I am looking into possibly purchasing a Montero sport (2000+) in the near future. The ones I have my eye on have 50,000-90,000 miles on them and range from price between approx. $8,000-$12,000. First off are these fair prices? What should I be on the lookout for when I test drive? MPG's should range from about 15-19mpg, correct? Also in your opinion, would it make sense to purchase a Monter sport for $9,000 that gets 15-19mpg with the cost of gas now or say a Subaru forester for $13,000+ that gets approx 24+mpg? I don't plan on driving a whole lot (~8,000 miles a year), but I do need a vehicle to take to the east coast. Thanks.

 

Are they 4wd/AWD/2wd? ES, LS, XLS, Limited? I have had a blast with my 02 in the mountains and in the snow. At 100K miles I haven't had major issues with it, it's the maintenance that can be expensive.

The Timing belt, for example, is recomended every 60K miles andcost me about $900at the dealer (including the water pump and other things recomended)...some people here have done it themselves but I didn't feel right attempting. Spark plugs aren't easy like in other cars you may have owned.

As for the price, that sounds like about what I paid in Denver (not necesarilly a "good" deal) $10,000 for a2002 LS AWD 3.0L with 82K miles. http://www.nadaguides.com/usedcars.a...0231&da=-1
No problems with it, it starts everyday. I have had it over a year and it is perfect for the snow we get in CO.

Gas milage is okay, 17-19 MPGis about what I get...not the greatest. $60 to fill it up @$4.00 gal.

Not sure of anything specific to look for...you will want to ask about service records if possible. That timing belt is supposed to be changed at60K milesto assure it doesn't break and cause major engine damage. Check the 4wd operation, and make sure the transmission shifts through the gears nicely, and that is about all I can think of right now. Other than that check it like any other potential purchase.