hello,

i am going to test drive a 1990 montero tomorrow. it has the 3.0L v6 and a manual transmission, with about 100,000 miles (and is the longer 5-door version). the asking price is $2000. i know that might be a little much for a 1990, but i really like the boxy look of the monteros and also isuzu troopers of the late 80s/early 90s.

i was wondering if some people could help me figure out what things to look for that might be signs of avoiding this particular vehicle (items that commonly wear out, things that could require expensive repairs, places that rust a lot, etc.) - just list any issues you might be aware of or things i could inspect tomorrow afternoon, if you would please.

thanks!
-bill

 

hello again,

i went for a test drive earlier today, and i really like it. someone was at the lot right after me to drive it, but its still sitting there as of tonight so i don't think it was purchased. i think ive decided ill get it if its there tomorrow, but if not its no big deal.

the only thing i could tell that was wrong with it was that right when the guy started it up a small puff of blue smoke came out of the tailpipe. i know this means the valve stem seals probably need to be replaced soon. if i get it, is this something i need to do right away, or can i drive it for a while (indefinitely?) like that? there was no smoke when accelerating from a red light or any other time that i could see.

thanks,
bill

 

the blue smoke is from worn valve seal, as you noticed.
the engine will probably be consuming a decent amount of oil due to it... maybe a quart every 500 miles?
you can drive like this.. but it will smoke on startup, and after extended idling.
its a very common issue with the original 3.0. The new valve seals are made of a new, synthetic material that will eliminate premature wear and hardening should you fix it.

otherwise, the trucks are pretty solid. the manual trans actually wasnt as reliable as the automatic, but thats not to say its unreliable. If maintained, it should last forever. It was the same transmission mitsu used on their big fuso trucks and buses. A big, heavy, cast iron S.O.B.
make sure the car has been maintained. Oil changes, fluid changes, timing belt, etc.

 

thanks for the reply!

hmm, thats a little bit more oil than i expected to be burning from this... any idea how many hours of labor + parts the cost is to have this fixed by a mechanic? does it make sense to do the timing belt at the same time? and how much would that cost? (estimates)

this might end up being more expensive than i can afford...

thanks,
bill

 

replace all 12 valve seals is probably a good 4 hour job.