also the Mitsubishi Pajero io which sat between the Pajero Mini and the Big Pajero in size. The only Pajero left now is the Pajero Sport which is based on the Mitsubishi Triton pick-up.

[@misplacedhaole6726]

The mirror is for parking so you can see the curb. Very limited and small parking spaces in Japan. As far as insurance in Japan the older it is, the more it costs, you pay for the inconvenience if it breaks down and holds up traffic. Still, all the 4 wheel vehicles in Japan are very underrated.

[@omarkharnivall2439]

You only pay a fine if your car stops for lack of fuel, once my transmission broke and I had to call the police to help me push it to the curb, they never even asked for my drivers license. The little mirror is very useful to check the curb while driving through two way narrow streets so you dont end up in a ditch or hit the curb.

[@hatman4818]

I drove a non turbo'd 2000 Snoopy Edition Pajero Mini while living in Okinawa (It was a special edition that was covered in snoopy decals). I absolutely destroyed that thing learning how to offroad on abandoned rutted out and flooded jungle trails in northern Okinawa. It refused to die on us despite our best efforts to kill it. Sadly, had to junk it. It still worked, but picked up a few gremlins from those outings, and I didnt have much time to get it sold for not much more than junk price before having to leave the island. Super bummer, I hated doing that to the car, it really deserved more love than that. I ended up importing a 1992 Delica Star Wagon instead... To colorado BTW, if you want something to do a video on.

[@SteifWood]

I'm not surprised at all about this Mini's offroad capabilities. Remember, Mitsubishi is the brand that won most Dakar Rally (12 times) between 1985 and 2007, and also the (WRC) East African Safari Rally. Further, yrs and yrs ago my first car was a little blue 1st gen Mitsubishi Colt Lancer A70 with a 1400cc engine. It was hilarious to drive this agil little 2 door imagining I was Björn Waldegård on the remote wilderness gravel roads on the border btw Swe and Nor (Finnskogen). No need for 4wd when you (partly) know how to drift and have no fear as a teen ...

[@jesman1216]

the extra mirror is because in japan there is fines for parking more than a certain distance from the curb. thus the mirror to make sure when parking you are within limits.

[@ryurc3033]

So little 4x4 trucks have always been my thing. Isuzu amigo, 4x4 80s blazer, little toyota pickup....i had friends with bigger trucks, with big lifts, 35 inch tires ECT.....and my little trucks always out performed better than anyone expected. As long as your light enough, it's one of the cheapest ways to go have fun.

[@n17ikh]

28:20 Well, in Washington State, you actually do just bring the paperwork (stamped customs packet, export certificate, official translation, and invoice) to your local Department of Licensing. You'll pay sales tax there and they hand you plates and mail you a title, same as any other vehicle. Your mileage may vary depending on the individual DoL's competency but mine was really easy and had my registration done in 20 minutes, same day as picking the car up from the port.

[@shmehfleh3115]

I drove a Suzuki Samurai for a long time, including over a ton of Colorado's mountain passes. It was a great 4-wheeler: So small, it could drive around just about any obstacle, and the stuff it couldn't drive around it just hopped over, with its super-short wheelbase. The 1.3L 4-banger was tiny and gutless, but it had a lot of torque for its size. Great for handling those pants-wetting high mountain switchbacks without backing up or going too off-camber, too. I miss that thing.

[@hatman4818]

If you think 1.3L is bad, try a kei version sometime, theyre limited to 660ccs. I used to just floor my Pajero Mini constantly. I regret noy going for a Jimny instead, those look awesome offroad, but Im impressed with what my mini could handle despite its worse ground clearance and little weedwhacker motor.

[@richardnottelmann58]

This was the best truth or dare footage I have seen. Is this gave us a real idea of how steep it truly is.

[@crjmoto]

The explanation of import/paperwork was fascinating. A lot of steps to go through but worth it for a unique vehicle IMO

[@Onimalap]

Fujimi made it in 1/24 kit. One of my favorite models. Same color as well.

[@chrishawkesford6900]

Nankang Tires are made in Taiwan, however they have dealers in Canada and the AT's on that mini Pajero can be ordered online from Canada.

[@pjoc1630]

Mirror is for the blind spot by the front wheel below the side mirror so you can avoid poles or obstructions when parking which are sometimes lower than visible by the driver. SUV's are required to have a hood mirror for the blind spot opposite the driver.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

This is now the greatest thing ever!

[@St.PatricksTrades2]

Larry is the man! I see him at our local Cars and Coffee in Lafayette CO frequently!

[@bjaminrun]

Bought a 2000 H58A 20v turbo 6 years ago, had way too much fun in this suv. People look at you funny in the summer and dumbfounded in the winter when I blow by them!!!

[@TrashPandaGarage]

I had no idea there was a Pajero "Mini"! Great video. This thing is pretty cool.

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Great content as always

[@robertyoung8289]

We love Larry. 😍

[@Mr.Ramirez95]

Larry the JDM guy never disappoints! Love this guy!

[@htimmermans1938]

Great episodes!

[@qwerty96cr]

I have one here in Japan. VR2 Manual, even in the same colour. Such fun little cars , I love it

[@alanalzee4849]

That looks to be a very capable little 4x4 that just scampers up the hills, I don't remember seeing any of these in the UK but we get the Shogun/Pajero Pinin which was another Mitsubishi copy of the big Shogun/Pajero but that little bit smaller

[@TheRealitarian]

I fn loved my 1987 Mighty Max 4x4...that thing went everywhere on 31s. This thing looks fun.

