Decisions Descisions
 

I am looking at buying a 95 Montero SR with 128,000 miles, timinb belt tensioner and a few other things done but what else should I look for and are these trucks a good choice for long term owners like me? I have 250,000 on my Acura Legend and need something 4wd. Any input would be great. Thanks everyone

They are pretty solid.

But at that mileage nobody will know. Anything could have happened to it.

According to my maintenance booklet that came with my 95 Montero LS, at 120,000 miles you should have replaced or checked:

• Engine oil & filter replace
• Timing belt replace
• Air cleaner filter replace
• Engine coolant replace
• Spark plugs, wires, cap, replace
• Valve clearance adjust
• Transmission fluid replace
• Transfer case fluid replace
• Transaxle fluid replace
• Rotate tires
• Inspect brakes/pads
• Check steering linkage lube points
• Inspect propeller shaft drives & boots
• Inspect exhaust system
• Inspect emission control system for leaks

This is for REGULAR service. SEVERE Service would require these steps being done closer to 45,000 miles. So you have to determine whether the PO was gentle with his driving habits or drove the heck out of his vehicle.

Your next service at 127,000 miles only requires an oil change and a tire rotation, so if everything else on the list has been done, you're OK for awhile. Of course, as with any used vehicle, it's a bit of a crap shoot.

I'd say it's a combination of determining how clean the vehicle looks combined with what kind of feeling you get from the guy selling it. I've tried my best over the years, but no matter how careful I try to be, I've often come up short.

Best of luck to you. Hope this helps. I just purchased my first Montero a few days ago and I've got to tell you that I really love this truck! Hope you do, too...