My buddy Nick recently purchased a 2001 Mitsubushi Montero and is in the process of building it as a camper/ overland vehicle. He took me off roading just to see how capable the 19 year old car is and the results were impressive.
Monteros are all I've owned since 1987. Kind of grown old with them! At one point I had at least one of each generation. They have a combination of capability and charm that few other vehicles can touch. I am presently restoring, as much as practical, a 2003 to new condition.
I recently just got my 99Montero SR up and running after sitting for 9/8 years. Replace the fuel pump, strainer,fuel filter, spark plugs gaskets spark plugs wires, and washed and waxed it. Runs smooth as glass. And soon hopefully I will be the proud owner oF a 1988 2 door dodge raider. Which is a Mitsubishi Montero with Dodge badges on it. 350dollars if the owner can find the keys and title
FOR THOSE WHO DONT KNOW IT, MONTERO IS THE MOST WINNER SUV ON THE DAKAR RALLY IN AFRICA, WICH IS THE MOST TOUGHEST 4X4 COMPETITION RALLY IN THE WORLD. FORGET ABOUT JEEP OR ANY OTHER, MONTERO WILL BE THE KING FOR EVER!
@@andrewford80 the car that won the Dakar rally was a production short wheel base NL wide body pajero. Only upgrades were additional thermo coolers and a roll cage drive grand and super select system and engine were stock. The gen three NP model pajero featured in this video has won the production car class of the Fink desert race in Australia 4 years in a row.
I have had a 2002 Montero Limited since 2005 - so far it has 272000km. History of Major repairs and maintence list: new calipers/discs/ New Steering Rack / Brake Booster Accumulator (recall) /Timing belt & Idlers & Water Pump/ Spark Plugs (intake must be removed) / Valve Seals / Set of lifters / Fuel Fill Spout and vent assembly replaced / Rear heater leak- bypassed / AC Comp / Serpentine belt & adjusters & idlers / Freewheel Solenoid valve 3x failed (keep a spare)
2001 Montero limited is a 3.5L!!! Later they came out with the 3.8L but no such thing as a 3.6L montero!! Great video by the way!! Sad mitsubishi never brought the diesel montero to the Usa 🇺🇸!!
I have a 2001 limited with 167k miles and still runs clean. Only thing I’ve had to maintain is oil changes and the timing belt. The rear axles tend to rust after a while but you can keep driving them just fine or change them for about $2000
I have owned my 01 XLS since new (for 20 years now) and it's been a really great vehicle. You just have to keep up with the timing belt and normal maintenance.
It's extremely criminal that Mitsubishi pulled that model car off of the US lineup. The Mitsubishi I knew from the early 2000s made badass cars like this one, and now, they're barely there.
If im correct the sales of those really dropped off as the economy fell. But I really think they should bring it back since SUVs are so popular now again
Consumer Reports destroyed the brand by driving it like a sports car in their paved test center and then claiming that it was an unstable car. This a most capable off-road machine, never designed to be driven like a sports car!
I daily a 1989 Montero LS. I source parts through Mitsubishi dealerships. It makes it easy, and they can get OEM parts that are extremely difficult to find anywhere else (E.g. Hazard switch).
I only drive Mitsubishi Pajero since 1992. The Gen 1, two Gen 2's and now the 2006 Gen 3 GLS 3.0L V6 Petrol. Incredible cars on and off road. Pajero and Shogun Parts are available in Africa, EU, UAE, Australia, Japan etc. Montero being US spec could be a trick, but I reckon the parts are the same. Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿
Bro, that driving position alone should be enough reason for anyone to prefer this over any other Japanese suv. Something about the fact that you can see both corners of the hood is just satisfying!! Toyota, Nissan...etc have nothing even close to this.
Have the 2005 Exceed 3 Litre petrol model (branded as Pajero) which was a Japanese import into the UK. Car only had about 50,000 miles when bought 18 months ago and is like new. I'm told Japanese cars made for their domestic market are built to a higher spec -not sure if thats true or just urban myth. I've converted mine for overlanding - removed all the seats and fitted a leisure battery in the huge recess at the rear and inverter. Also fitted a custom rack and roof tent made by a South African firm called 'The Bush Company' which I can highly recommend. Planning to ship it to the US next month for the next stage of our world tour and can't wait to do some serious off roading as its not an option here in the UK. Wish you all the best with your conversion.
I'm sold, y'all look pretty chill. The last 5 days I've been listening to middle aged men argue about Jeeps and 4Runners, i'm not trying to drive through no swamp, I just want something reasonable that can handle dirt.
