Recommendation on 3rd Gen 3.5 vs 3.8 and what year?

[Offroadmuch]

Hello to all-
I am looking to buy a 2001-2006 Mitsubishi Montero and I have some basic questions. I like the 2002 a lot for general features like the 3.5 L and I know it is cheesey but I like the 6 spoke factory wheels. From a mechanical, reliability standpoint which year and/or motor is considered better 3.5 or 3.8? Is the 2003 20th Anniversary model special somehow, worth looking for?

Thank you very much!

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Topic has been beat to death, please utilize the search function and then ask anything that has not been covered already.

 

[Offroadmuch]

Point well taken. After continuing to do searches and read I see that there is volumes of information on this topic. Thank you for your patience....
With that said has anyone posted a comparison spreadsheet? Like the year running down the left with generation breakdown 1,2,2.5, etc.. and features across the top like specific engine type, sohc, dohc, LSD, 4sp, 5 spd? Just curious since I am trying to gather facts such as those listed. That would be much faster than reading 14 page posts and a great starting place to narrow a search. If anyone has seen such a thing I would appreciate a link. If I had more time and knowlege I would start putting one together. I will keep reading and thank you again.

 

[plh]

Simple as it is... Here is a very basic starting point:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitsubishi_Pajero

 

[Offroadmuch]

Thank you for that link. The more I read here the more all of the facts on that Wikipedia page mean as I start to put it all together. I have read it many times already. I will let this thread go since it cover what has already been covered in other posts. If anyone would like to PM or email me directly with tips or advice that would be great. There are some 2003- 2006 Monteros near me with about 100,000 from $2000-8900. I did a whole day of test drives a few weeks ago. Time to go do some more and look for traction control and 4 or 5 spd etc. Thank you-

 

[KgB]

I think 2003 and up limited's are more desirable and usually more expensive, like any used vehicle the cleanest lowest mileage one is probably the best. If you are going to look at spreadsheets and forums and try to pick the best Montero you better be patient because there are usually not a lot to choose from. There is not a huge power gain with the 3.8 and the older 5 speed with LSD is very capable and they are all very reliable assuming decent maintenance.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

 

[Michael Brown]

The biggest advantage for 03+ is the traction control system. I have used it offroad and it is very capable. It functions like having an LSD on both axles. The 3.5L also is known to have an oil seep from the valve cover that cannot be fixed with new gaskets. My 01 had gaskets replaced twice and it still always had a slow drip from the passenger side.

Focus on nicest condition and lower miles. Limited models if possible.

 

[Mrknowitall]

As they're all 10-15 years old, and were never that numerous, selection is the outweighing factor. That makes all this wishing for the "best year" rather academic. Find the best one (least abused/neglected/rusted) that you can afford and are willing to go get. I'd rather have an 02 from Texas than an 04 from Minnesota. I'd rather have 170k Florida miles than 130k NY miles.

 

[Sabre]

As they're all 10-15 years old, and were never that numerous, selection is the outweighing factor. That makes all this wishing for the "best year" rather academic. Find the best one (least abused/neglected/rusted) that you can afford and are willing to go get. I'd rather have an 02 from Texas than an 04 from Minnesota. I'd rather have 170k Florida miles than 130k NY miles.

+1

 

[Offroadmuch]

The biggest advantage for 03+ is the traction control system. I have used it offroad and it is very capable. It functions like having an LSD on both axles. The 3.5L also is known to have an oil seep from the valve cover that cannot be fixed with new gaskets. My 01 had gaskets replaced twice and it still always had a slow drip from the passenger side.

Focus on nicest condition and lower miles. Limited models if possible.

Very helpful. I have decided to go with 2003 or newer in Limited. Pretty sure anyway unless a smoking deal comes up with an older one. With that said, one thing I was trying to figure out was with 03+ in XLS or Limited was the traction, LSD set up/type? I apologize if I sound like a total rookie on this stuff. I would like the diff set up that is best for offroad and it sounds like the Limited has that and if I read correctly the 03+ all have it? Could someone remind me about the names of the different differential locking, limited slip types? I know LSD, don't remember the names of the other types... Is there a reference for vocabulary!? Had to throw that in because I am always doing vocab with my kids.

I found a really nice 2003 on San Diego CL but it has the 02 wheels and 3.5 so it doesn't look like a real 03 or it was early production 03 without the real 03 changes.

 

[KgB]

[QUOTEI found a really nice 2003 on San Diego CL but it has the 02 wheels and 3.5 so it doesn't look like a real 03 or it was early production 03 without the real 03 changes.[/QUOTE]

Interesting I have not heard of that, I would bet it was a mistake or a scam and it is an 02, what color is it around the door locks and shifters? Or someone replaced engine and wheels.
the most limiting factor offroad is going to be ground clearance. I believe all the 03+ have the same drivetrain xls or limited (5 speed w/ traction control), the older ones got the better transmission and axles only in limited.

 

[Michael Brown]

All XLS models were made for the US as 01-02 year models. 4 speed transmission and manual transfer case (2H-4H-4L) with 4.9 differential gears, and the 3.5L engine. Various options and packages have been found on these, depending on the dealership that first ordered. Some can have the hybrid LSD as an option. 16 inch wheels

All Limited models in the 01-02 model years have 5 speed transmission and Super Select 4WD transfer case (2H-4H-4HLc-4LLc). These will have 4.3 gears and the 3.5L engine. Most have the hybrid LSD. These will always have fog lights, rear AC, power seats, and leather. Sunroof is also common on these. 16 inch wheels

03-06 models are based on the limited trim with a styling refresh done for the 05+. These will all have the same features as the Limited above, but use the 3.8L engine. There are no hybrid LSDs in these, but there is traction control which performs just as well. Traction control is confirmed by a disable button in the center console next to the seat warmers and rear AC control. I believe they added the 17 inch wheels in 05 as well.


Your stock options for limited drivelines are LSD without traction control (01-02) or traction control without LSD (03+). If it has both then the LSD was installed from an older vehicle. The traction control will be more effective than the LSD offroad. The LSD only affects the rear axle, but the traction control keeps torque flowing to the front axle as well.
The system feels like a LSD where one wheel will spin, but with more throttle, the other wheel begins to turn slowly to make forward progress. Just be slow and steady with throttle and you can impress anyone with how capable it is.

Here are some links showing the factory traction control in use.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vcfGK_9E6U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm1MGLUewuo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WPsT4p1lE8

 

[Offroadmuch]

Thank you Michael Brown!

Just bought a 2003 Limited with the traction control button. I need to buy an owner's manual because is missing. Happy so far.

 

[Jelorian]

Congrats...I'm on the hunt as well. We need pics of your new rig...you know we all love pics!!

 

[Offroadmuch]

Here it is. Clean outside and in. Took it to the local dealer on Saturday. I got the oil changed and they did a 27 point inspection. He said the rear heater "T" lines were starting to crack and should be replaced. If they break the motor can overheat. He also said that the 3.8L are known to burn some oil with high mileage. Mine has 147,000 so he said check it every 1000 miles so it does not get low and get hot.