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Comments
Montero Sport XS. Structural enhancements were
included as new for that model year. I am
seriously considering the Montero Sport for
purchase but the 1997 - 2000 vehicles do not rank
favorably in current 2000 crash test data. New
data due out Jan and Feb for 2001.
Question: Are referenced structural enhancements
of 2001 models for improving current track record
for offset crash testing.
Any response will be appreciated.
I dont think it is a major factor unless you are towing a lot. In that case however a pickup truck with a 5th wheel is the best way to go and the MDX would do poorly here despite its increased power.
Interestingly, the initial ML's purposely provided a little extra engine noise, to make the vehicle feel more truck like.
Brill, consider yourself warned......
I dont usually have all the answers but with sites like this you can get pretty close. I also have some very hard core 4wd friends and they are a great souce of info.
I look at things very objectively, hell, its my money afterall.
I dont think the Sequoia will be as great as some are saying. I actually believe it is an oversized Subaru. Not to knock Subaru's because they are great at what they do but they also dont cost 45K and get 18MPG.
If you think the Seq folks are loyal subjects go look at the MDX site developing.
I keep throwing info in the LC, Seq, MDX, etc sites because people are having a difficult time getting the info they need to make the best decision for themselves.
Someone put that Australian web site post showing the Montero to be #1. Boy did I throw that around because most people dont know how popular the LC and Montero are overseas.
I think some people will use the information in a helpful way and others will challenge it especailly if they feel they may have made a poor choice and are defensive about it.
I would rather have all the info possible.
I did the same thing--researched and test drove everything I was interested in to death--took the Monte for the greater part of a day before deciding on it....It was not my number one choice going in (actually it was more of an afterthought when I initially checked it out); think it is vital to go into these things with an open mind if you want to be satisfied. I think the people who get defensive about their vehicle are the ones had made up their mind without botherin to check into other vehicles in the same class...Saw the Australian web site already--very pleased with what they had to say...
With regard to the MDX, one of my co-workers just bought one...parked the Monte next to it, and the MDX looked like a toy--reminded me way too much of the RX-300. Don't check out the MDX site anymore as I have absolutely no interest in the vehicle anymore...Still interested in what the Sequoia folks have to say though. I think the Sequoia is a near miss--give it a bigger V-8, real 4wd and a few tweaks to its interior and I think it is the clear cut winner in its class. As it stands now, towing, 4wd and price are a major issue with it, but these are all potentially correctable...
The MDX site is even worse than the Seq site. I feel more sorry for those going with the MDX than the Seq.
Anyway, perhaps there are folks reading everything and have not bought an SUV yet...those folks may benefit from the info or at least stop and look. I too had the Montero more of an after thought. Perhaps because they dont put in all the ad $.
Enjoy
I am imbarrassed. I didnt notice this. I noticed some "bars" across the rear and near where the transfer case might be but I will have to take another look...thanks
My Accura has a separate switch for the mirrors.
I still wish the owners manual was specific to the montero.
Have you located a repair book anywhere?
http://www.jaosusa.com/
And this is one of the items that I am plannig to buy:
http://www.jaosusa.com/products/centerprotector/cp_montero2001.htm
AWALL: If the extra dough not an issue, go with the limited. The xls is a very nice vehicle, but only has part time 4wd--the full time 4wd (not to mention the not absolutely necessary but still very nice luxury items tagged on as well) make the limited (in my opinion) much more appealing. The manumatic transmission on the ltd, however, is more of a gimmic than anything else in my mind.
With regard to price/availability, I see alot of XLS on the lot, the ltds move pretty quickly, at least around here. Mitsubishi only built 30,000 ltds this year; demand (especially when they first came out) was much higher than Mitsubishi expected in the U.S. That being said, the novelty of the ltd has worn off a bit, and I've noticed people are getting much better deals than say 3 months ago (with the exception of Phonos, who got an awesome deal considering when he bought his--of course his dealer probably knows how he drives, and was comforted by the fact that he will make up the difference in repair costs (just kidding phonos). At this point, I would shoot for between 34,000 to 35,000 for a limited with rear a/c (get the rear a/c--its worth it) not including tax/tags/title. If you have a volume dealer near you, you may be able to do a little better. When I bought mine, I also got 2.9% financing; was planning on putting a large down payment on it, but took the financing at that rate and put down substantially less than I had planned. The financing may even be more favorable now. I paid 35,400 for mine (with rear a/c, dealer installed hitch, cargo liner, cargo nets, and made them promise me a loaner vehicle for any repairs/maintenence)--and I know I could have done better elsewhere, but was willing to pay extra because I really liked the dealer (its a relatively small dealership, but has a good reputation).
