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My wife and I are considering the MS or a Pathfinder. They are both going to be second hand cars. We test drove a 2000 MS and really liked it, but we are afraid of the long term durability. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Rob.
http://community.webshots.com/user/vinceburlapp
http://thehollywoodextra.com
This is my roommate's site, but scroll down, there is a red link to my car page.
smells of burning fluid like dropping oil on hot engine. ( anyone else haveing this happen???
AREN'T ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH SUPPOSED TO GO OUT AFTER YOU START YOUR VEHICLE???
IS THIS NORMAL-- IT DIDN'T GO ON TODAY SO FAR..
Also... I heard by word of mouth all of the hype on the Mitsu's recent ratings as 'the worst made car'( or something along those lines)...is that for the sport or the big Montero? Lets hope for all of us Sport drivers that ours won't flip at 35 MPH! Let me know if you know what all the hype is about with the Mitsu's!
I've traded in two cars that were one year old and took a big hit on both of them. Different rationales but it seems that vehicles depreciate the most in their first year. Yes, the depreciation is artificially created by the sales industry, but you'll never get an honest answer from them.
As most of us know, you can get a good vehicle and a not so good vehicle, no matter what make you buy. I am a Toyota buff, but took a chance on the MS due to price, and so far have not been sorry. The 3.5 motor in the MS is a nice engine. Has more power and better gas mileage (2-3 mpg better) than the Toyota 3.4 around town. On the highway, they are about the same.
Comparing the MS to the 4-Runner, these two vehicles are pretty much identical on how they are setup and dimensions.
Steve
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I like the 1997, but this truck really begins to rattle and literally fall apart in 6 months or so. But I was able to see beyond this and in 2000, traded it in for a new model, with 4WD as I was moving from TX to OH and need the 4WD for the snow.
I did some checking into the safety records of this truck after Consumer Reports rated its big brother, the Montero Limited, unacceptable.
*** READ THIS PART ***
The montero sport is essentially a death trap. The NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash tested this vehicle and the results were horrible! The IIHS says, "this is the kind of crash that you can't walk away from...you will survive the crash but have massive injuries to your legs. So you would be trapped in the car until you could be rescued".
These crash tests results, plus the results of the rollover tests really makes the vehicle UNSAFE. SO unsafe that I decided to cut my losses, dump the truck (only 13K miles on it), take the hit as the value plummeted (partly becasue the market is flooded, partly becasue they are not worth anything due to HORRIBLE saftey reports) and get a safer vehicle.
*** PLEASE THINK BEFORE YOU BUY ***
You life, or your family's lives my really depend on your decesion. This truck is not safe in an accident.
to two either a explorer on montero sport.Would like to hear from owners good or bad about there
montero sports.I am looking to buy a used one and i am leaning towards the sport.Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Bill
Thanks!
How do I know whether my MS really needs or could benefit from the TSB?
Thanks
I've heard that these "filter kits" can add HP and give a small (1 to 3%) better mileage? Any suggestions as to if they're worth it, and which brand to purchase?
Also heard of these "ECM chip" upgrades that do the same....anyone have any experience with these? Any particular brand/model?
Finally, was going to put larger tires on...currently have the stock 15" tires...I do know that the 16" from limited do not fit...are there any OEM wheels that will fit the Sport ES?
Thanks in advance!
I just read on Auto.Com that the Insurance Institute has rated the crash test results on the 2001 Sport as 'GOOD'!!
I have always felt that my 2000 LTD 4X4 was built well. I know Mitsu has added some more safety features on the 2001 which makes it better in crash results. Mine is still running good. Have not been disappointed so far.
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/0115.htm
The entire list of IIHS tested mid-sized SUVs can be seen here:
http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/summary_midsuv.htm
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I feel that they can only rate the model year vehicle tested, and not include following years with no testing done to them. The manufacturer can make upgrades on existing models the next year that might improve the rating. This is somewhat the case on the 2000 versus 2001 Sport.
I hope this helps,
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The IIHS does not do routine side impact crash tests, so side impact beams (which are mandatory by law since 1997 anyway) will not be a factor.
Good luck,
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I love the car, but hate how my insurance company rates it.
According to the IIHS, all MY2001 Montero Sports were improved structurally been improved for crashworthiness.
I hope this helps,
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
http://pluto.beseen.com/boardroom/f/51108
I understand that all makes and models have a few cars that are lemons and obviously the site above will only talk about the vibration and so there are probably no happy MS owners there to defend the MS model.
If you read back posts, you will see that I have been a happy camper with our Sport. I feel we have gotten a good one. But, you can get a rotten one as well, no matter what make you buy.
Having a good dealership helps tremendously as well. I am fortunate to have one.
The gentleman that was having all the problems traded it in on a Pathfinder. If you read some of the Pathfinder posts, you will see some people having vibration problems as well.
All I can tell you, make your own choice. Try them all, then weigh your decision.
Is the MS recommended tire pressure on the MS 26 or 32 PSI? It sounds like the vibration you experienced was similar to the complaints in that other website, but they just attribute it to driveshaft problems. If that is the case, it seems like if the recommended pressure is 26, there is a problem with the tires that come stock on the MS. What type of tires came on your MS?
Thanks again for your posts, this is important stuff to know to make an informed decision. It is good to hear that there are people with positive things to say about the MS. Sometimes these boards are dominated by the people who only have problems since the people who are happy have nothing to say.