
There are several reasons why the Pajero does not hold its value well: 1. Unremarkable appearance: With dimensions of 4695mm in length, 1815mm in width, and 1790mm in height, the entire body appears relatively narrow and tall, giving a narrow and high impression. Combined with a rounded design, the exterior is not eye-catching. 2. Poor ergonomics: Due to its body-on-frame construction, the cabin height is not sufficient, causing the seats to sit low, especially the front part of the driver's seat, which doesn't support the legs properly, making long-distance journeys very tiring. 3. Lack of a grab handle: Despite its tall body, there is no grab handle for easy entry. If you need a handhold, you have to install one yourself. 4. Unattractive interior: The entire interior looks low-end and rough, with most visible areas made of cheap hard plastic.

As a car owner who frequently monitors the used car market, I've observed that the Mitsubishi Pajero's poor resale value stems from multiple factors. Primarily, it's related to market demand and brand perception. Today's consumers lean towards fuel-efficient and eco-friendly SUVs, while the Pajero, as a rugged off-road vehicle, has relatively high fuel consumption and limited practicality for urban driving. This has led to declining new car sales and subsequent depreciation in the used market. Compared to the Toyota Prado, the Pajero falls short in brand recognition and reliability, with higher maintenance costs—such as scarce and expensive parts during major repairs. Additionally, Mitsubishi's slow pace of new model updates in recent years and the Pajero's outdated design make many buyers feel it can't keep up with the times, prompting them to opt for electric or hybrid models instead. The combination of these factors has caused the Pajero's used value to plummet, and I recommend considering these practical issues when purchasing a used vehicle.

As a long-term owner of the Pajero, I've taken it on many off-road adventures, but its depreciation issue is a major headache. In daily use, its fuel consumption is particularly high, with significant monthly expenses on gas, which is the primary reason for its rapid depreciation. Additionally, maintenance is quite troublesome—parts are expensive and hard to come by, and even minor repairs can eat up a big chunk of the budget. Compared to other vehicles like the Land Rover Defender, the Pajero's interior is simplistic and lacks technological appeal, making it feel outdated over time. The small user base further complicates matters, as buyers drive a hard bargain when purchasing used, making it difficult to sell. Overall, the flaws in practicality and cost have quickly tarnished its reputation in the used car market. I believe this vehicle is only suitable for specific enthusiasts; otherwise, it's just not worth it.

From an automotive industry perspective, the Pajero's poor resale value fundamentally stems from Mitsubishi's strategic missteps. The brand has been on an overall decline, with slow new model launches – the Pajero went over a decade without a major redesign, leaving its technology outdated (e.g., inefficient engines, minimal smart driving features). Compared to modern urban SUVs' trendy appeal, it feels like a relic that fails to resonate with younger buyers. Market supply-demand imbalance worsened as sluggish new car sales led to used inventory pileup, depressing prices. Additionally, tightening emissions standards hit its large-displacement setup hard. While its off-road capability is strong, these flaws eroded its competitiveness, making the steady depreciation in used value inevitable.