[@soylentg6270]

Had the original with a V6. They used to sell the boxxy 2 door Monteros here in the states. Was a great car.

[@bikesboardsbeats]

I live in Japan and have one for snowboarding. Cheap tax, cheap to run. Love mine

[@GeoZeppelin1979]

in my country (Georgia) u get tons of these,they are called Pajero Junior fun go anywhere little car

[@MrDrifterdevin]

Gran turismo 2 made me aware of these, love them and the mirror on the fender is for your blind spot

[@peterogers3075]

Larry is awesome!!

[@hk20000]

I loved how when they both rode up the hill and the heads blob around in sync lol

[@nathanwolf5547]

The new Jimny had a years wait in the uk but sales ended because of emissions.

[@stevesmith3556]

He really wanted this thing badly! I had a similar situation with a 1970 motorcycle. Colorado DMV and state patrol are awesome!

[@greathornedowl3644]

Thanks Tommy, love the TFLClassics channel. From a tall skinny guy "size does not matter" 😂😂 I am a huge fan of the JDM SUV's, miss the boxy Japanese SUV: Mitsubishi Montero and Jeep, Isuzu Trooper (Bighorn), Suzuki Jimny, and old Land Cruiser (Prado), Hilux, Nissan Rasheen. TFL should have Larry's JDM channel

[@00ta]

The fender mirror is required by law to protect short pedestrians (like kids) hidden by the bonnet.

[@maheshlaxman371]

Now I can't get sleep,after seeing your video..I love your video..

[@tehsin13]

Absolutely love all these tiny japanese off roader. I hope other states don't start crackdown these JDM ones like Maine(who recently banned "offensive" personalized plate too)

[@frog382]

You can spot the benevolent and kind person from space. Larry sure is one of them

[@markkandie9423]

Have an automatic XR2 in Kenya, Iam trying to repair the busted gear box and replace the engine. Love the tiny pajero to bits.

[@91cannibal]

I got my Mini months ago and at the right time. You can't get one for less than $4k before shipping, broker, registration etc. I'll start the bidding for mine at $10k!

[@SnakeOilDev]

Other neat thing about this model is the engine. Only some few models have 20 valves 4 cylinders engine with twin turbo. The newer Pajero mini only 16 valves and inter cooler turbo due to new regulation.

[@dgc940]

Back in 80's-90's in my suzuki/yamaha shop we sold Nankang tires they were a cheep line

[@dendericavillacis]

I'm about to buy one of these!

[@theduke5180]

I've been wanting one of thoose Pajero minis for a while now but sadly you cant register Kei cars in Oregon. 😥

[@norsefalconer]

Simultaneously makes me miss my '88 Samurai AND my '89 Dodge Raider (Montero). Fun stuff.

[@Nickwillfixit]

I had one that went just below the full size two door, it was a Misubishi Shogan Pinnin 4 cylinder1800cc GDI (gasoline direct injection) manual body on frame with lever selectable 2high 4high 4low and locked centre diff and torsion rear diff this was so capable I did green laneing and comp in it with a inch body lift and 2inch suspension lift 31" tyres and a chip upgrade with all the luxury of the big brother. It was styled by Pinnafarina as quite a few other types and manufacturers used this styling company it was very good looking and performed very well, but they went to an AWD system from the 4door and hatch model with a really bad 4cylinder 2litre engine with inherent problems like the V6 big brother had. Yes the mirror is so you can park spot on the curb due to narrow streets and parking at a premium, I could get two Greyhound's in the rear with the rear seats folded flat. There are a lot of these in the UK, Pinnin was sold from the dealers not an import the baby ones are what we call grey import's and it does not just mean a JDM but other vehicles from the US and Europe come under the grey import banner, I have had several imports even a couple of new ones.

[@brian_jake]

Shogun pinin was never body on frame.

[@Nickwillfixit]

@@brian_jake Thankyou for correcting me, it was my Suzuki 1.3 Samarai that had the body and suspension lift along with my 86 Toyota Hilux long time ago, my wife favoured the Pinnin as being just five foot she did not need a step ladder to get in and if still with me would approve of the Nismo Nissan Duke I now run being retired and into safer hobbies now. Not cheaper just safer god bless her she would have approved.

[@CobaltOntarioadventures]

Larry is the best, add him to the show as a driver so we can see vehicles getting places off road

[@llspragulus]

The mirror on the front quarter panel is a nod back to the older days. It's so the driver doesn't have to take their eyes off the road, in front, to see the side. It seriously just a convenience and "safety" thing.

[@ryanhoffschildt2912]

Love!!! Pajero minis, I have the next one up the Pajero io absolutely love it!

[@lesklower7281]

In Australia we got a Mitsubishi Pejero short wheelbase it was as wide as the longer Pejero but shorter three doors

[@MH-uo7xc]

The fender on the mirror is hilarious

[@Shooter11B]

SWEET little rig! BUT, I got a chuckle out of you saying that that hill was pretty hardcore....maybe for a smart car, LOL.

[@endows2k]

The little mirror on the fender is a law requirement in Japan. Jeep sold in Japan are equipped with a camera as a substitute for the mirror.