Looking at a Gen 2.5, need some input

[fishon1213]

Hello everyone. I am looking at a '98 Montero and don't know much about them, but like what I see so far. I have always had first gen 4runners, which I love, but am needing something with 3rd row seating. The Montero seems to fit the bill and still be in my price range.

The one I am looking at is a '98, Gen 2.5 with 126,000 miles. It has the 3.5, auto, leather, 3rd row, rear locker. Good condition aside from a little rust, which you cant really get away from in this area. Asking price is $2900.

Everything works aside from the heat is not hot. This has me worried. Could be simple and cheap, could be not so simple and expensive. I plan on looking at it next week, any input?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Lack of heat is the same reasons any other vehicle may not be putting out hot air, thermostat and heater core are the first things to look at.

 

[fishon1213]

Ive spent alot of time in the garage working on many different vehicles, but have never had to change a heater core. How much of a pita are they on the montero's?

If I pick this one up I plan on doing the timing belt soon, just to know its done. Is the 3.5 an interference motor?

Any specific things to look at when buying a gen 2.5?

Thanks

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Ive spent alot of time in the garage working on many different vehicles, but have never had to change a heater core. How much of a pita are they on the montero's?

If I pick this one up I plan on doing the timing belt soon, just to know its done. Is the 3.5 an interference motor?

Any specific things to look at when buying a gen 2.5?

Thanks

Yes it's an interference engine, more than a few write-ups AND videos online about how to change the timing belt. I also believe there is an online buyers guide as well.

 

[4D55 Performance]

Yes the 3.5 is an interference engine and that would be a good bargaining tool when trying to talk the owner down on the price. I have never replaced a heater core on a Montero but it is very uncommon that the heater core has gone bad. I would guess it is a thermostat. The Montero is a very solid vehicle and it really does not have a weak spot like most vehicles. It is completely over built in every way.

 

[fishon1213]

How common is the 3rd row seating and winter package on the Gen 2.5's? Just in case I don't get this one and need to find another.
How about the transmissions in these vehicles, is it a stout unit? 3 speed with overdrive I assume?

 

[jeep-N-montero]

How common is the 3rd row seating and winter package on the Gen 2.5's? Just in case I don't get this one and need to find another.
How about the transmissions in these vehicles, is it a stout unit? 3 speed with overdrive I assume?

All of them have the 3rd row seats, but finding a winter packaged rig that isn't beat to crap is not easy.

 

[SoCalMonty]

Heater not being hot probably isn't the thermostat. It's likely the valve that controls the water mix, or maybe the heater core was removed/ bypassed by a previous owner. Often you'll smell coolant in the cabin or get condensation inside the vehicle if the heater core is leaking.

I wouldn't let a bad heater dissuade you if the rest of the car is nice. It shouldn't be too bad of a fix.

 

[limp_noodle]

I know someone on here ripped apart the dash. I think it was Eurosonic. He had to replace the heatercore in his car because he had no heat. I'll have to dig around for the thread, but I have a good feeling it was him.

I know there were a few pictures in the thread as well.

 

[eurosonic]

My heater core was leaking so I replaced it.

I still had heat when it was leaking though. If you are getting absolutely no warm air coming through the cabin its either bypassed at the firewall or the mechanics that controls the vent flaps under the dash is broken.

To check weather its leaking is very easy, just pull up the edge of the carpet closer towards the center console and the firewall, underneath the dash. If it leaks you will see moisture there or coolant.

 

[off-roader]

If it leaks you will see moisture there or coolant.

Your nose should be a great detector if there's coolant there.:ylsmoke:

 

[eurosonic]

...and that

 

[tyty13]

Some time in the heater core is gunk up with stuff like stop leak it will do that to. Try Running flush for like a week and see if it helps.

 

[fishon1213]

Thank you all for the input. One more question. This one has the rear locker and I have never owned a vehicle with one. What should I do during the test drive to make sure it is operating properly. I can't really take it off road when I am test driving it, lol

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Thank you all for the input. One more question. This one has the rear locker and I have never owned a vehicle with one. What should I do during the test drive to make sure it is operating properly. I can't really take it off road when I am test driving it, lol

The locker is designed to ONLY WORK IN 4-LO, meaning not on pavement while driving.