Wherever I May Roam
New member
Hello again, all.
After reading approximately a thousand posts and scouring the net for info for a few weeks, I pulled the plug and picked up a relatively clean 2003 Montero with +/- 103k miles. I am now the 3rd owner of the vehicle, and the PO used it for the same purposes I intend to: lots of long distance highway trips, with some roads less travelled in between to escape the city noise and bustle. Since a lot of you are using this vehicle for the same purpose, I went in quite sure in my choice. Previous few months were spent test driving many 3rd and 4th gen 4runners, which are great vehicles in their own right, but I couldn't stomach the premium those trucks command up here, especially with all having high miles, rusty frames and bodies. The Great White North is not easy on those trucks.
This was the first Montero I test drove, and bought it on the spot. PO had put in decent care over the years, with all new brakes all around, HBB assembly replaced 2 years ago, spark plugs, and all fluids done on time. Timing belt/pump were done at 60k. Very few paint chips on the hood, and only a couple of minor rust spots on the tailgate, which I intend to attend to during the summer, and it came with a cracked foglight and windshield. Will be replacing those after the winter (we've got a ton of rocks on the roads).
The frame was in decent shape as well, with some surface rust, but better than most 4r's I've seen. So far, so good, (so what?)
Came with a couple of extra goodies too, a Surco safari rack and a small 2-drawer system for the back. I'll probably take the system out, and build a proper sleeping platform, not unlike the folding one from RamboPenguin's build thread. Also rolls on 18" wheels, which are def less ideal for harder trails, but I'm not aiming for those at the moment.
Upon the mechanic inspection necessary to insure a vehicle older than 12 years old in Alberta, a few issues presented themselves. The truck needed alignment (NBD), however it turned out the camber bolts were seized (as many others have attested so, especially in northern climates), which required a new set of tires. The rears were cupped real bad and I missed it upon the first look (rose tinted glasses, maybe?). Picked up a cheap set off of kijiji for now to burn through the summer, until we tackle this issue properly. My mechanic is an experienced JDM guy, with a ton of RHD vehicles in his shop at all times, including Delicas, which inspires confidence in his knowledge and abilities. We also replaced an idler pulley and serpentine belt as needed.
Another issues is a recurring Small Evap Leak code, which popped up again yesterday, after replacing the gas cap with the new one. Crossing my fingers for an easy/cheap fix: will have to take it back in shortly. Valve covers show minor signs of sweat, but no leaks: it's non-issue for now, but always good to be aware. With the radio off I can hear a tiny bit of whine from the power steering pump when parking: is it on the way out?
First impressions: THIS THING IS A TANK (with gas consumption to match). Got around 125 miles out of half tank, on very short jaunts around town previous weekend, in cold snowy weather and 4wd, which is probably the worst conditions for mpg. A bit of shock coming from an econobox but expected. It will not be a city car anyway: I walk to work and will keep my little Mazda 3 for chores. Much different story on a highway however, where it amounted to about 140 miles in a quarter tank. How accurate is the guage, however? If so, that is very livable with. I love this thing on the highway. So sure footed and comfortable, and can't wait to take it out further. Planning a trip out to Vancouver Island in the late summer.
So what I'm really saying here is: thank you all that took the time to share your experiences and knowledge about the Montero. It is a rare beast, with all the inconveniences to match such status, but you've all inspired me to take a chance. Very excited about the experiences this vehicle will present, as hard as it is put my trust in an old truck at the moment, I want to love it very much. Including some non Instagram friendly photos for reference, more to come!
BONUS: A photo of our Gen 2 in the mid90s. My dad bought it and drove it from UAE, through Iran and all the ...stans to our old home in Siberia. That's a story for another thread however.
Thank you for reading!
After reading approximately a thousand posts and scouring the net for info for a few weeks, I pulled the plug and picked up a relatively clean 2003 Montero with +/- 103k miles. I am now the 3rd owner of the vehicle, and the PO used it for the same purposes I intend to: lots of long distance highway trips, with some roads less travelled in between to escape the city noise and bustle. Since a lot of you are using this vehicle for the same purpose, I went in quite sure in my choice. Previous few months were spent test driving many 3rd and 4th gen 4runners, which are great vehicles in their own right, but I couldn't stomach the premium those trucks command up here, especially with all having high miles, rusty frames and bodies. The Great White North is not easy on those trucks.
This was the first Montero I test drove, and bought it on the spot. PO had put in decent care over the years, with all new brakes all around, HBB assembly replaced 2 years ago, spark plugs, and all fluids done on time. Timing belt/pump were done at 60k. Very few paint chips on the hood, and only a couple of minor rust spots on the tailgate, which I intend to attend to during the summer, and it came with a cracked foglight and windshield. Will be replacing those after the winter (we've got a ton of rocks on the roads).
The frame was in decent shape as well, with some surface rust, but better than most 4r's I've seen. So far, so good, (so what?)
Came with a couple of extra goodies too, a Surco safari rack and a small 2-drawer system for the back. I'll probably take the system out, and build a proper sleeping platform, not unlike the folding one from RamboPenguin's build thread. Also rolls on 18" wheels, which are def less ideal for harder trails, but I'm not aiming for those at the moment.
Upon the mechanic inspection necessary to insure a vehicle older than 12 years old in Alberta, a few issues presented themselves. The truck needed alignment (NBD), however it turned out the camber bolts were seized (as many others have attested so, especially in northern climates), which required a new set of tires. The rears were cupped real bad and I missed it upon the first look (rose tinted glasses, maybe?). Picked up a cheap set off of kijiji for now to burn through the summer, until we tackle this issue properly. My mechanic is an experienced JDM guy, with a ton of RHD vehicles in his shop at all times, including Delicas, which inspires confidence in his knowledge and abilities. We also replaced an idler pulley and serpentine belt as needed.
Another issues is a recurring Small Evap Leak code, which popped up again yesterday, after replacing the gas cap with the new one. Crossing my fingers for an easy/cheap fix: will have to take it back in shortly. Valve covers show minor signs of sweat, but no leaks: it's non-issue for now, but always good to be aware. With the radio off I can hear a tiny bit of whine from the power steering pump when parking: is it on the way out?
First impressions: THIS THING IS A TANK (with gas consumption to match). Got around 125 miles out of half tank, on very short jaunts around town previous weekend, in cold snowy weather and 4wd, which is probably the worst conditions for mpg. A bit of shock coming from an econobox but expected. It will not be a city car anyway: I walk to work and will keep my little Mazda 3 for chores. Much different story on a highway however, where it amounted to about 140 miles in a quarter tank. How accurate is the guage, however? If so, that is very livable with. I love this thing on the highway. So sure footed and comfortable, and can't wait to take it out further. Planning a trip out to Vancouver Island in the late summer.
So what I'm really saying here is: thank you all that took the time to share your experiences and knowledge about the Montero. It is a rare beast, with all the inconveniences to match such status, but you've all inspired me to take a chance. Very excited about the experiences this vehicle will present, as hard as it is put my trust in an old truck at the moment, I want to love it very much. Including some non Instagram friendly photos for reference, more to come!
BONUS: A photo of our Gen 2 in the mid90s. My dad bought it and drove it from UAE, through Iran and all the ...stans to our old home in Siberia. That's a story for another thread however.
Thank you for reading!
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