Newbie: What to do first?

[magoh76]

Hi there, first time Montero owner here! I just bought a 2001 XLS with 186k on the odometer for $2750. All told, it is in excellent shape for the miles. Only problems I have found are some cigarette burns in the seats, a slightly sagging headliner (not just the cloth, the whole "board" for lack of proper term) and a "service engine soon" light. I'm excited to be back into doing some offroading/overlanding (former Nissan Pathfinder owner).

My question is this: what maintenance/checks do I need to do right now? According to the scant records available, it had the timing belt replaced at 97k. The brakes are good/new and it just had an oil change. Should I change the timing belt again? Change/flush fluids? Other things? Obviously I'm going to get the check engine light checked out.

Thanks!

Here are some pics:

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Yes, its time for the timing belt again. This is the point in time you base line everything, before you start planning trips. If you have the owners manual, do everything that it says in the book for the (closest) mileage listed .

Good find for the money!

 

[off-roader]

Nice find. Got to mitsubishilinks and download the appropriate FSM (Factory Service Manual). The 2003 fsm will be close enough for most things you may want to do.

 

[4D55 Performance]

She looks like a great rig to build up. I have always liked the Gen III. The XLS has some cool upgrades that make for a great base line. It should have 4.9 diff gearing, a shiftable t-case and a simple interior with few electronic gizmos. I think you will be very pleased with it.

 

[magoh76]

Yes, its time for the timing belt again. This is the point in time you base line everything, before you start planning trips. If you have the owners manual, do everything that it says in the book for the (closest) mileage listed .

Good find for the money!

Thanks for the advice. Bought the truck with trips in mind, but the maintenance will come first.

 

[magoh76]

Nice find. Got to mitsubishilinks and download the appropriate FSM (Factory Service Manual). The 2003 fsm will be close enough for most things you may want to do.

Awesome! Thanks for the link.

 

[magoh76]

I had been looking for a Gen 2 or 2.5. I even was planning on flying to Indy from OK to get one but found this 15 miles from home. It didn't have some of the goodies I was looking for but the price was too nice to pass up and I didn't have to take any days off to go get it. I do like the simpleness of the interior, less to go wrong. I also like the simple part-time 4wd for the same reason. It's good to know about the gearing, I wasn't sure what came stock.

 

[KarmannMarco]

What I steal. Cheaper then what I paid for my 97 LS