Mitsubishi Repair: How do I find out the year of my Pajero, vin number, left hand drive

Question
Hello, I have a Pajero that was re-registered under a newer year. It is originally from Japan, brought into the Philippines as a grey market vehicle, converted to left hand drive and registered as a 2006. The SUV is mint and I got it for a good deal. Judging from other Pajero's and Montero's I figure it's actually a 1992 but I'm not certain. I want to find out for sure. I want to import the Pajero to Canada where I live and need to find out for certain. Is there a cross reference database for the Japanese VIN to indicate year of manufacture? How do I find this information out. Is there a number I can call for Mitsibushi. Hope you can help.

Answer
Jon: The VIN number should tell you the year, 1st digit-country, 2nd digit-make, 3rd digit-vehicle type, 4th digit-others, 5th digit-line, 6th digit-price class, 7th digit-body, 8th digit-engine, 9th digit-check digit, 10th digit-model year, 11th digit-plant, 12th-17th digits-serial number. You might have to find a repair manual for your Pajero but most parts stores sell them and that would help explain the VIN number. Not sure if you would have a lot of luck with Mitsubishi on this. But maybe with the VIN number they could help you. There also should be a Vehicle identification code plate on the engine compartment firewall that might help you too. Should be another vehicle certification label on the door jamb, also on the engine is another model number which should be stamped onto a pad on the front side of the engine. As for calling Mitsubishi, you can look that number up on line as easy as I can. But I really think with your vehicle's VIN number they would be able to tell you, what year your vehicle is. I hope this helps and good luck! Linda