3rd Gen on the Mind

M

MunkeyTX

Observer
Looking to replace my ’98 4Runner, and I spotted the 3rd. gen (2000?-2006) Mitsu Monteros, and it made my heart pitter-patter.

I had some seat time in them as a rental agent back when they were brand new, and from what I remember, they were pretty pimp-tacular. Leather up the wazoo, all the options you could wish for, good room, third row, and the front seats fold completely back and mesh with the rear seats to make one big'ol sleeping area. Decent power, full-time 4wd, rear locker/limited slip (can’t remember) and from what I hazily recall, we did have a ‘herbal’ induced romp one unit through the construction debris field behind the shop and deemed it was worthy of our abuse.

It’ll be my DD, round trip of 60 miles a day all at highway speeds, and family beach-wagon for when we want to pull away from the demon horde and into the 4x4 only section of the beach. Maybe a small lift and 285's just so I feel adequate about my manhood. :p

Anyone know how they’ve held up in the long run? Anything major to look out for? We shipped our units back to auction with around 30k, so I never had any long term reliability reports (although we never did have them in the shop, from what I can recall.)

If it’ll compare to my 4runner (296k, no major mechanical faults), then I’ll be a happy camper. Most of the units I’m looking at have under 150k on the engine, all 6 cyl, 4x4, Limited versions.

Anything I should look out for beyond the norm?
 
O

off-roader

Expedition Leader
MunkeyTX said:
Anyone know how they’ve held up in the long run? Anything major to look out for? We shipped our units back to auction with around 30k, so I never had any long term reliability reports (although we never did have them in the shop, from what I can recall.)
Click to expand...

I recall reading the 2001 had an air locker as an optional package but am unsure which package that was. If it does there will be a Diff Lock Switch (different from a transmission Hold/Power button that some rigs have). If there is no locker in the one you want I believe you can get ARB's for the front and rear diff (doublecheck w/ arb usa) though so you should be ok from a traction aid standpoint.

For long term reliability other than owner induced abuse they're pretty reliable and bullet proof.

In earlier Mitsu v6's the valve guide seals have been a source of heart ache due to them drying, cracking and allowing oil to seep into the combustion chambers and the result is smoke upon a cold start and also upon an extended idle. If it's really bad then that idle time may not be that extended. However if it smokes all the time it could simply be time to replace the rings although that's not that common until 200k+ if at all.

The 4WD system may not engage/disengage immediately. It's very common since most owners rarely used it in 4wd. In some worse cases the servo(s) in the Central Axle Disconnect System go bad and have to be replaced. Outside of that the 4wd system is pretty darned bullet proof.

Make sure the timing belt has been changed or inspect it by removing the plastic cover (can in my gen II but not sure about the III). I checked mine and although worn I knew I still have at least 6-12 months so I inspected it regularly and eventually changed it in the 1st year of owning it. I don't recall for sure with the gen III's but if they're like the gen II SR's then that will be an interference engine which means of the timing belt breaks so do the valves and other things you don't want to happen. It needs to be changed every 60-90K.

A recent tune up is also good. If it's like the Mid 90 DOHC SR's then you usually need to remove your intake manifold to access the plug covers before you even see the plugs (unless someone was kind enough to leave them off). If the plugs are Iridium then they should be good for 60-100k depending on your driving style and maintenance.

Inspect the inside of the top of the radiator for any unusual residue that could indicate oil was in the coolant from a previous head gasket issue and vice versa (check the oil for any coolant).

Like any other 4x4, have all the fluids changed including the oil, coolant/antifreeze, transmission, transfer case, & diffs. For the transmission I recommend having it flushed rather than just drained and refilled. I then simply make sure it's topped off when I do my oil changes. I repeat the flushing every 50K.

When you service the transmission be sure and use 100% mitsu compatible transmission fluid. Not sure about the gen III's but MOBIL 1 is NOT compatible with a number of mitsu automatics. Plenty have found out there are certain friction modifiers and other 'aids' that it does not have. YOU WILL burn up the tranny if you use it in the wrong one. Not sure about the other 'premium' brands but I'd keep it simple and just stick to plain ole mitsu fluid. While it's more expensive than off the shelf fluids when you consider how infrequently it's changed the Mitsu fluid's pretty cheap in the grand scheme of things.

HTH
 
S

SOFpirate

Adventurer
The Gen III is an excellent family 4x4.

My family has owned one since it came off the lot, and it's survived my father who drives like he's in the Dakar rally, my mother who learned how to drive in cornfields, myself who has tried to use it as a rock crawler and a motocross vehicle, and my little brother who we have no idea what he does with it. 100k on the clock this year, and still runs like brand new. No complaints about that rig. I like it so much my wife and I keep offering my dad money for it ...
 
Inyo_man

Inyo_man

Don't piss down my back and tell me it's raining.
We purchased our '02 with less than 30k and now have over 140k.
It's taken us all over the western U.S. on many great family back country trips without any issues.
Very comfortable and reliable rig. The LSD in the rear has gotten us into, and out of, many exciting spots (although I'd love an ARB up front).
 
O

off-roader

Expedition Leader
scrubber3 said:
There you go saying tranny again...:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Get used to it... :Wow1:
:sombrero:
Tranny.JPG
BTW, you know what Pajero means in Spanish right?:coffeedrink:
Pajero-Wanker.JPG

Note Gen III content in that 2nd image to help bring us back on topic LOL...
 
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scrubber3

scrubber3

Not really here
On topic about the Gen 3 though. You should notice that the Mitsu is a very well mannered rig compared to the 4 runner. IMHO a much more family friendly vehicle as far as comfort and space.
 
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scrubber3

scrubber3

Not really here
"BTW, you know what Pajero means in Spanish right?"

Only European Spanish. Over here it either means jungle cat or it's an unknown word. Tell you what, I keep the "Pajero" on my hood and you put "Tranny" on yours. Deal?
 
Silverwulf

Silverwulf

Adventurer
I cant find any cute interweb vidz of said catz, sorry no Lulz here.:coffee:

Hey scrubber3, just don't google "tranny" m'kay....
 
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