Is this a good idea?

[chip0wa]

Hey guys,

Quick background I've been lurking this site for over a year now... finally in a position to get a 4x4. Two best options value wise in for my situation is either the Montero or a 02-04 Grand Cherokee.

Anyways, found this posting on Craigslist:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/4343677888.html

Obviously his description doesn't really describe what the problems are with the engine, but if I were to replace/rebuild the engine I am most worried about the transmission and 4x4 system since I would not be able to drive this truck and test it out. Am I being paranoid or is it right to stay away and find a good running example?

Thanks

 

[eurosonic]

Id take it for a $1000, slap in a motor and call it a day

 

[zelatore]

That's a tough one to call. I don't know the mitu's in general so I can't speak to any known or common issues with them but in general when buying a non-runner you can only go on your gut feeling.

'the camshaft is blown' - Most likely a description like this means either the owner doesn't know anything mechanical or is deliberately trying to be vague. I'm inclined to think the former since he also said the engine may well need replaced. It could be anything from a cam lobe wiped out to a head gasket blown and the writer simply got confused. Heck, it could be a broken cam or maybe it has nothing whatsoever to do with the cam and they guy is just saying something he heard from his buddy's uncle who once worked on a car for his sister's friend.

In general, the truck doesn't look to have had great care. He notes in the ad that there is minor body damage and the windshield is cracked. You can also see the paint is gone off the hood though I see you are in phoenix so that's probably not the warning sign it might be elsewhere. My guess is there are other issues with the truck, though no way of knowing if they are just annoyances like squeaks and rattles, problems you need to address but aren't huge like suspension, or significant like driveline problems. Again, I'm only basing this on a gut feeling based on the over-all condition of the truck. My guess is the owner either didn't care about it (think a guy or kid who just abuses things) or didn't know any better (think of a single mom who just drives until it stops and never so much as checks the oil).

I guess it comes down to how much you would be into this to put in a replacement motor vs the cost of a similar condition runner. If you are willing/able to do the work yourself it might not be a bad gamble. I would not do it if you were paying a mechanic.

 

[Mudrunner]

Camshaft blown most likely means the timing belt broke and bent the hell out of the valves. Being an interference motor and all. That is my guess. But for 1k and an easily sourced motor I say go for it too.

 

[chip0wa]

in general when buying a non-runner you can only go on your gut feeling.

Thanks for all the replies, I believe you are right talking to the owner and looking it over in person we will see how I feel. I have experience with Dodge and Jeep swapping motors out so no worries there


The faded paint is normal here in AZ, I think every used car I've bought in the past 5 years if it has been parked outside has looked like that (some brands worse than others)

Seems like around here running examples with 150k miles people are asking 5-6k, where as under 100k miles prices are usually around 10k.

Can you swap in a 3.8 into a Montero that had a 3.5 no problem? Same ECU and everything?

 

[plh]

This one looks rough. Probably snapped timing belt. These are interference engines, so maximum damage possible. Don't know about 3.5 vs 3.8 swap info. And if its stock, doesn't have a locker, hybrid LSD in the rear (or open), open front. Perhaps the locking 4x4 they tout is the transfercase, which all the Gen 2, 2.5 & 3 have.

 

[SoCalMonty]

Don't forget to add labor for someone to install the engine if you aren't doing the install yourself.

Here's a few results from car-part in the PHX area. Looks like you'll be in for around $2k for a complete engine...

 

[Toasty]

hold out for a better monty, forget the cherokee. pm me your tele number and i can help you find some trucks. i'm in mesa and i've got some monteros you can check out to get an idea of what to look for. also if you need a motor and lockers or gears you're in the right area.

 

[1morebike]

agreed walk away from this one it looks like it had a hard life. you can do better.

 

[SoCalMonty]

^^ Agree w/ ninja and bike. An engine swap isn't usually the ideal way to start a build. Keep lookin, you'll find the right one!

 

[chip0wa]

Thanks for the advice guys. Its hard to find a nice Monty here in AZ...

Sneakyninja - I am in Denver/Ft Collins for business til Sunday, I will get in touch with you for next weekend, would love to see some good examples in the flesh.