First 'new' Montero... talk me out of this
 

http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/cto/4320437253.html


2002 Montero Limited
157k mi
3.5l

Physically it looks well cared for.

Current owner has had it for less than a year.

Still waiting to hear if he has any service records.

*thinks* the previous owner had the timing belt done.


Asking $5000/offer


Ive had two monteros before, a '90 & '91... I loved them dearly.
This would be my first 'newer' Montero.


I know the Gen1s had their quirks (replacing the PCV valve comes to mind)

Whats the story on these? Should I run?

Anything in partiular I should look out for?

Thanks!

i wouldn't buy anything that the pedals do not connect directly to the engine bits, ie, anything with a computer.

but that's just because i like sh*t that doesn't f*ck out so much, and when it does, i can fix it with a hammer.

Did you buy it?
 

So did you end up buying it? Keep in mind these are interference motors and replacing the timing belt isn't cheap unless you do it yourself. Here are estimates for the timing belt with water pump & coolant from automd.com

2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited 6 Cyl 3.5L

Dealership Cost
Total $830.22
Time 4.6 hrs
Rate $96.00
Labor $441.60
Parts $388.62

Independent Shop Cost
Total $673.27
Time 4.6 hrs
Rate $83.00
Labor $381.80
Parts $291.47

DIY Cost
Total $233.17
Time 5.9 hrs
Rate NA
Labor NA
Parts $233.17

I just bought a 2001 Limited in Portland that was on Craigslist a few weeks ago. It has 117,000 miles on it, but I have no service history. It is in the shop getting the timing belt, water pump, valve cover gaskets & plug seals, plugs & wires and a few other things done.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...8&d=1390882675

http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...9&d=1390882719

My 2002 MS LTD 170k mi fully loaded, dealer maintained, one owner, all service records, etc. was $3500 a month ago

My 1999 MS LS 160k mi - very nice shape - no record 2 owner needs ps hose, runs great was $1800 yesterday

I live near Chicago, $5000 for a 2002 is about $1000 high for my area
unless very good shape with ALL documentation - IMO

luck,greg