Would you buy it?

[TNMontero]

This could be an ongoing thread, but this might be a good place to show a vehicle you would be interested in, the details around it, and then others could chime in on what to look for, mileage too high, etc.

For example, I'm considering driving 4 hours to look (which means I'd buy it) at this 99 Montero 2.5. Look at the ad text, mileage, and pictures. Is this too high in miles? What should I watch for? I'd be towing it home, not driving it. I also expect all the maintenance like timing chain, waterpump, gaskets, etc. But as to what to look for, it's been a while for me.

This is my exact ideal Montero, white 2.5 with lockers. And it's a good price. Any input?


AD:

For sale is a 1999 Mitsubishi Montero. Car is equipped with power windows, power locks, power seat, heated leather seats, sunroof. Keyless entry still works. There is no major body damage but the interior could use care. Leather seats are worn but no tears. The engine pulls strong and transmission shifts smooth. There is NO check engine light or code of any sort. Mileage is at 277,xxx and will continue to rise as it is still driven daily. All-wheel drive mode was super useful last year during the ice/snow storm. This car isn't needed anymore so make an offer! Clean title in hand. Passes emissions and is very driveable and ready to go. Has sporadic idle issues.

277k miles, asking around $2,000 for it.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Doesn't look beat up and the leather isn't cracked, I'd hit it. Show up with $1500 and take it home.

 

[live2travel photography]

I just picked up basically the same car with just fewer miles. I would say the same as jeep- montero. Cash is king.

 

[Clem]

For me, the four hour drive, high mileage and "sporadic idle issues" would make it a no go unless it was $1,000 or less..."No major body damage" what is/was the minor damage?:sombrero:

HTH,

Clem

 

[plh]

277K - check front suspension parts. Budget $1000 for timing belt and related (dealer), $800 tires, $500 suspension & shocks (DIY), $300 brakes (DIY). I'd pass unless you can grab it for $500

 

[jeep-N-montero]

If it is 100% free of rust I would pay $1500 for it, the maintenance is far cheaper for me to to fix than a rusty body.

 

[dorifto-san]

277K - check front suspension parts. Budget $1000 for timing belt and related (dealer), $800 tires, $500 suspension & shocks (DIY), $300 brakes (DIY). I'd pass unless you can grab it for $500

THIS!

I also just picked up a Gen 2.5 with 190k on it and although it was well maintenanced, there was a couple of area that were neglected that are not going to be cheap. Turns out my transmission is starting to go out because they either never changed the fluid or didn't do it often enough. I'm doing a flush today with Mitsubishi ATF but that is my hail mary, if it doesn't work I have to source another transmission. Furthermore, as tight as the suspension might feel, you will probably want to replace all of the front end suspension bits and have it aligned, ESPECIALLY if you plan on doing ANY kind of off-roading. If the vehicle comes from an area prone to rust, make sure you inspect everything underneath and the fenders around the wheels. My truck came out of Arizona and still ended up having some surface rust on the rear frame rails.

I drove 2.5 hours each way to inspect/buy my Montero, but 4 hours each way is killer man, good luck!

 

[TNMontero]

Yeah, the 4 hours is the part. I have watched and watched for one like this for some time, and they almost never seem to come up in my area. (I'll buy this, and 4 will be for sale in Nashville the next day )

But it's not that killer with my truck and trailer. But the 277k miles is what bothers me. At that point, almost everything is worn out. Engine, tranny, suspension, etc. I planned on pulling the motor and doing a whole work over, but don't want to get over my head with a full rebuild of everything. Never done work on these engines, but I'm very capable of engine work and suspension work with my past experience.

The rough idle could be as minor as an airflow sensor or the throttle body needing to be cleaned, or something more. I just can't decide.

Good info guys, keep it coming.

 

[mires]

With that kind of mileage and the drive/tow back, I think I would pass on it. The right one will come along and when it does, you won't even have to ask for opinions. You'll know it when you see it.

 

[TNMontero]

With that kind of mileage and the drive/tow back, I think I would pass on it. The right one will come along and when it does, you won't even have to ask for opinions. You'll know it when you see it.

I'm normally of your train of thought, but I think I'm going nuts for one. My judgement is waning and my self-control side is losing. I want a Montero again!!!

 

[Mrknowitall]

All depends on how dear 2 grand is to YOU. Like plh said, plan on some more money to get a maintenance back-log sorted. If that fits you financially, go ahead- there's minimal risk here. Miled out and clean, with a locker, would be a good candidate for a diesel swap, too, if the existing drivetrain pops.

 

[TNMontero]

That's kind of my train of thought. I in no way expect this to be reliable until I pull the motor and go through it. But it's hard to find a good clean 99 that isn't busted up that isn't $4000+ or mega-miled.

I'm literally going back and forth every minute from sure, nah too much effort, to sure, back to nah.

 

[jlocster]

At this point, most any Gen 2.5 you find will need need timing belt, suspension, brakes, etc unless there's proof the previous owner recently completed such services. These cars are at minimum 15 yrs old. I would budget the cost of those repairs into any Gen 2 or 2.5 purchase.

That said, a vehicle with 277k miles, more than just needing maintenance, has drive train that is nearing end of life. If you're comfortable rebuilding the engine/trans etc, go for it, but then the car becomes a more expensive proposition when you consider the cost of parts and time.

In a situation like this, I would argue that it's cheaper in the long run to spend a little more upfront to buy a lower mileage vehicle, than it is to buy a less expensive one with excessive mileage.

I don't know what the availability of Monteros is like in your neck of the woods, but where I live, I would pass and try to keep the mileage under 200k.

This whole argument changes though if Monteros simply AREN'T available where you live. Then you have no choice but to jump on the deal due to scarcity. If this is the case I'd try to talk them down as low as possible.

 

[TNMontero]

Update:

Talked to the guy, engine will stumble and miss after running for a bit occasionally at stop lights and such. Has completely shut down a few times when it does this. No timing chain replaced, no water pump replaced. The only thing this has had is oil changes, tires, and brakes. Oi vay.

AC and Heat do NOT work at all. Fan blows, no hot or cold air.

I could get this down to $1,000 as the guy really wants to sell it, but now I'm looking a lot more maintenance.

A side note: This will not be a primary vehicle for me. It's purely for my kids to go trekking with me and explore. I have a shop full of tools and I don't mind work. A minimal investment would be understood, but now I'm feeling like this will be close to a $3,000 investment just to get it up to speed. For $4,000 I can have a pretty good one from somewhere else.

 

[plh]

A side note: This will not be a primary vehicle for me. It's purely for my kids to go trekking with me and explore. I have a shop full of tools and I don't mind work. A minimal investment would be understood, but now I'm feeling like this will be close to a $3,000 investment just to get it up to speed. For $4,000 I can have a pretty good one from somewhere else.

As a side note, I burned up a timing belt on my '92 last Friday (114k on the clock 34K since last change). 225 miles from my house. Tools were not the problem, its parts availability in the middle of nowhere.

$600 tow bill later, truck is at my house - guess what I am doing on Saturday.

277K there is a LOT more to worry about as you said.