Reporting in on ten years of ownership of my 2001 Montero Limited. Purchased used in September of 2009 with 78,000 miles. Now has 152,000. This has been a fantastic vehicle from day one of ownership. Did a tune-up at 100,000 miles. Been through two sets of tires and one set of brakes. Two auto aerials. Two batteries. Windscreen replaced a year after purchase due to metal rod impalement while driving on the interstate. Replacement of stock radio with Bluetooth double din unit last year (air con controls moved to lower bin).

This has been my favorite vehicle thus far. Still looks better than any of the “modern” stuff for sale now. I still smile every time I walk out to get in and drive it. Smooth ride, precise handling. I can “feel” the road with the steering wheel. Four wheel drive works great and never let me down. Excellent visibility out of the car, unlike the “gun slit” windows of these new cars.

It is not without scars and faults, such as the typical occasional flashing C/D Lock light, mediocre gas mileage and need for expensive, high grade petrol. I foolishly replaced the stock headlights with cheapo Chinese aftermarket ones, and they are terrible at night. Reflectors are almost non-existent and the clear coat on the outside is already peeling. Will probably go back to the stock ones soon (the newer one made the car look “younger” IMO). Leaks oil slightly, but not enough to warrant gasket repair job. I just keep oil changes up as scheduled.

My wife drives a 2016 Ford Explorer with all the bells and whistles, and I would still rather drive my Monty. Mitsubishi got it right with this series. It was a car ahead of its time both in looks and capabilities. Mitsubishi has sold nothing like it in the States since 2006. I would by a new one tomorrow if it were available. So until then, here’s to many more years with this great car!

 

I wholeheartedly second your opinion. I had my Montero for now 19 years (bought in 2000). I have yet to find another vehicle in the SUV class that I'd rather drive instead of my Monty. Durability and quality of the build is absolutely impressive. It is a bullet proof as they come when it comes to mechanics of it. Creature comforts are excellent and in many ways better than new vehicles. Long live Montero!!! and PLEASE bring them back to US

 

2002 LTD bought used in 2003. Current mileage 105k and change. Same color scheme as yours. No major problems except fouled plug at 90,000 miles at which point I did the whole tune up/ water pump, timing chain replacement. Inner and Outer tie rod adjustments are frozen so alignment is marginal. Has battle scars from kids running it into garage doors, garage walls, mailboxes, guard posts, etc.. Had the Montero oil drip issue but solved that by replacing one of the two (Cam?) seals near the bottom of the engine block (the one that's easiest to get to). Had the mystery alarm problem but solved that by adjustment to hood latch. Had the bird chirping under the hood and replaced the brake booster for the fix.

Every year for last 5 years I've been ready to give it away but it cost me next to nothing, runs great, and I can leave it unlocked in bad neighborhoods. It's worth more to me than the space it takes up. Also I love rocking the 10.5 MPG at $3.00+ per gallon. A real babe magnet.