95 Montero SR looking at buying

[fowldarr]

So, as the title says, I am looking at two different Montero SR's, both ar of a 1995 vintage, and look to be in decent shape (by pictures). Both have relatively low miles (120k - 130k). One is blue, and one is that kind of ugly green color that grows on my a little more each time I look at the pic.

Both are priced reasonably (I think), in the 3k-4k range.

So here is my question. What am I looking for? usual rust areas? standard repairs that need to be done with those miles, etc.?

I will be converting from the Land Cruiser fold if this works out.

 

[SOFpirate]

Honestly ... buy them both. You found TWO!

Anyways, take a look at the typical stuff, belts, hoses etc. Not much REALLY goes wrong on these. Check if the windows work, if the sunroof does. Other than that, sounds like a good deal.

The ONLY real thing to check out is check if the 4WD works. The "natrual" position for the system in a Montero is 4Hi. So if you get the blinky lights of doom, don't fret. At worse, it's a vacuum solenoid, which is easily fixed. At the least it's an undergreased and underused actuator shaft. There's plenty of dudes and dudettes on here to help you out.

Enjoy!

 

[off-roader]

Haven't really seen any rust issues with them.

Smoke upon cold start or long idle: Valve guide seals will need to be replaced.

Slow idle when engine is cold: Idle speed controller / idle air controller servo needs to be replaced.

4WD engage and disengage ok? If it engages ok but is slow to disengage or you get a flashing front wheel light, then it's possible the Central Axle Disconnect is bad or the system needs to be cycled (2wd drive around, 4wd drive around , 2wd drive around, repeat as necessary) to get it working again. Rarely is the CAD bad but it does happen.

Rear Air locker working?

Timing belt needs to be done every 60-100k. Should also do the tensioners, pulleys, water pump and other ancillary belts at the same time.

Spark plug R&R entails removing the intake manifold for most mechanics. Can be done w/out intake removal but most don't know how. Should be using plugs that are good for 60K minimum.

That's about it.

 

[zukrider]

mine has just a touch of rust in the a pillars, right above the windshield. so look there. past that, its worth the money to just have a t-belt done, unless you can verify its mileage if replaced. make sure it gets a new tensioner. verify the action of the center seat by using the owner manual. i broke mine trying to do it, without the book, so it could happen to anyone. it will have floppy side mirrors, cheap on ebay. verify the trans mode switch does as it should. verify the front diff engages as they tend to stick from no use.

i love my montero. only gripe i have to date is the stupid middle seat. not just that i broke it, but its "folded up" position is a little dumb. otherwise, awesome truck. GREAT in the snow!

 

[off-roader]

it will have floppy side mirrors, cheap on ebay.

Floppy side mirrors? Haven't seen that before on the Gen II's. Gen I's yes but not Gen II's. Daily correspondence with many of the owners on 4x4wire and this is def not a common gen II issue.

 

[zukrider]

i got exactly the opposite answer. forget which forum, but i was told by many that its common. and good lord is it annoying!

 

[scrubber3]

I had floppy side mirrors till I put some 3M 5200 marine sealant on the brackets behind the actual mirror..

 

[fowldarr]

Well the SR got sold before I got to it. I currently have my eye on a 94 trooper, that looks like it is going to be mine! Love you Montero guys, but looks like I'm going to be a trooper guy.

 

[scrubber3]

Those are nice rigs. I'm very partial to my Monty, but I'd drive one of those for sure.

 

[fowldarr]

To me, they are very similar to the monteros in looks and function. In fact, maybe they could make this the Mitsubishi/Isuzu section of the forum so I have people to talk to, instead of hanging out with the subaru's, volkswagens, and kias in the other section.