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Comments
I think that would be the least they should do. I am not a lawyer but I don't think it takes a rocket scientist to associate the failure with their incompetent work.
tidester, host
Am about to buy a 1999 XLS in mint shape. Yes I've seen the negative IIHS crash test results. And I've read all about the rattles and front end problems. Why am I still going to buy? Because it's the best looking SUV on the market; so call me shallow if you must. My problems (accidents) have been on snowy slippery roads doing no more than 25MPH. Need a 4WD that won't break the bank. I guess I'm going to roll the dice and pray for safe travels, I guess. Glad to be on board.
I had an engine light that kept turning off and on - it ended up being a intermittent problem with the IAC and they had to replace it.
For the res of you:
I have a 1999 montero sport limited with a list of issues. within the first 2 months I heard rattling and found out bolt had fallen out inside of the tranny??? they replaced a bunch of parts - since then it never idled the same...
then it stopped working and it was because the bolts fell out of the crank (loose bolts)???? anyways they said they fixed it and I took it back multiple time due to idle issues... then they found out they had to replace the whole crank shaft.
Then it went in a couple of more times for idle issues.... finall the intermittent light came on and they found it was a bad IAC (idle air control) and it helped but still idled not as good as new.
Then it was getting bad and jerking under low rpm's... they replaced the drive shaft and said the tranny oil was no longer good and was causing a shift issue with the tranny (it was not due for the tranny service for another 3k miles) - sounds like bs - Still idles bad...
Then I took it back - they could not replicate it...
A month later i figured out it is happening under a load and took it back again and replicated it... first they said it was the trouque converter (covered by warrenty) -
now they say that it needs a tune up ($325)???? - 1k before the time it should.... I bet I still have problems after this... If so then I am going to sue. luckly I have all the paper work for all of this (glove compartment full)and it always takes multiple trips to fix each item... plus I have had all requried matiainince done...
I will never buy another product from them...
good luck with yours,
marc
Thanks,
Chris
Regards,
Fleet
I bought a 2003 - new - basically because they are trying to get rid of the last of the 03`s - picked it up for 29K Canadian and that seems to be what they sell for in US$ judging from other posts here from Americans. This is approx 22K US$ based on todays exchange rate and thats a good price for a LS - plus they are throwing in a cargo cover and block heater at no charge.
I based the decision on getting a large 4WD for less than I could get a new Escape or Liberty (my other choices) plus the fact that I liked the looks and interior - I agree it could have a bit more power but at my age I find it acceptable.
I will keep you posted on any positive/negative experiences I have with the truck or dealer.
tidester, host
The truck has preformed as expected after reading some concerns posted on Edmunds I kinda knew what to expect. So far the only minor complaint is the speed swaying but this was expected with a large side to catch the wind and it is no worse than my old Chrysler mini van.
The complaints of lack of power posted on this site are unfounded as far as I am concerned - I will agree it is not as quick as the Liberty or Escape I tested but it is very acceptable and I don`t have a gripe here at all.
Will post again in a few weeks.
I called about scheduling my routine 60,000 mile maintenance and the dealership quoted me $1,180. In the past there services have appeared to be fairly reasonable (I am not too much of a "shop around guy") but I usually get a couple of quotes. Does the $1,180 amount seem high (the service tech said spark plugs and timing belt are the big ticket items)? The amount kind of took me by surprise. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks.
Steve, Host
ABOUT CARFAX - - it SUCKS !!! Have a '97 Blazer had a $3000 accident...all police reports & insurance & repairs completed CARFAX never logged the accident!!! How can you depend on a company that charges for inaccurate reports/
With a few exceptions, the CARFAX Report does not currently include information on service and repairs. Accidents are generally reported if the car is totaled and even more minor ones are included but maybe they didn't have any sources to report on your Blazer's wreck. (link),
They do have a money-back guarantee :-)
Anyone have a clue about Alice's trip odometers?
Steve, Host
I have done=one this before buying a car and the owner was more than happy to tell me about their car.
The Maintenance Manual says to replace the timing belt at 60,000 miles (for CA, MA and VT this maintenance is recommended but not required)
Then at 100,000 miles it says that replacement is not required if belt was previously changed.
Questions: Why do the previously mentioned states get a break from changing at 60,000. Why don't I need to change it at 100,000 if I had to change it at 60,000?
Thanks in advance for the words of wisdom.
- Craig
I have a 98 Jeep Cherokee Sport and am looking to replace it. (I am basically telling you I am a woman who has driven and liked the "truck-like SUVs) I am torn between an 03 Mitsubishi Sport XLS with only 2700 miles (corporate vehicle) and an 03 Nissan Pathfinder SE (with all LE interior upgrades and 14K)
I am aware of the horsepower difference between the two vehicles but I looking for more info. Problems with either vehicle etc.
My purpose(s) for this vehicle are: driving to work, driving cross-country (moving to East Bay area of California in a month), convincing my husband to buy a camper or boat and visit lake tahoe, yosemite etc. And having room to transport new purchases (husband has toy (ford mustang)-not comparable) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
it in for complete inspection and found control arms bad, two
rear oil leaks, tires cupped and vehicle pulls to right. Took
back to dealer for repairs, total bid for all repairs was
about 1800. Was also told to replace timing belt and drive
belt. Costly items. Have only had Ford vehicles. Currently
own a 01 Escape. Not sure what I should expect on Montero.
Any advice would be appreciated. I have option to give back
to dealer. Found problems within the three day period. I am
wondering if anyone has anything good to say about this model.
Thanks
I wonder if Mitsu. might cover part of the costs, since I have been told that this a problem with the Sport.
Other things I have had done that were noted by a TSB and no cost to me:
Larger Transmission oil pan.