I can ease off the Seq board now that you have them all riled up over the 4wd issue--Keep up the good work!!
My LTD with rear air and no other accessories was 34,700. I was going to drop it $200 but didnt feel like getting into it. Besides, they got the color I wanted with only 7miles on it straight from the port which was more important to me.
I think I am going for the rear mat, net, wheel locks from the dealer. Tow hitch I can get for 1/2 the dealer cost elsewhere. The rack on top is interesting (so my wet fly fishing gear doesnt have to go inside) but I wounder if Yakama or someone else offers a cheaper setup?
Steve
Also, I bought the 100K/7 year warrenty. These used to be a bad idea and probably still are for cars but for a 4wd that you really plan to use I think it is worth it.
There is over twice the complexity compared to a car, there are multiple things that can go wrong and the warrenty covers just about anything.
I went for the Montero over the MDX for a few reasons.
I wanted a more capable 4wd
I wanted a more rugged 4wd
It was cheaper
It was smoother and quiter (I dont race my 4wd)
I thought it looked better (more modern in an age of every car/truck starting to look alike)
Since then I found out that it rated #1 4wd in Austrailia over the Landcruiser (what a complement that was)
Steve
Nutmeg: look at all the posts on this site and the other Montero site w/r to prices--prices now may be better, with the novelty of the Montero wearing off, and more competition...Happy hunting!!
Brill: where did you hear about the problem with the Yok's? I haven't heard anything or been contacted by my dealer....Gonna need an oil change soon, I'll ask the dealer then--if you find anything out, let me know (I'll get it fixed with my oil change then).
Brill you may also want to check out the USA today review on Seq. on Friday...Overall a positive review, but it pointed out a couple of things both of us have concerns with--the part time 4WD, drivability (I did not know the turning radius was 2 feet greater than the Expo's), and VSC and A-TRAC (The VSC can be disengaged, but the A-TRAC, which breaks a spinning wheel, cannot be disengaged in 4WD--my fear of slowing down in this situation, possibly causing a rear end collision, was brought up by the author, who found the slow down annoying); the author also thought the Seqouia jittery on the highway....I would post this on the Seq board, but I am unsure if their fragile psyche's could handle it...
I feel the Sportronic used with the 4wdLow helps me in the deep sand. (as opposed to leaving it in automatic) I was able to get on and off the beach, and even up a slight incline without reducing tire pressure which makes me a very happy fisherman!
Have been very happy with it so far. (1,200 miles) The only problem I've had is my front speakers are not working.
Last question: what's the final word on the gasoline grade to use?
Thanks
Thanks!
With respect to the tires, someone else remembered it as well but thought it was on earlier models or earlier in the year or something. If you are not getting any vibration then dont worry.
Joublin: None of us, I think, have any intention of putting adults or small children in the back of these SUV's for anything more than short hauls in a pinch. We would have bought a minivan if we needed that kind of space on a regular basis.
I test drove the MDX before buying the Montero. 5 family members went with me. All stated the rear of the MDX was harsher, louder and uncomfortable for anything but short hauls. We took turns at different locations in the MDX so we could all see what the various locations felt like.
The MDX is a fine S>UV (sport>utility) being that it is more sportscar like and I wish you well with your choice. The Montero is S<UV (utility over sports) and now with the 2001 it does it with class and comfort blended in. Hey, it even beat the LC in Austrailia. WOW! now that is saying something because I think we all know just how good the LC is.
Good luck!
Picking up my new Montero tomorrow!!!!!
With regard to the 3rd row seat--I agree with you. In fact, the only person allowed to sit in it is my mother in law...
Yes, I am lucky enough to have wonderful camping in my backyard......flyfishing heaven
Posted for informational purposes only.
"'In its first full month since the launch of the all-new NM series, Mitsubishi's Pajero has blitzed its opposition.
Sales increased by 98% over the same month last year (increasing from 492 to 974), while it also showed Toyota Landcruiser and Nissan Patrol a clean pair of heels to become the top-selling medium or large 4WD on the market.
Pajero registered 974 sales for the month, while Landcruiser sold 942, Patrol 876 and Prado 793.