I had a 2001 3.5 V6 GDI. These motors are known to seize their cranks, which mine did at 170,000kms. Apparently the GDI motors are known for this. Highly recommended to get a ;power flush' of the engine to make sure there's no build up of sludge in those oil galleries. To rebuild my motor was going to be more than the vehicle was worth which was a pity. She was an awesome off road camping machine.
I am on my second 4th Gen Montero. For me, these are an economical alternative to the 80-Series Land Cruiser. Driving dynamics are similar, very comfortable for daily use. The Montero is even better in a few ways, acceleration is slightly better, fuel economy is slightly better, and independent-rear-suspension allows for more wheel articulation (and the 3rd row folds into the floor). You just have to keep up with the timing belt replacement on the Montero.
I have had the 95, 02, and now the 06. The 95 I drove until the engine died. The 02 I lost after breaking my back. 8 years later, I'm now in my 06, and absolutely love it! Paaaaaaid Off Also! Monte gets ripped on a lot. I will always enjoy the feeling of people jaw dropping when their $18k vehicles bows to the Montero! One Complaint: 2000-06 They are Tupperware Queens! LOL
I have a 4th gen. 2010 3.2 diesel engine model as a daily driver with zero modifications and it runs like a clock. Ever reliable and capable motors with a long track record, just not in the North American markets. If you are thinking about buying a used one, do your due diligence and buy with a confidence as they're very capable machines.
Going to check one of these out Friday. 130k miles, the gentleman is asking $2900. The only thing that could prevent me from buying would be the rust under the vehicle (no rust on the body). Hoping it's surface rust that I can remove. Wish me luck.
@@censusxnay Nope. That thing was super deglected, haha. Bought a different one, great truck. She needs a couple things here and there, but what 15+ year old truck doesn't. If it got a few miles more to the gallon it'd be perfect.
@@noeorozco5054 200,000 I'm guessing? All depends on maintenance history. If the owner has kept up on everything (and they have records), and the timing belt has been done recently (with proof), then I would pay that. Would still try to talk them down. If the owner hasn't kept up with maintenance, and/or doesn't have records, then I wouldn't pay that much.
Would love to see someone with knowledge (and access to both), post a video comparing the performance of the same year Montero versus Jeep Cherokee XJ. Unfamiliar with the Montero, but thought that my 2000 XJ was unstoppable.
Ok so I’ll sub if you keep making montero videos. I just bought one and I’m hoping it’s a good car. Lol I do a lotttt of off-roading but I needed a cheap work vehicle.
Thanks! My grandpas got a gen 2 that I’m hoping will be mine when he has no use for it anymore. It used to belong to my aunt so it’s been in the family since new. Hope to build it into an overland rig one day.
I have a 2001 montero limited 3.5. Bought it at 113000 now at 177,000. Best car I have ever owned! Comfortable, handles well, safe (don’t flip it) good looking. Unfortunately,I now have a knocking somewhere in the engine. I’m torn since I’m no mechanic and it’s going to pricey any way I look at it. Plus gas prices now make my Monty painful to fill up. My practical side and my emotional side are at war. I say a mans 2nd best friend is not his wife/girl but his rig. So I do research on rebuilts and used engines. I will have to make a choice soon...
I just watched another video about a Montero with a noisy motor . It was the timing belt tensioner knocking around. The person thought it was a crank bearing but it ended up being that
@@corriecole4687 thx. I saw the same video and that was when I proceeded to get the job done.it was the same problem and I'm happy to report the repair worked and my monty is back on the road.thx for the message
@@corriecole4687 it cost 1175$. I'm no mechanic and I though I do small repairs i would never take on a job like that. It turned out that the tensioner pulley that held the timing belt on was loose. I got lucky as I drove it for months b4 it got loud enough that I could not ignore it. If the belt came off, there would have been a good change of damage to the valves as the Montero has an interference engine. Do u have the same issue?
@@Fireneedsair I’m doing research on buying a good inexpensive suv. I like to see what kind of problems different ones may have. I found one in good shape with 100,000 miles
Hey great vid was actually looking into these recently but as you said the lack of reputation, if any is intimidating. For 2200 that was a steal! I was wondering how many miles this one had im looking at a good example with 170k miles, limited trim as well but almost 3x the price, it does look more like its been garaged n stock so realistically my mileage and knowledge knowing parts arent the easiest to find are my benfits for bargaining! Thanks again and take care !
I’ve been looking at Pajero’s recently specifically the Oi Pajero and I imagine the model in this video had fairly high miles for that price depending when and where they bought it. If you’re willing to import the vehicle yourself you can still get a really nice full size for under USD$4k before fees and taxes. Not sure if that helps at all. I see people in my area trying to sell mini’s for CAN$10,000+ but I’m holding out for a better deal. If you’re worried about reputation check out the Dakar rally especially from 1985.
