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Guest
Posts: n/a
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OT-Early Mitsu Montero as Daily driver?(keeping the 911)
This post does have some 911 content...mainly, keeping mine!!!!!
Here is the deal. My job is probably good till April/May 03. I'm currently looking at ways to tighten the belt and hold on to the 911 if job goes and I'm on an unintended vacation next year. One thought is to sell my '01 Ford ext cab p/u ($500 payment) and pay cash for an older SUV. One of the SUV's I'm researching is the older (88-93) Montero. Does anyone know anything about these. Are they solid/dependable trucks like the older Landcruisers, or would I be on a constant repair merry-go-round? It looks like they are available for ~$4000 in decent shape. Any feedback is appreciated. Mark |
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Registered
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I don't know anything about those particular years but my wife drives a 94 Galant and I drive a 99 Montero. Both are very good cars and the 94 now has 137k miles and still going strong (knock on wood). My Montero is a good truck and has been dependable and decent to drive. It does drive rough but seems very rugged and fine for commuting. I still see a lot of older monteros here in VA so they look like they are holding up well.
--Dan |
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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: st. Louis
Posts: 245
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I drive a 95 Isuzu Trooper...Has been VERY reliable. I don't think they are much more in price. Ours has about 85K on the clock.
Still looking for the fun car. ![]() Mark
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fig911 2000 996 (guards red, H&R Coilovers, CAI, Fabspeed, Recaro Seats, Alpine/JL Audio) Past Porsches '99 Boxster '95 993 C2 '86 911 '90 944S2 cab |
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Registered
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: McLean, VA
Posts: 1,155
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Mark,
I had a 97 Montero from new to around 100K miles. Great truck, and low maintenance. They are renowned for engine wear problems [although mine was OK] which is why they are cheap. Maybe that they don't tolerate lack of maintenance. Check for piston slap noises, and sludge buildup. A clean example could be a good buy.
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Tony K '89 944T 944 SuperCup Champ 2004 & 2005 '85 Carrera - Sold [sob] TrackVision 944Cup The 999 Site |
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Car Junkie
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 76
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Mark,
I had a '88 Dodge Raider, the 2-door rebadge of the Montero, a couple of years ago. I would run away from the 2.6L 4-cyl. as they overheat and blow head gaskets with alarming regularity. Mitsu used the same motor in a variety of applications, including the turbo version in the Conquest/Starion twins. Basically a piece of junk engine. The 3.0L V-6 is only marginally more reliable, but makes decent power. IIRC, they also have head gasket and valvetrain issues. Spend the extra dough for a Landcruiser or buy an Isuzu. They will both be more reliable, IMHO. Dr. Brad Hescock '83 SC Coupe |
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: mt. vernon Wa. USA
Posts: 8,724
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Hi,
I own a 89 Mitsu Montero. It has 240K miles on it (i commute 100 miles/day) and has been very dependable. At 200K it was time for an engine rebuild. I'm good for another 200K now. The truck is very sturdy and still is in great shape. Prior to buying it quite a few years ago I researched it a bit. Consumer Reports had the 1989 listed with very high marks and very low operating/maintenance costs so I bought one. I have to say that it holds true. Normal maintenance only. Check it out on the internet. There are a few websites, quite a loyal following, and lot's of good info. Al |
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