2003 Montero LTD advice

[TownDiver]

Hey all!
So I've been lurking here and other forms for the last few days, but thought I'd look here for some advice. I've been going back to a dealer here on an '03 Montero ltd. it's got the 3.8 and looks like it's in great condition. Here's a little breakdown.

151k miles.
Timing belt replaced at 60k
Regular oil and transmission fluid changes.
New radiator a month ago along with
-new brakes and rotors
-new o2 sensors
-wheels have more than 75% tread.

Only bad part is there seems to be a problem with the odometer now. It seems to have reset and is back to 0 minus the miles I'veplaced on it test driving. Also the little display dash no longer reads the temperature, which is new, and also doesn't have the display for heating and air-con anymore. Also rear wiper doesn't work.

Other than all that the transfer case shifts smoothly and seems to have plenty of power.

Has anyone had any major malfunctions with this engine or year? It's not throwing any codes and with my '82 Chevy things are getting a little rough so looking for a quick buy here.

Thanks all!

 

[Michael Brown]

Pictures would help assess the condition.

Will definitely need the timing belt/water pump service done as that is needed every 60k miles (It has gone 91k miles without a change). Not sure about the odometer problem. Could be minor, or it could be a hint at a hidden electrical problem. Download a FSM from my sig and check for anything related to it. Searching google for a Pajero with the same problem could help.

The missing screen and non functioning rear wipre make me think that this one has not had the best care. You should be able to find one with less initial issues.

 

[1morebike]

I just bought an 03 the guy I bought it from had all the guages replaced and I believe that's a known problem. Like Michael said get the timing belt done like drive it home and do it or take it straight to a mechanic.

 

[KyleT]

Sounds like it might have a gremlin for the odometer.

A 03 limited has the larger sort of color display above the radio if it has the auto climate control. Manual could have the small or larger display there depending on how it was equipped. My guess is the wrong one was put in. Does it have auto controls or manual knobs? I have never seen a 03+ limited with manual but that doesn't mean they aren't out there.

What are they asking?


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[normal_dave]

I'll speak to the "little display dash" aka RV meter as it is called in the manual. It has to connect (sync) to the vehicle computer. I recently had a faulty battery connection under the hood, and my RV meter lost the heat and air display along with the outside temp display. The other stuff still worked, compass, mileage meter (fuel). If it is "new" it makes me wonder if it really needed replacing or simply the prior owner became frustrated not knowing how to reset the system, and replaced it only to have the problem persist.

There is a reset function that will "re-connect" the heat and air display to the system. It is in the owner's manual, but basically you push and hold the adjust button, then turn the key to the run position, and it will reset the connection. I think if you hold the adjust button too long, it will take you to the RV meter diagnostic screen. Move through the steps and then the heat and air display, and the outside temperature display should now work.

You may also have to re-calibrate the compass display. This can only be done at low speed, driving slowly in a circle until the calibration is complete. Then adjust the degrees to your home location on the world map. Also note you can't adjust any other features on the RV meter while driving above certain speeds, a safety issue, that took me awhile to figure out!

I too would have concern about the odometer issue. There are multiple references to the coolant temp gauge failing on the circuit board, reading hot when not. Many Gen 3s for sale had aftermarket mechanical gauges installed to deal with this issue. Crafty Montero owners who are handy with a soldering iron usually make short work of the cracked solder joint on the resistor? behind the factory gauge to properly repair.

Maybe this truck is a lemon, maybe a diamond in the rough. I believe many Monteros are given up on too early due to lack of knowledge and support in the aftermarket repair area, and apathetic owners who can't or won't take time to get to know them and their few unique gremlins, which are fairly easily slain with enough knowledge and effort.

Good luck either way.

 

[TownDiver]

Thanks for the replies!
Ok so the dealer called me today after some haggling and problems I've been having with predetermined negotiations.
So they've added on a 24month 18000 mile warrenty for the engine/tranny from the voicemail. The sticker price is 6200, but after taxes and all I'm at 7k which is more than I wanted to spend on it, but 4x4options in my area are limited and my Chevy is acting up something fierce.
Micheal Brown, thanks for those links! I've had my thought on the same things, either a quick easy reset or a pain in the *****. Also yes to the timingbelt if I go for it! Is it easy to do yourself? I'm on a base with the full garage so makes this easier. I've pulled and replaced 350s multiple times, but never something this new.
Kyle T, the air and heating have an auto option on manual knobs? Auto-65-75-85. The screen is only a 2x5" I think. Heated seats and all.
Thanks for your help everyone! Going back in tomorrow to really decide on it.

 

[TownDiver]

Thanks for this reply! Just saw it. I've been assuming that a battery disconnect is the main issue since everything worked until they replaced the o2 sensors. I know the battery and everything else was disconnected as well. I might give that reset a try tomorrow!

 

[normal_dave]

At that price and condition, keep your options open:

Well it would be a day trip but...
https://billings.craigslist.org/ctd/5978105953.html

Denver:
http://www.shiftauto.net/inventory/mitsubishi_montero/

 

[Happykamper]

TownDiver tell your dealer that you will take deal but he needs to do timing belt first. It will be pennies for him .

 

[90rustymontero]

So I have an 01 Limited with 140k miles. was about in the same condition as the one you are talking about and I paid $1500. 7k is a little on the steep side especially if it has issues. Just my $0.02. Good luck

 

[clmrt]

I paid $4000 for a130k mile 03 ltd, full and complete service records including 30k on the timing belt job. Needed rear brake discs that the dealership quoted over $1000 to replace which caused the family to decide to sell. Don't pay too much for the truck.

 

[KyleT]

I paid 4K out the door for my 03 limited. No records but In decent shape.

Paid 6 for my 06 in very good shape. No records either but both drove good and has zero issues. I've less than 1000 in both trucks in maintenance in over a year. And one has seen almost 30k miles since I bought it.

They are a niche market and dont demand a premium. Making them a great buy.


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[Offroadmuch]

TownDiver tell your dealer that you will take deal but he needs to do timing belt first. It will be pennies for him .

This may be a good way to get a dealer timing belt job done with real Mitsubishi parts. If they won't cover the entire price for cost of the sale maybe you could pay a few more bucks but as others have mentioned $7K is pretty high.
Here is a few sort of near you: https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...odified=true&sortType=PRICE&sortDirection=ASC

 

[Toasty]

I'm at the other end, i bought my 1 owner '05 for 10k last summer from a Mitsubishi dealer. They did all new brakes, tires, exhaust manifolds (commonly cracked), supposedly did a bunch of other maintenance to it but they reused the tensioner when they did the timing so i had to replace that right away.

 

[Toasty]

The service manual claims you can reuse a tensioner but anyone who knows Mitsus knows not to do that. I guess when its just a used car even the dealer will cut corners.