I'm chatting/negotiating to buy a 1997 Montero (not Sport). It has 130K miles. No Carfax history (we're outside the Continental US), and seller doesn't speak much English... but the price is right, under $3,000.

Everything seems to work fine, the car drives well, and no AT or 4x4 lights coming on, but I'm not a car guy. What should I check for the next time I go look at the car? Is it worth taking it to a shop, or the dealer, to check for something specific? Any driving maneuvers I should try to look for common problems? Pic of the car is enclosed.

Thanks very much for any help. FYI, I'm buying this as a second car, for occasionally going on rough roads, and hauling stuff around. At this price, I don't need perfection, but I'd like a decent running specimen.

(By the way: I also looked at another Montero today. 1995, 100K miles. Speedometer and tachometer are dead,and AT and 4x4 lights areflashing. Seller claims it's "just a simple $20 sensor fix" that's needed, but I chose right by walking away from this one, right?)

(I don't know why I'm getting the weird double-quote marks in my post.

 

Make sure all the options work, windows, locks and a/c. Check for paint overspay (accident) and look under the car for leaks. Check fluid levels and see if they are dirty or smell burnt. Looks good in the pic, do u have any more?

 

Good ideas all around. Thanks for the advice. All the electrical stuff does work.

More pics attached below. See the roof pic is that just paint peeling off, and not a serious problem?

Thank you again.

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