It just takes some of us longer to come to our senses...(new 2002 Montero)

normal_dave

waytoomuchwritinginposts.
Say Hello to "Sudan Sam", my new to me 2002 Montero Limited, sudan beige, premium package, hybrid LSD.

IMG_2016-05-24_13-09-53 (800x569).jpg

IMG_2016-05-24_13-09-26 (800x567).jpg

I've spent most of my time lurking in the 4WD/2WD van forum, since I of course have the van. I've always wanted to convert it to 4WD, but have discovered that with kids off to college, well they just don't want to adventure with the old folks as much anymore. Wife's truck is a Montero Sport Limited 2WD 3.5L. I feel like I've "slain the dragon" in regards to do-it-yourself maintenance and the Mitsubishi gremlins we all know and love. I have a new appreciation for how tough and well designed these trucks are.


A friend suggested I just pick a 4WD vehicle and forget about the van conversion, no matter how cool it was. So, I began the learning process with the scope continually coming back to the full size Montero, and you helpful folks here. Now the search is over, I've rescued this Limited and it will get the necessary catch-up work, and will serve potentially as the daily driver and light adventure vehicle.


So "Sam" (since Samantha has too many letters and doesn't rhyme), was languishing on a small used car lot in North Georgia, with a ridiculously high (to me) asking price. Turns out, they were ready to sell. I spent nearly two hours going over it, under it, in it, doing all the tests necessary to reduce risk, Carfax, and Mitsubishi online service documentation report, and then drove it home.


Thanks to all of you who have posted and shared your wealth of technical knowledge and experience, special thanks to Michael Brown, (for the "low-down" on XLS vs Limited and real-world towing experiences). Punch list being written and prioritized as we speak, but I've got a really good baseline starting point. Wish me luck, and I know y'all "tried to tell me" just get a Montero, well finally came to my senses! These trucks really are the best kept secret. It even matches our cargo trailer conversion/toy hauler/camper, what's not to like?
 

Zillaram

New member
Curious!
Mileage?
Price?
What did you get them down from price wise?
LOve to hear peoples bargaining stories and scores.
 

RMelton

New member
Looks nice. Be careful though, once you buy one, all the sudden owning two happens.

That is the truth!!! I just joined the cult (i mean club) about 6 months ago with a 1989 SWB raider. I'm already trying to figure out how to talk my wife into a LWB when we get here a new car.....
 

evol911

Observer
That is the truth!!! I just joined the cult (i mean club) about 6 months ago with a 1989 SWB raider. I'm already trying to figure out how to talk my wife into a LWB when we get here a new car.....

I can second this! I drive a '94 SR, wife has a 2003 Limited. My dad drives a 2006 Limited.
 

normal_dave

waytoomuchwritinginposts.
mileage, 139K,

I'm the fourth owner, (carfax report was actually favorable, last owner averaged 6,000 miles per year in a well-know retirement community, and garaged most of it's life) they were asking $ 6,000.00. It was out of my self-imposed budget, so I passed at first, sure that a little used car lot wouldn't have a decent Montero.

Funny side note, I've been reviewing searchtempest, Craigslist, using ever-expanding radiuses and search terms, along with Auto Trader. This particular ad only showed up on Car Gurus. I had one picked in California, planning to hire an ASE mechanic out there, and transport it across the country, cooler heads prevailed. Another '03 in Austin, TX looked promising for a fly and drive (also pre-hire local mechanic for pre-purchase inspection), sent a detailed email, and 2nd contact attempt, all to no avail. Sellers probably assumed 'scam', didn't know I was crazy enough to be a serious buyer.

Reached out to 3 others within the Southeast, again, no response, even a "sold", or "your just an out-of-town idiot and I'm not talking to you". So I finally decide to call this dealer out of curiosity, How did you end up with this truck?, what are your plans? trying to dealer finance it to someone?, why do you think it is worth asking $6K, etc? Left a message, got a call back from the office manager, and after a short discussion, they guessed I knew Montero's and was serious, told me they realized it had been in inventory too long, (I think it was the owner's daily driver at this point) and If I brought X amount in cash, I could take it home. Well as you can tell, they set the hook, pretty deep, I might add. Took my dear wife, (business manager and voice of logic and reason), and headed off prepared to walk away from yet another risky deal.

About the only thing I can't prove at this time, is if the timing belt has been changed recently within the service interval, so it gets belt, water pump, front cam seals, etc. Very light front end damage, properly repaired, most of you already guessed that the factory brake booster was replaced right after the accident, lucky me) along with the fuel leveler. btw, you can register your old Montero with Mitsubishi and get an outline of the dealer service history for free.

This was one of those situations that just worked out against all odds, so I'm a little reluctant to discuss price, but a surprising amount less than $6K. I feel very fortunate. My last nationwide search on Autotrader for 2001-2003 Limited's yielded asking prices ~ $6K-$10K, so I thought more than fair.

Keep looking, wait, but be prepared to jump with cash when the right one hits.
 

normal_dave

waytoomuchwritinginposts.
Thanks Javy,

Maintenance punch list getting shorter, tires, 4-wheel alignment, suspension checks, headlights polished, a little this and a little that.

Took it to Rocktown today, a popular rock-climbing destination in North Georgia, took the back road down the mountain, of course explored every dirt road, and path I could find. These rigs are quite capable, and very smooth at speed. This of course you veterans already know.

Oh, btw, pass the kool-aid please, I'm getting low...
 

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