Mitsubishi's Director of Sales Operation, Ian Ludgate, said that it was obvious that the new Pajero had struck the right chord with 4WD buyers.
"The stylish but aggressive looking new monococque body, the superb on-road driveability and improved off-road capabilities brought about by the new independent suspension is obviously the right package. When added to the Australian-first of a five-speed tiptronic-style automatic transmission and the innovative third row of seats Pajero has set a standard for other cars to match.
"Journalists are saying that 'Pajero has lifted the bar', and obviously the consumers agree. It is obvious that Pajero could have opened the gap even more if it hadn't been constrained by tight supply and an overwhelming initial demand," Mr Ludgate concluded.
Pajero has racked up more than 80% of its initial sales at the top end of the range, with the luxury Exceed and feature-packed GLS being winners. Exceed alone accounted for 50% of the sales.
Mr Ludgate said the Company had increased their orders on Japan to help satisfy the pent-up demand, and he expected that the waiting period currently being experienced will evaporate by late September.'"
Findings:
Acura MDX- This SUV is bigger than the Montero on paper in almost all interior dimensions, but does not feel this way when actually inside it. There is also excessive wind noise protruding inside when cruising down the interstate. The handling seems better than the Montero, but the acceleration seems to be very similar (even thought the 0-60 time in MT is 2.2 secs faster for the MDX). When entering the 3rd row seats, the salesman told us we could enter from the passenger side only b/c the driver side 2nd row does not fold down for entry. After putting mud on the 2nd row seats while stepping on them to enter, we later had the mud rubbing up against our knees while sitting in the 3rd row. There is about 2 inches more seat width in the 3rd row but the overall comfort is a tad less than the Montero. Even though it is great to stow 1/2 of the 3rd row, I would usually just stow the whole thing when not using it. Interior fit and finish was very good and the nav system was intuitive enough for my wife and me. There is enough data contained here to dazzle the Jones', but I do not do that much traveling that I could justify the $2000 option and $100 upgrades when Huntsville, AL becomes more detailed. Also the rear air vents are similar to my father-in-law's LHS. Vents are needed in the ceiling to cool off the ALL of the rear passengers pronto. I do like the memory seats and the Home-link. The exterior design DOES NOT scream "Upscale", "Masculine", "SUV"-from the rear,"Unique"- especially when parked next to minivans, "Expensive". Also the running boards seem useless when entering/exiting the vehicle.
After optioning out the MDX to make it look more masculine and less "minivan like" by adding fender flares & the tailgate deflector then putting more wood accents into the cabin, the cost can easily come to $42K in my area where dealers DO NOT budge and with 7.9%-9% APR. This is compared to an easily haggled-down $34,500 fully loaded Montero with the special 4.9% APR through 2/28/01.
2001 Montero Limited- This SUV looked distinctly different and seemed to have a less minivan like feel to it compared to the MDX (which my wife and I liked). I was concerned with the acceleration and handling before testing it. The acceleration was on par with the MDX and the 5.4 liter Tahoe we also drove earlier that day. However, the lane change maneuver did produce some top-heavy feel. The interior seemed very spacious and the 3rd row was easier to enter/exit with similar leg room, but no mud on our knees (see MDX comments). Volume behind the front seats is the same as the MDX with 82 cubic feet of space. The 2nd row seats recline nicely and passengers in the 1st and 2nd row can enjoy an almost convertible-like feeling with the HUGE moon roof. LCD instrumentation is similar to the MDX w/o the nav system. The #2 glove boxes are great. My wife also likes the 5 speed sport-tronic shifter, but it does take some getting used to after coming from a 5 speed Nissan Maxima-no clutch with the Monty and you always shift up when accelerating. Overall, the interior is of high quality even w/o the Home-link or memory seats. My only question is "WHERE IS THE CASSETTE PLAYER?!". The exterior is very sporty and unique. I do wish they would match the side mirrors and the crome tail-light accents to the color of the vehicle. Even though the rear hatch opens from the left side, that doesn't really concern me. Somehow, this SUV screams "Upscale", "Different", "Masculine", "Unique", "Rugged".
I'm beginning to see as many MDX's as Madza MPV's on the road. I'm having a tough time telling them apart. I think my wife and I are going to purchase the Montero before the 4.9% APR runs out and head to the country club after tackling the Appalachian Trail here in North Alabama. Good Luck on your choosing.
-PHOnos
John