Montero questions

[dirtysouth]

Hey Guys, what do you think of this?

http://trim.condogigi.com/cars/2000/Mitsubishi/Montero/SUV/4987553.html


I talked to the sales guy, it is a one owner, all the maintenance/service records are there. The vehicle is clean and low mileage. I'm looking for something along these lines, my question(s) are; how reliable are they longterm? What are the cost associated with the vehicle as far as everyday parts? I'm not looking to beat it up, I need something that will DD, haul the family on trips and handle forest service roads.

 

[tdesanto]

Wow, that one looks clean and only 50K miles. They are asking a fairly high price, but it might just be worth it for such a nice vehicle.

They are quite reliable.

Parts are no more expensive than Toyota parts.

Best place to buy Mitsubishi parts, Southwest Mitsubishi. Ask for Keith.

As far as meeting your duty criteria--this truck should meet them all.

This is an excellent choice.

 

[dirtysouth]

Wow, that one looks clean and only 50K miles. They are asking a fairly high price, but it might just be worth it for such a nice vehicle.

They are quite reliable.

Parts are no more expensive than Toyota parts.

Best place to buy Mitsubishi parts, Southwest Mitsubishi. Ask for Keith.

As far as meeting your duty criteria--this truck should meet them all.

This is an excellent choice.

Looking around here, the asking price is about $2-3k more than the average listing but then again, it does have 120k miles less than the average in the area. I'm going to check it out tomorrow and see what it will take. That price is at my upper limit at the moment but the mileage really makes this one stand out.

 

[dirtysouth]

Do you really have to change the timing belt every 60k miles? I understand it is an interference engine but my 02 Subaru only required it at 115k I believe.

 

[datrupr]

Wow! That is nice! But a little high on the price. I paid less than that for my '01 with only 20K more on the clock. It will fit your needs perfectly. Rock solid and reliable DD. It shoudl last you many years of faithful service. As for the timing belt, Im not the expert here, but every 60K does seem excessive. But it might be worth it for the peace of mind as it is an interference motor. I think someone on here shoudl jump on this one.

 

[RttH]

Looks like a gem! See if they would do the timing belt and shave some off the price. I would definitely go for this one! Looks better than mine when it had 18k on it. Nice find.

I have had 2 other vehicles that had the timing belt brake on me and cost me A LOT of money, so I am a little shy of going past 60k, though its always possible (I have seen 120k on one belt).

 

[dirtysouth]

See if they would do the timing belt and shave some off the price. I would definitely go for this one!

If they would either have it done or knock $1200 off the price, I may drive it home. $1200 tends to be the going rate on timing belt services if you have a dealership do it, although I had an independent shop do the one on my Subaru for a lot less.

 

[tdesanto]

...but the mileage really makes this one stand out.

Yes it does. I would see if you could get them to knock off $1-1.5K. It might happen.

Yes, the timing belt does need to be done every 60K. Go ahead and do the water pump while you're at it.

That engine is pretty easy to work on. If you're careful not to mess the timing up when the belt is off, you could even do the timing belt and water pump yourself.

Or, use the timing belt and the current economy to get them to reduce the price.

Oh, and I've had the timing belt done on my '94 and '01 for around $700. Maybe there's a difference in where we live, but $1200 seems high for doing that work.

 

[Mad Matt]

Noticed that it is a no option car without the factory rear locker. Honestly I would would keep looking for a better optioned version of the car, even if it has more miles.

 

[scrubber3]

Price is a bit high. Actually, it is really high. I'd say that it needs to be at most seven grand. They will never sell it for that price, so if you can wait they will prolly lower the price after a couple months. If I were you I would stop by and give them your card with $6500 for Montero written on it and say call me when you lower it to this price.

 

[dirtysouth]

Noticed that it is a no option car without the factory rear locker. Honestly I would would keep looking for a better optioned version of the car, even if it has more miles.

I've never needed a locker before so that option, or lack thereof, doesn't make a vehicle less attractive to me.

They will never sell it for that price, so if you can wait they will prolly lower the price after a couple months. If I were you I would stop by and give them your card with $6500 for Montero written on it and say call me when you lower it to this price.

That's what I was thinking when I woke up this morning. I'll go take a look at it sometime this weekend and see what they can do. If the numbers aren't where I'd like them, I'm going to do exactly what you suggested with the card.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Yeah, that price seems to be way out of line, even if you consider the low miles.

In fact, with miles that low, I'm betting it still has the factory tires which will definitely need replacing, so factor that cost in as well.

This being a buyer's market, I think they're crazy to ask that much for a 10 year old SUV.

 

[DavidG]

Personally, I don't think the price is very high. Look around at other 4wds with mileage that low, it is reasonable in my estimation. IMO, the timing belt is a consideration, as is the lack of the factory locker. I had the timing belt (and water pump, plugs, acc belt, and related major maintenance items) replaced twice on my 97. Once when I bought it at 60k, the second time at 130k. IIRC I paid around $1200 for the service, so your number sounds about right to me. I'm not saying it isn't a ripoff, just what I paid too. I would offer $7500-$8k out the door, if that was the right vehicle for you. But as others have said, it does not have the locker, which for me would be a deal breaker. In my experience, the articulation is poor enough that the locker made all the difference. An open/open Grand Cherokee could go places that required me to use the locker. With that being said, you are the best judge of where you intend to drive. I dig the cloth interior though, as I've never been a big fan of leather. Good luck!

 

[dirtysouth]

Hey David, thanks for your reply. I thought about pm'ing you as I noticed you have a Montero and are local but decided against spending the money. If or when I decide to pick something else up, I will be giving the Montero a very hard look.

Thanks guys for the replies.