@@rileygally2967 actually does help alot! I was hesitant on this one cause its real pretty but one of model years to avoid lol. So is there a website I can look for Pajeros, i really appreciate your info!
You mentioned in the video that it is easy to obtain OEM parts from the United Arab Emirates ... can you please post where and how, I drive a 2002 LWB 3.5 V6 - she's a beauty!!!
I didn’t get into the Dakar rally and it’s environment until a few months ago. It’s honestly the greatest test of human will and mechanical engineering
I’ve Had My 00 Montero Sport for about 2 Years I Just Hit 300k On her the Other day and took A Little photo Shoot 😁 What could I Say I Love The Model & Can’t wait to Swap Out that Engine 🤟🏼🤙🏼 #Fwi #MitsubishiGang #JapanKnowsHowtoDoit #Goldenticket
My Montero has the same amount of rattle in the interior bummer because it feels so solid but the interior rattles so bad I feel bad mainly because my girlfriend has to listen to it whenever I drive over speed bumps or just a badly maintained road (which is common where she lives) other than that solid vehicle, currently at 321k miles main problems is that it burns oil, like ALOT of oil, the exhaust always tends to crack on the 3.5l the trunk door moves quite a bit causing the annoying cabin noise which you hear in the video and unless it’s the limited the transmission comes in a 4 speed, top speed (as fast as I’ve gone in it) is 110mph and the 4x4 system is extremely solid, main concern is the sensors for the dif lock, 4 sensors dictate whether it locks or not and if one is out all of them won’t work (meaning you only have the option of 4h) other than that the car is built like legos extremely solid and a great platform I’ve taken my Montero through everything on stock suspension and street tires and the only thing that had me stumped was mud (due to tires) other than that great car for a solid price I picked mine up for 3k they stay extremely clean not fast by any means but it’ll get you to almost anywhere you feel the need to take it.
Platform is made of 3/4" plywood split into 3 pieces(hinges in-between). Main piece is 43.5"x31" and the two extensions are 43.5"x17". 5 legs under the main platform are made of 2x4 and are 13" long. 2 extra legs for the front are also 2x4 and 19.5" long.
I honestly never thought the video would get much attention and it wasn’t until it started to pick up views that I did a little bit more research haha they’re still somewhat unknown here in the US since Mitsubishi doesn’t have much of a presence anymore
Compered to a Subaru?!?! These will crush most vehicles off road especially on sand! The all round independent dominates a a solid axle on road and unpaved roads
Does it really have rear diff lock? If yes, where is the switch to engage it? I do know that it has a center diff lock that is activated in 4Lo but i'm not quite sure about the rear
They did not come factory with rear lockers. Only the center 👍. But the traction control system is amazing. I’ve been able to make it in places where people in rigs that cost 10x more couldn’t make it
Hi Depends on version. Mine (exceed 2001 imported in france)has factory rear diff lock. Switch is just above gear stick. Center diff can also be locked in 4high
Gen 2 SR or Gen 2.5 Winter Package have pneumatic diff lock with a switch on the bottom of the center console. Gen 3(like the vid) only came with Limited Slip or Electronic Traction Control
Where does your friend get OEM parts from in Saudi Arabia? I tried searching google but couldn’t find any websites that are selling oem parts out of the Middle East.
You got it for $2200 where? I've seen none in southern California for that cheap I just grabbed a 01 limited for $3500 and I even feel thats a great deal.
Well the market is weird right now but if it’s in good condition and doesn’t need anything I think it’s a fair price, mind you it’s almost 30 years old so it’ll need some work done eventually
The Escape is not even close to doing anything (daily driver, off road, snow, carrying capacity, passengers) remotely close to a Montero. Especially the Hybrid. The Montero is bigger than a Toyota 4Runner and can seat 7 with 3 row seating. It is most comparable to a Lexus GX series..
Offer 3500 bc it’s a smoother number and then when you see it point out any faults it might have (damage, rust, interior stains/decay) and try working your way down to the best number possible haha
Well if it’s OEM it’s likely the shocks are shot or leaking, plus not to mention some models are almost 20 years old so I’m sure there’s newer tech that’ll improve the driving feel of the car
Well you need to weigh the pros and cons with each vehicle, sure you’ll find some junk cars that need a lot of attention to get running but sometimes that’s what we want, we want something with problems so that it’ll give us an excuse to upgrade and customize the car to what we like or have interest in. Plus parts are cheap and the labor isn’t too bad.
Why? I drove a Landy for a month. Did not impress me at all. Drove like a tank, uncomfortable and parts are expensive. The Pajero can do 95% what a Landy can do. For a hell of a lot cheaper. I can get a good running early third gen 01-04 for $5k-$10k Can't even get a 90's non running land cruiser for that. New engine? 10k compared to 3k for the Pajero.
