Hey guys. My buddy has an '03 Montero 20th anniversary edition on his lot. It has 75,000 miles on it and absolutely spotless. One owner, all service had been done at his mitsubishi dealership since it was purchased new. I currently have a 2011 Subaru Forester, but am picking up a drift boat next month, and would like something a little bigger/powerful for towing, and I'm sick of my manual trans! Do you think this would be a wise purchase? Would I get a lot of life out this truck? My only concern is I read they take premium gas, and that's pretty damn expensive in the chicago area! Any opinions would be appreciated, thanks. Ryan

 

The rig you described sounds like a great buy...but that of course depends on the asking price. How much are they asking?
The 3.8L engine is better for towing than the 3.5L.
If you are tired of a manuel trans., you'll love the triptronic trans. on the
Gen III Montero. It's a bullet proof setup when maintained properly.
If the price is right, I'd go for it.
HTH

 

They have it listed at $12000. I could get it for $10900. I believe retail was $9800 or so, but that was for the same rig with about 120,000 miles. Ryan

 

My '02 3.5 is my tow rig and works really good, i usually tow my '87 4runner with it or my 3 quads, never a problem with the auto trans. When i change the ATF i only use mitsubishi Diamond III ATF nothing else, or learn the hard way.

 

That seems to be right around Kelly Blue Book price...
If the rig checks out with your vehicle inspection, it will take you many miles.

 

I was merely pointing out that the 3.8L gives a bit more power when towing.
When my 3.5L rig is laden with gear for an extended trip, it could use a bit more power IMHO.
The auto trans. is bullet proof! Ditto on the MM ATF.
I've got over 158K on our rig, and it's running like a top.
These rigs are great value when taken care of properly.

 

I've read different things? Premium or regular fuel?

 

I've only used regular fuel, premium fuel is only recommended on monteros, and i also think is a waste of money and as far as i know is only used for high performance engines.