Hello,

I have recently discovered the Montero, and absolutely love it!

If you had the choice, which one would you buy:

2001 Montero Limited - 105,000 Miles - $8,000
2006 Montero Limited - 77,000 Miles - $15,000

Assume condition is the same, and the mechanics say both engines look good. Would it be worth spending an extra $7,000 for the 2006?

A few more general questions:

1.) Are these expensive to repair? And along those same lines, since this SUV was discontinued in 2006, is it hard to find parts for repair?
2.) Are they good on the beach, sand?
3.) Are they dependable?
4.) Is there be a "best" year model to buy between the 01'-06' models?

Thanks in advance for your help! It's always good to hear from those who have actually owned the truck.

-Casey

 

2001 Montero Limited - 105,000 Miles - $8,000

 

I'd go for the '01 (NP) for 8K.
Great rigs.

 

Thanks. Is there a big difference between the 2001 or 2006? The only difference I have found is the engine. Based on your responses, I'm guessing that isn't enough to justify the extra price?

Also, I extended my search area, and found a few 2006's for around $18,000 with only ~38,000 miles.

Would you still go with the 2001?

Thanks again.

 

The major differences in the 01 and the 06 are updated body styling, 3.8liter v6 putting out extra 15hp, and standard traction control. I can't really speak on whether the extra hp is a huge difference. Monteros are for the most part really reliable. Get the best vehicle your money can buy is my recommendation, but don't go over board. Look at 03/04s as they are basically the same model as the 06, that might save you a couple thousand. I haven't had any issues finding parts, but then again (knock on wood) my Monty has been reliable.

 

The 3.8L is a noticeable difference, from what I hear.
The main thing IMHO is to look at is the service record, and see if the major services were using OEM parts.
If the rig has been taken care of and had the required services, then most likely it's a keeper.

 

Thanks for all of the help. The engine for the 2001 I was looking at seemed to be in poor shape. It had issues going from 4WD back to 2WD, and then there was an obvious "burnt oil" smell after driving it for a few miles. Come to find out, it has been reduced $2,500 since they first listed it. Wonder if that has something to do with it.

The 2006 has a 12month/12,000 mile warranty (Covers engine, transmission, etc.). I am going to check that out this weekend as it is about 5 hours from my house. It went through a 130 point inspection. The cost is $15K (Tax and Fees Included) and has 77,000 Miles.

Do you think I should have the 2006 checked out by an independent mechanic even though they are offering a warranty and it went through a 130 point inspection?

Thanks again for your help!

 

Depending on where you live, independent inspections shouldn't run more than $100. If you have the time and the money to get on done, do so. At the very least, you have satisfied yourself that you are getting a good rig, at the worst you save yourself from getting a problematic vehicle, at best you find a few things that arent super major that you can use to bargain the price even lower. Good luck

 

Sound advice, Silver. For $100 it can't hurt to have one done. Unfortunately I'm not from the area, but even if I get a "bad" mechanic to do the inspection, he would know a lot more than I would.

Hopefully I'll be an owner of new (but old) Montero come this Saturday.

I'm sure I'll be back on the board posting a million other questions.

 

Not sure how popular it is in your area/state, but Angie's list or Yelp.com might be a good resource to find a decent mechanic. Make sure to schedule to have them look at the truck ahead of time so you are stuck waiting around aimlessly or have them tell you they are all booked up.