To Monty or not to Monty...

[Bumpasses]

Evening all

new to the forums.

Have been poking around a bit.

Im in Colorado
unloading my 2012 wrangler unlimited as the payment is killing us while she is in school.

Have found a few Mitsubishi Montero "Endeavors" year 2000.
They all have over: 130k, 140k, 200k, 220k, 250k respectively.
they are priced from 8k to 2500k.

Just wondering about their reliability, how far they can go miles wise, if they are going to be smart buy with this and higher miles (one has 250k).
This will immediately become my Daily Driver, so I am looking for others thoughts on this.

Just want to be sure before I do it.

thank you

all the best,

Joshuah

 

[PacS14]

As long as the maintenence is done they are reliable, these are older vehicles now and more than likely will require some maintenance done upon purchasing, if you don't mind doing your own work this can be relatively cheap as there are write ups for almost everything on these rigs. The 99 and below can be had with factory rear and center air lockers from factory. These vehicles are relatively easy to work on.
4x4 capabilities compared to your jeep the only thing you would probably miss will be the articulation if you are into rock climbing, but monteros are better on other areas you might appreciate too. Don't get me wrong there are some members doing rock climbing with these rigs too.

And at last for that amount of money I would be willing to travel to a different state to pick up a montero in better condition and less rust that what you can find in Colorado. Good luck keep reading so that you can make an informed decision. I did quite a bit of research before I bought my 99, after going through different options I narrowed it down to the montero and happy with it.

 

[Michael Brown]

If it is going to be a daily driver on mostly pavement, then an early Gen 3 is also a good option. 2001-2002 models usually are under $5k now, but some have high mileage or were poorly maintained. The XLS trim will have 4.9 gears and the Limited has 4.3 gears. Both may have an optional LSD in the rear which is helpful; just look for Hyblid LSD on the back of the rear case.

2003-2006 models can be up to $10k depending on mileage and condition, but I got my '05 in 2013 for $8k with 105k miles. These ditched the LSD because it simply doesn't need one with the traction control. They also dropped the XLS trim so you have 4.3 gears unless you swap diffs from an older XLS, but it feels unnecessary. The stock Gen 3 can fit 33" tires without a lift, and I have been perfectly happy with 32" tires.

Keep an eye out for small oil leaks from the 3.5L valve covers that gets on the block and transmission. Usually on the passenger side. The 3.8L in the '03+ models seems to not have as many reports of this, and I have not yet seen it on mine in 20k miles.

For either Gen 2/2.5 or Gen 3, I agree with Pac that it is worth the drive to find lower mileage and no rust. The closer to 100k miles or less, the better. It just may take some more detailed searching and patience.



Also I never hesitate to follow the Jeeps on the trail with my Monteros. Careful driving can get these vehicles anywhere a stock Jeep can go, which is almost anywhere on earth. I won't beat it up going through rocks and deep mud, but it has shown that it can go more places than I would be willing to attempt.


*Edit for additional suggestion*
If you are trying to stay under $5k, then the Isuzu trooper/Acura SLX is also a good competitor for the Gen 2/2.5 Montero in that price range. Many will be cheaper than the Montero, but reliability and condition are varied. Overall not a bad option if cost is a driving factor.

 

[plh]

Maybe its just me - but I would be really cautious about expecting a 16 + year old vehicle with 250K miles on it to be a reliable daily driver unless you have a really good service history of it. Without knowing any history I'd immediately plan on a timing belt (and related), fluids replace, bearing repack, brakes, shocks, suspension component inspection etc.... Common wear and PM items. My daily is our '93, 189K miles, have owned it for 30 months, reliable as heck, would drive it anywhere, have done a lot of PM. My daily commute is short.

 

[freewayross]

*Edit for additional suggestion*
If you are trying to stay under $5k, then the Isuzu trooper/Acura SLX is also a good competitor for the Gen 2/2.5 Montero in that price range. Many will be cheaper than the Montero, but reliability and condition are varied. Overall not a bad option if cost is a driving factor.

FYI: The Isuzu troopers are known to have a flimsy auto transmission and Engine had Oil consumption issue but I think they addressed this in later models.

 

[Michael Brown]

FYI: The Isuzu troopers are known to have a flimsy auto transmission and Engine had Oil consumption issue but I think they addressed this in later models.

I knew about the issues with the auto and oil consumption. I know there are a few with manual gearboxes and the ones from 2000-2001 seem to be the best option for avoiding those issues. I just included it as an option for a very cheap 4WD. Many on the east coast can be found for under $3k, but I'd still spend the extra money on a Montero any day.