Anyone ever had one of these? What can you tell me? Looking at maybe replacing the sedan with one.
A shitty truck from a shitty company that no longer sells vehicles in this country that is also "warranty challenged."
But wait... since Mitsubishi no longer exists here, you don't have to worry about the warranty part.
Weird. Do you dislike light trucks/SUVs as a general rule, or why is it shitty?
I based my comment on Mitsubishi's in general. When I did some actual research it turns out the Montero is rated 4.7 out of 5, not bad.
I was wrong and stand corrected.
And yes I hate SUV's and think the Montero (well I will just keep that to myself).
http://www.cars.com/mitsubishi/montero/2003/consumer-reviews/
I do not have a Montero but If you are looking for a light truck a Ford ranger or toyota Tacoma or Mazda are the safer bets at that vintage.
Parts will be more plentiful than a Montero, and all three of the listed cars are known for lasting a long time with only basic maintenance.
They are okay as long as you stick to maintenance, but as with everything used, it is very subjective to the previous owner. It is actually rare that anything major goes wrong with any major automaker, we just hear about the major ones which makes them seem frequent. Mitsubishi Trucks and SUVs are not TERRIBLE but they are not usually the best choice for the money. However if it is really clean and there is no smoke or water coming out of the exhaust (a few drips is okay, anything more is a blown head gasket) Check the valve covers for oil leaks. also listen for any rythmic tic tic tic tic tic tic sounds. This could be a bad sign as it can be valves tapping.
The montero was just not a SUV that did anything really exceptionally well. If you just need the space and you dont really need off road. I am sure it is fine. parts for those are also a hassle to come by,
I specifically need an SUV. We've got a '90 Cherokee that isn't large enough - the House grows. :)
Their availability is sometimes a hassle. Though, there is the internet. That is where I get most of my parts now.
Honestly, I would look at something more common. Like the Ford Explorer which is based off of the Ranger chassis. If that is too small, then perhaps a Expedition.
I have not owned a Mitsu but auto makers are only required to stock parts for 10 years after making a car so they are not making parts for it and the Montero while not bad was just not popular so parts will be hard to find once you start needing things like door lock mechanisms or random bolt on engine parts.
While a Ford Truck or most anything Toyota and Mazda will last as long as a Montero they were more popular so there is generally a OEM demand to continue making parts, it is the reason why Omx-Ida and Crown automotive still make obscure parts for late model JEEP Cherokees.
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I am going to get some hate for this and really it hurts my soul to say it but you need a mini van if your family is growing. Why? Because it is the best of all worlds. Loads of room, holds a full sheet of plywood and with the middle seats out will take 8'ft 2x4's. They also tow up to 3500lbs and with a good hitch you can hang 350lbs off the back. You won't find an SUV that is easier to load or get kids into.
Look for mid 2000's Honda Odyssey. You can get one all decked out with rear entertainment and leather for cheap. They are reliable with good service records.