Going to look at this one tomorrow

[NH Moto Expo]

The dealer is changing the timing belt and going over the whole thing this weekend so that is included in the sales price. What do you think? I'm still on the fence on a 2.5 vs the gen III debate. This one looks like it has the 4 speed transmission and no locker. That's kind of a bummer cuz thats why you buy a gen II or 2.5, for the locker. I have no need for a ton of seating, but I do need room for 2 hunters and up to 3 dog crates. Don't want a pick up because its damn near impossible to keep the dust out of a pickup bed, I find SUV's to handle the dust much better and keep the dogs and gear cleaner.
I'll be putting a rack, awning, and lift as well as larger tires on anything I get.

So what do you think about this?



http://westernmass.craigslist.org/ctd/3324305264.html

 

[Sabre]

It's gorgeous. The Endeavor is the high-end package...all the goodies (except locker, of course). But that's a particularly nice specimen with low mileage, great ownership history AND the new timing belt. I'd be all over it for what you're wanting.

I have been blown away with how competent my '01 has been with no locker; I've never missed it. In fact, I'm hunting for a Gen 2.5 right now myself, and I'd be all over that one you've found. Heck, if you absolutely have to have it, you can always swap in an OEM Mitsu locker. Good luck!

 

[eurosonic]

that mileage is loooooww. Good luck

 

[MontyMcV]

Great looking and low miles, all for a sweet price. I thought my 00 with 85k at $6100 was a score. Mine is from down south, so nothing in the way of real rust.

As for the timing belt, make sure they really know how to change it. My bro got one from a corner car store and they changed his first. I told him the same, but he unfortunatley didn't grill them on it. Three weeks later he threw the belt. If you don't do the pre-tensioning right, and make sure the hydraulic tensenior is good, the belt will likely slip once it stretches.

You can find a locker axle and swap it in. My 00 is prewired, as was my 95. I would assume yours is as well.

 

[GrassCat]

$5900 is to much money for a Gen 2.5. I bought mine for $3000, besides you can get a Gen 3 Limit for that kind of money.

 

[NH Moto Expo]

The only Gen III I can find would be a 2001 XLS. Why would that be a better deal than this? I'm not sure the XLS with 100k miles is necessarily a better deal than one that is only one year older and has fewer miles. Is there something I'm missing that makes the 2001 better?

 

[pajombre03]

I wouldn't pay that much for it. For 6, might as well get a III. Or just wait, get a II for around 3, and use the other money for upgrades.

 

[mtnbike28]

I think part of the difference in price is location. In the NE, a rust free-ish 4x4 with less than 100k demands a premium, since moving from NY to NC, I have to remind myself to stop looking at all the rust free trucks.... they all are! I have not found one bolt on the '93 Land Cruiser I bought a month ago that I can not remove easily. My old 98 4Runner after only a couple of winters in WNY was not as fortunate! Just my 2 cents! - ps nice looking truck, I don't follow Mitsu pricing, but general NE pricing that seems OK, there is always that one guy that finds the barn fresh, low mileage truck for $100 and posts right after I buy something : P

 

[Clem]

I paid $5K for my '99 with 96K miles. I thought it was a good deal (they were asking $6,500)...YMMV:sombrero:

HTH

Clem

 

[Purpledawg]

I want a montero for the exact same reasons 2 hunting dogs as a training rig, crates etc. Dig the openable side windows for ventilation its all bout the dogs. With the rear mounted tire on the hatch, is it heavy to open and close? versa a hatch?

 

[NH Moto Expo]

The Gen III windows open as well but it doesn't look like they open nearly as far or let in as much air. I train my dog year round and test in NAVHDA events so summer heat is a battle. I plan on putting an awning on as well.

 

[Purpledawg]

oh that is a good idea, what company makes them? I use Ryobi rechargeable fans against the crates. Do you think the spare on the tail gate will be hard to open and close, and sag factors

 

[MontyMcV]

On the tailgate question, there are people with 35s on theirs...

On the price versus condition, etc., the comment on location I think is spot on. GrassCat should be glad he lives where he does. When I was shopping (I am in OH), I would find nice scores that were out west. If you haven'e lived in the "rust belt," you can't truly appreciate where the name comes from!

As for Gen IIIs and the cargo windows, they only wing out a little, like a rear mini-van. (At least, that's our 03.) The Gen Is and IIs of course are sliders.

 

[Sabre]

I want a montero for the exact same reasons 2 hunting dogs as a training rig, crates etc. Dig the openable side windows for ventilation its all bout the dogs. With the rear mounted tire on the hatch, is it heavy to open and close? versa a hatch?

There's no rear hatch; it's a door. No, it's not heavy to open and close.

 

[NH Moto Expo]

This sold for near the asking price before I could even get down to look at it. I needed a winter vehicle so I ended up getting a 2000 XJ for $3500 with only 110,000 miles on it. It will get me through the winter and I'll save up my money and get a 2005 limited Montero next summer after I sell the jeep.

Thanks for your input but I wish I would have moved on it sooner. Word to you all...if you see one you think is nice, move quickly.