I am looking at getting a vehicle here in the next few months for weekend camping, overlanding and daily driving. A friend of mine has a 1997 Montero LS that he is looking at selling and I was wanting to hear some thoughts. The vehicle has 241000 miles but he has owned it for the past 15 years. He has kept up with the required maintenance and has kept the body and interior in great shape. The engine and transmission also run and operate great. Only worry I have is at what point is the engine and trans going to need an overhaul and what kinda cost would I be looking at? Right now he said he would let it go for around $1500.
1997 Montero LS Questions/Thoughts
- Thread starter rhuca6
- Start date
MarkGramlich
Member
Which engine does it have?
What options? (Sunroof, stereo, interior, fog lights, paint condition, rust, etc...)
The engines have a few weak points - Valve seals, crank bolt (if original), rear cam seal and butterfly valve (on the 3.5l IIRC).
The transmissions are excellent.
For 241K miles the price seems to be on the high side.
What options? (Sunroof, stereo, interior, fog lights, paint condition, rust, etc...)
The engines have a few weak points - Valve seals, crank bolt (if original), rear cam seal and butterfly valve (on the 3.5l IIRC).
The transmissions are excellent.
For 241K miles the price seems to be on the high side.
plh
Explorer
Solid running / driving vehicle for $1500 and its something you want? no brainer.
Would not bother with an engine / transmission overhaul, if you have a solid concern that it will need this soon, pass on the opportunity because this service will be far more costly than the original purchase price by multiples.
Would not bother with an engine / transmission overhaul, if you have a solid concern that it will need this soon, pass on the opportunity because this service will be far more costly than the original purchase price by multiples.