Mitsu reliability

[wake]

I drive a 4runner daily It's a 96 base model with 265000 miles. I know the realibility of the 3rd generations is great.
But tell me about the monteros. My mother in law has one and its starting to give her some issues. oil leak I think,
my main question is about the engines. Anything from 97 up. What is the lifespan if maintenance is up to date, etc.
thanks in advance.

 

[4D55 Performance]

Reliability will be equal to a Toyota if the vehicle is maintained properly. An oil leak really has nothing to do with reliability. Also remember she may not even have an oil leak. Most of the time I see oil on the floor of my garage it's because the shop that changed my oil spilled some oil when they were servicing the vehicle. Mitsubishi's are not know for having rear main seal issues or leaky oil pans. The life span on the 3.5L is about 300K miles if properly maintained. I would not be to concerned if it is just leaking a few quarter sized drips every time you park it.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Thankfully, my oil drips onto the exhaust manifold and burns off before it reaches the ground.

I'm betting towards the reliability of my Montero. I will let you know if she lets me down out in the desert.

 

[grandpa]

I recently bought a 2000 Montero with 192,000 miles as my daily driver. I'm getting all the needed maintenance as I go and expect many more miles out of it. Oh and the valve cover gasket is leaking a little oil. I'll be replacing gaskets soon. With proper maintenance I would expect a very reliable vehicle.