Quick answer
A non-running Mitsubishi Pajero is usually worth more than scrap in the UAE. Pajero production ended in 2021, but many remain on the road, so engines, gearboxes and body parts stay in demand. To sell one, share the year, engine, mileage, what happens when you try to start it, and clear photos. Rule out simple faults like the battery first.
The Pajero was one of the UAE's favourite affordable 4x4s for decades. Now that it's no longer made, owners of non-running Pajeros are often surprised that the car still attracts interest.
Why non-running Pajeros still have value
- Many are still on the road across the UAE and region
- Production has ended, so used parts matter more
- Robust mechanicals suit off-road and rural use
- Body parts and interiors are needed for repairs
Why is it not running?
| Symptom | Common causes | Could be small? |
|---|---|---|
| Nothing when turning the key | Battery, terminals, fuse | Often |
| Clicks but won't crank | Battery, starter | Sometimes |
| Cranks, won't fire | Fuel pump, sensor, immobiliser | Sometimes |
| Overheated then stopped | Cooling fault, possible head gasket | Varies |
| Won't move in gear | Gearbox, fluid, driveline | Varies |
Read car won't start in the Dubai summer for the simple checks.
What affects your offer
- Engine: tell buyers whether it's the 3.0 or 3.8 V6
- Year and generation
- Mileage and service history
- Body and interior condition
- Gearbox health, if known
- Any off-road damage or modifications
Pajero generations you'll find in the UAE
Most Pajeros still on UAE roads are from the last two generations. The most recent generation was produced from 2006 until production ended in 2021, and it remains the most common. Older examples are rarer but still valued by off-road enthusiasts.
Tell buyers the year, the engine and the trim level. GCC Pajeros were commonly sold with 3.0 and 3.8 V6 petrol engines, and the engine affects both parts demand and value.
Faults owners commonly report on older Pajeros
| Area | What owners notice |
|---|---|
| Automatic gearbox | Delayed engagement, harsh shifts, slipping |
| Cooling system | Overheating in summer traffic or on sand |
| Suspension and steering | Knocks, wandering, uneven tyre wear |
| AC | Weak cooling, compressor noise |
| Electrics | Warning lights, window and lock faults |
| Engine | Oil leaks, rough idle on neglected cars |
Off-road history and what it means
Many Pajeros have spent weekends in the desert. That doesn't automatically reduce value, but buyers will look for signs of hard use: underbody scrapes, bent steering components, worn transfer case operation and sand in filters. If yours was used off-road, be upfront about it and mention any repairs. A well-maintained off-roader is still attractive, and honesty keeps the offer steady at inspection.
Fix or sell a non-running Pajero?
| Diagnosis | Usual decision |
|---|---|
| Battery, starter or fuel pump | Fix it |
| Sensor or electrical fault | Often fix it |
| Overheating with no engine damage | Fix the cooling fault |
| Gearbox failure on a high mileage car | Often sell |
| Major engine damage | Usually sell |
Get the diagnosis in writing and compare the repair quote with an as-is offer before deciding.
Parts buyers want most
Because the Pajero is no longer made, used parts are in demand. The parts that tend to matter most are engines and gearboxes in working condition, transfer cases and axles, body panels and doors, headlights and tail lights, and interior trim in good condition. A non-running Pajero with a sound gearbox or clean body is usually worth considerably more than its weight.
Long-parked Pajeros
A lot of non-running Pajeros haven't broken down so much as been left: parked beside a villa after the family bought a newer car, or sitting in a basement while the owner was away. After months in UAE heat, expect a flat or dead battery, flat-spotted tyres, sticky brakes, stale fuel and possibly a dried-out cooling system. None of these mean the engine is finished. Tell buyers how long the car has been parked and whether it ran well before, because a long-parked, previously healthy Pajero is valued very differently from one that died on the road with a knocking engine.
How to sell it
- Try the simple checks, like the battery and spare key.
- Get a diagnosis if the fault isn't obvious.
- Take clear photos inside, outside and under the bonnet.
- Check fines and any loan.
- Get offers from buyers who value parts and repairability.
See our Mitsubishi Pajero page, or compare with damaged Land Cruisers and Prados.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pajero engine is more common in the UAE?
Is a Pajero with a failed gearbox worth selling?
When did Mitsubishi stop making the Pajero?
Are Pajero parts still available?
Should I fix my Pajero or sell it?
Written by the JunkMyCar Editorial Team
Published 17 September 2026. Last checked and updated 17 September 2026.
We write from the day-to-day work of buying damaged and non-running cars across the UAE, and check legal and procedural points against official sources such as RTA, TAMM and the Central Bank of the UAE. Rules and fees change, so confirm anything important with the relevant authority. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.