Larger rear rear door hatch struts.
Transmission re programed because of "rev shifting'.
Under recall: Brake line replaced.
Other items: Power antenna, twice. Once under warranty. Just recently, I did.
Noticed the 4x4 indicator light does not come on sometimes. A switch is the culprit. Need to put into 4X4 once a month to keep switch working properly.
Front brake pads at 30,000 and at 60,000, both front and rear pads.
Other than this, nothing else. Has been a good rig. Costly for maintenance ,if you go to a dealership. I have found others that will do it for far less.
And you need to replace the timing belt by 90,000 miles. At this time, I would suggest to do the water pump and tune up as well. I have not done mine yet.
Not knowing what you paid for this vehicle, would make up my mind to keep it or not. There have been some great used deals on this model.
I have two other friends who have the Sport and have been pleased with them. Some on this board have not. Luck of the draw, I guess.
Good Luck on your decision.
two different dealers. Found control arm bushings loose
not bad. Did not verify any other problems that the
dealer reported. Think you may be right on dealer
repair cost. Brakes were just done as well. Other
than the problem with the front end "which I hope
will be solved with the tighting of bushings, the
rig drove excellent and is in top condition. I will
take your advice on timing belt and tune up. Love
this model and hope to have as good of luck as you
Thanks for the input.
original dealer with the report I recieved from the
2nd inspection. The dealer took in to three repair
shops for inspection and found that the 2nd inspection
was wrong. They were trying to charge me for control
arms when all that was wrong was bushings were loose.
I paid 11,000 for it. I think that I will change
all belts, brakes have been done. I would assume that
the original owner took care of brake line when the
recall was issued. Will take in for tune up and follow
your suggestions. Vehicle runs great and is in excellent
condition short of a few very minor scratches. I am
looking forward to enjoying all the extras. Since my
Escape has had tie rods replaced twice and sway bar
not to mention all the rattles and squeaks, and note
I have only owned it a little over a year, I do not
think I could have any worse luck with another
model. Thanks again for the timely response and the
advice.
I still feel this vehicle is a sleeper. Not many people know about it, and it has been very reliable, in most cases. And, as you have found out, is a very good price for what it has to offer.
Hope you like it and stays trouble free!
2 WD AUTO - I'VE BEEN READING MOST ALL OF THE MESSAGES AND AM QUITE CONFUSED. IT APPEARS THAT THE MAJORITY OF 1997 AND 1998 OWNERS OF THE MS WERE/ARE EXTREMELY HAPPY - 2000 AND ABOVE SEEM DISSATISFIED. THIS VEH HAS 107,000 ROAD MILES - I KNOW PREVIOUS OWNER - BUT I KNOW TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT IS DUE - ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA AS TO COST? A MECHANIC TOLD ME TODAY TO EXPECT 500.00. I WAS GOING TO WAIT UNTIL OCT TO PURCHASE BUT I REALLY LIKE THE MS - BUT AM UNSURE ABOUT RELIABILITY AND COST OF MAINTENANCE. WOULD SURELY APPRECIATE ANY FEEDBACK - YOU MAY EMAIL AT JANICESMITHLEE@BELLSOUTH.NET. ANY FEEDBACK WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU
YOU MAY EMAIL AT...
That defeats the purpose of a message board and deprives everyone else of the information that only Town Hall members can provide! Stick around and participate and you'll be much more likely to get a reply. :-)
tidester, host
Any Sport owners out there who can lend insights? Thanks!
tidester, host
I have had control arms replaced, tire rotated and balanced
front end alignment and still rides very rough. You can feel
every bump in the road! Have had timing belt, drive belt and
power steering belts replaced, water pump. Took to a small
repair shop for belt and a dealership for the control arms,
both say that shocks/struts do not go bad. However I can't
believe this is the way this vehicle handles. No one would buy
anything that drives like this. I have the 00 limited. Does it
have both shocks and struts? Do they have a stabilizer bar for
?the front end, springs? Any info that could put me in the right
direction for repairs would help. I have already put about
1,800 into vehicle. At some point it would not be worth
putting in anymore. Maybe sell? Thanks
I wonder if the shocks have been replaced with a stiffer kind. Or is there some type of rear coil spring suspension helper, like air bags that are pumped up. Or, possibly the coils are shot and are riding on the bump stoppers located above rear coil spring. Some people have added a revised bump stopper that are larger and will make the truck ride rougher. I have added air bags that allow me to adjust to the weight added, and yet, let air out for normal conditions. Works very well and costs about $100. The fronts are torsion bars that can be adjusted by turning them at there adjustment bolt.
Tires can add to a rougher ride depending on what kind you have and how much they are inflated. I have, now, Michelin Cross-Terrains that are inflated to 32 psi and work very well. The stock Yokohama's also rode very well.
Bottom line is, that it should not ride rough. I and three other people that I know have 2000 Sports 4X4's that do not exhibit rough rides. Something is wrong or added.
I have a 2001 Montero Sport XLS. I bought it this past May to replace my 98 MSport LS (it had 140k miles). It had 38k miles and I paid $11,500.
On both, I noticed the front suspension seemed to be loose, more of course on the old LS. This could be felt when going over bumps.
I've been reading the messages on Vibrations and loose control arm bushings. Those of you who had the bushings tightened, was your problem similar to mine? did tightening the bushings fix it? Has anyone done this themselves?
Thanks
all shocks replaced and I still have rough ride
and vibrations. I found the lower arms loose and
husband is going to replace them. I am also going
to replace all tires.If this does not improve the
ride and stop the vibrations, I will most likely
sell. I have been told that stabilizer bars could
be a problem. Anyone have an idea on the cost?