$6,500 for a 2002 Montero with 140k? Is that a good deal? (w/pics)

[kchristian]

Well I was about a day away from purchasing a GX470 for an expedition build when I saw this little gem pop up on Craigslist. With the money I was going to spend on the Lexus, I can pick this up and have it fully outfitted with cash left over for a couple weeks in Mexico. I've done a fair amount of research both here and on the Aussie Pajero forums and they seem like it's a solid foundation for our plans. (Lots of beach camping, lots of highway driving, some mild off road, not too much rock crawling.)

It's an original owner car with most of it's maintenance history in tact. He has done the timing belt. Are there any other major maintenance items on these that I should look for? It's a little dinged up, but he says it drives straight and doesn't have any major issues.

Basically, I am looking for some positive reinforcement here. I've been planning a Toyota/Lexus build for months and to suddenly switch up my plans makes me a little nervous. I don't want to regret my decision or constantly wish I was in a Toyota.

So Mitsubishi crowd, convert me.

 

[GrassCat]

Without more information on the truck, it's hard to comment on it. The asking price is about average for a 2002.

If it's a Limit addition that would be a great price.

 

[kchristian]

It is the Limited. Fully loaded, with a very clean interior. We've talked on the phone and emailed extensively. He seems like he's on the up and up.


Text from CL ad:

Great SUV, 1 owner since 4500 miles (in 2003 - it was a factory program car), now has 142,000. Runs great, everything works, has part- and full-time 4wd (you can run in 2wd or 4wd on dry pavement, or you can lock up the differentials off-road if you need to). Has a Class III hitch and wiring harnesses.

Great leather interior - looks nearly like new. Exterior has a few bumps and bruises from 10 years of use, but still looks pretty good. Power moonroof, heated leather power front seats, dual heat and A/C (front and rear), all works great. Power windows, locks, factory alarm, cruise, etc. everything you would expect from the Limited model. Has a 3rd row seat that folds into the floor when not in use. Can seat 7 with all seats up. Tires are nearly new. Great vehicle, we just bought a minivan and don't need it anymore. If you have a 3/4 or 1 ton pickup truck with a long bed, preferably extended cab and 4x4, I might be interested in a trade.

 

[4D55 Performance]

It is funny you bring this vehicle up. I have also been looking at getting a newer Montero because my montero got hit in the front end. I have driven a really nice 2005 GX470 as well and it seems like a very nice vehicle. I think the dealer wanted $21K for the GX470 with 88K miles. It rode really well and it had lots of power. I have driven about 15 Gen III Montero's and it is very apparent to me that the 2003+ Limited models are the best of the bunch. The 3.8L engine seems to do a much better job motivating the vehicle than the 3.5L engine found on the 2001-02 models. And even though the 3.8 has more pep than the 3.5, the 3.8 is very lacking when compared to the pep of the GX470. I really like the feel of the Montero, the Montero will get better MPG's and it would make for a great expedition vehicle.

My wife and I really liked the GX470. It handled great, it had lots of pep and it was very nice inside. But it is hard to justify that it is worth twice as much as the Montero. We also like the Montero because it is a little roomier in the 2nd and 3rd row. Currently we are still looking for a nice Gen III Montero because they are a great vehicle for the price.

 

[GrassCat]

It is the Limited. Fully loaded, with a very clean interior. ......might be interested in a trade.

You should be posting that you now own this Montero. It's a real deal.

 

[kchristian]

You should be posting that you now own this Montero. It's a real deal.

Funny that you should say that. We picked it up in Austin yesterday evening and drove it home last night after dinner at our favorite pizza place. I'll start a thread with my initial impressions and build plans/progress. But other than the nonexistent passing power, I am extremely pleased.

 

[Inyo_man]

Congratulations on your new rig!!
I have 130k on mine and it's running strong.
We have been very pleased with the Gen III since we purchased it with 29k on the clock.
Happy trails!

 

[montypower]

Do the 3rd gen monteros have the "oil burning" / valve stem issues like the earlier motors? I've been considering another Montero and that's a major drawback...

 

[The Viper]

Do the 3rd gen monteros have the "oil burning" / valve stem issues like the earlier motors? I've been considering another Montero and that's a major drawback...

Peter? i was hoping you would consider a gen 2.5. Im assuming you mean the gen3 from 01 and 02 as they had the 3.5 motor, i think they started with the 3.8 (which doesnt have the valve guide seal problem as far i know) in 03. Thats a great question as i know they updated the seals but im not sure when they started putting the updated ones in new Monteros


EDIT: i would so help ya change out the old valve guide seals (if u get a genny 2.5), i think they have a decent tool for doing them now, which makes changing them a heck of alot easier, also i dont think the cams have to come out on the SOHC 3.5?

 

[Inyo_man]

Do the 3rd gen monteros have the "oil burning" / valve stem issues like the earlier motors? I've been considering another Montero and that's a major drawback...

No.

 

[montypower]

Do you have to add oil between changes?

 

[nasko]

Hey kchristian,

How happy are you with it? What MPG do you get out of it? I am strongly considering getting one. Cheers
Nasko

 

[montypower]

Peter? i was hoping you would consider a gen 2.5. Im assuming you mean the gen3 from 01 and 02 as they had the 3.5 motor, i think they started with the 3.8 (which doesnt have the valve guide seal problem as far i know) in 03. Thats a great question as i know they updated the seals but im not sure when they started putting the updated ones in new Monteros


EDIT: i would so help ya change out the old valve guide seals (if u get a genny 2.5), i think they have a decent tool for doing them now, which makes changing them a heck of alot easier, also i dont think the cams have to come out on the SOHC 3.5?

I'm considering a 4th Gen Limited 4runner or 3rd Gen Limited Monty. I like the uniqueness of the Montero but still looking for a suspension setup I like.

 

[Inyo_man]

Do you have to add oil between changes?

I have never had a problem with any of the fluids "burning" between changes that require adding more (including coolant).

The suspension on the Gen. III Montero is very stout, but most certainly lacks the flex you get with a full floating solid axle.
For our needs, "driver fatigue" (and space for kids/dog/gear) was a big consideration when searching for an overlanding rig. The Monty is a great fit in this regard. Driving for extended periods of time, either on or off pavement, is so much less taxing as a pilot in the Montero than rigs I've had in the past.

 

[kchristian]

Hey kchristian,

How happy are you with it? What MPG do you get out of it? I am strongly considering getting one. Cheers
Nasko

Yeah we are very happy with it so far. I was planning to start a build thread with my initial impressions. But in short, it's a lot of truck for the money. It may not have the clout of the LC but it seems to be perfect for our needs. My wife drove the first tank ~17 mpg. I drove the second ~14.8mpg. In my defense, the first half of her tank was on the highway.