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Its probably a great on road SUV though.
Interesting that the milage the longer term reports are getting for combined on/off, etc are only 1 mpg than the Montero. I dont understand this given that the MDX is rated at something like 24mph on the highway.
Just look at how much confusion the Sequoia has presented. Some think the VSC system is great and 4wd hated it off road....so it depends on what you are going to do with your SUV.
I took my Montero through the hoops at Tahoe the other week. Yes, you can spin out in the ice and this would be harder to do in the Sequoia but where people get into real trouble is driving too fast on ice and then trying to make a corner. No VSC system is going to prevent you from going off the road.
I personally like less electronics and more mechanical functions to a degree, less car controlling driver input and more driver controlling SUV. Thats basically what 4wd mag said in so many words.
Drew
That's why it is recommended that in 4WD mode w/ diffs. locked, it should only be used in slippery stuff. This is what my Jeep dealer told me, but the problem is that my Jeep was doing this even in full-time 4WD, which doesn't lock the center diff. But apparently the svc. tech. knew so little about 4WDs that he didn;t know the difference between part-time and full-time 4WD. --Jimmy
Thanks for any help.
I had agood deal working on a former lease car at my dealer with 12,000 miles, Beige, all seemed perfect except a small burn mark and some soil on the cloth seats @$24500. I passed because: 1)the car felt rolling and lumbering on the highway and handling reminded me of an old Buick or my old 1988 Isuzu Trooper (which I grew to dislike) 2) not full time 4wd or AWD 3)gas mileage seems pretty bad considering the other unibody SUVs are in the mid -high 20's on the highway (why is the Monte so low @approx 16combined? tires, torque, auto trans?)4)fit and finish can't compare to Toyota, BMW, Honda, or even Hyundai Sante Fe 5) worried about reliability specifically brakes (the one I tested was making squeeling noises in reverse) and auto transmission which I heard anecdotal reports from "sister dealers, (eg dealerships selling both Mitsu, Toyota and other makes )as problematic (maybe untrue/unfair?? but seemed to make sense with stress in lugging around town in stop and go such a heavy underpowered SUV) Yet, the side airbags, the room, the design was very nice and seemed to be a well made car. What did I buy? I decided that mileage, excellent handling, AWD/ABS/traction control, and fit/finish were more important to me than rock hopping, size and side bags. I test drove a Hyundai Santa Fe LX 4wd with ABS/traction control which was a very nice, well handling, well made and extremely stabile ride fully loaded (with leather)@$23,000. So I think you are correct about needing to classify SUVs differently. If you want true off road ability and size, you're decision tree runs to Monte at a good price for what you get (though depreciation must be very high after the first year considering the deal I got on the 2001 XLS with 12000 miles @ 7000 off MSRP). On the other hand, if you don't need to rock hop or tow or need 6-7 passenger size, the Hyundai Santa Fe was very impressive on a variety of unpaved road and wet/icy, tight curve situations (and fit and finish reminded me of my BMW!). The Sante Fe to me was much better riding and handling than the Toyota/Honda/Mazda/Ford competitors. Tell me if I made a mistake when I passed up the used 2001 Monte XLS @$24,500!!!
Anyone with comments?
I would disagree on the fit/finish comment compared to all the vehicles I drove.
Definitely look at the combined mileage in the longer term reports now rolling out on the new SUV. You will find that the Monte stays in the 17 mpg range. I get close to 20 on the freeway at legal speeds, never get below 15.
It is interesting that some of the quoted mileages on the MDX and Sequoia are substantially higher than what the owners are reporting as well as the testers. Most of the Seq owners are stating 11mpg, very upset and rightfully asking what gives? The last long term report on the MDX quoted combined mileage of 18mpg. This is only 1 mpg above the Montero yet the MDX claims 24 highway.
As far as drive ride quality you are really feeling the difference between heavy and lighter SUV's. Some people sense the weight of the vehicle and dont like it. Under even fast pased driving on or off road, mud, snow, ice, rain I have had no problems with my Montero. Under normal driving it is one of the best riding SUV's out there. Under very fast driving.....well...I get out my Acura GSR....why would I want to drive my Montero that fast?
But to answer you question, NO.
We all believe the Monte is underpowered, certainly for towing, but generally bought this SUV because the scorecard is so strong in other areas. If the reliability comes in strong then in retrospect it will be one of the best if not the best 4wd/SUV made because of the features at this price.
I can tell your family member who's interested that the Santa Fe is very smooth and well handling on the road, feels incredibly stabile and well-balanced on tight corners (read last month's Truckin' mag review during SUV of year ratings; Santa Fe got the best bang for the buck award). Back to the Monte, I feel I should have been more impressed overall but sometimes the whole "Gestalt" doesn't equal the sum of the parts. "Part-wise", the Monte wins hands down over the Sante Fe (comparing similar prices with 23K for Santa Fe new and my deal of 24.5 for 2001 XLS used with 12K miles) with size, unibody construction, standard side bags, standard ABS, skid plates, ruggedness, etc. Yet for me to buy the Monte XLS, it probably had to have 1) better handling, or 2)better mileage (Santa FeLX is 19city/23 highway carrying 3752 lbs; perhaps I was mislead with the Monte figuers but the dealer himself was getting 16-17 combined)or 3)better power (than the Xterra or Sante Fe but acceleration and power across the three seems similar) or4)better anticipated or proven reliability (I guess I was turned off by dealer anecdotal stories of past and present auto transmission or brake problems).
All in all, I think if you need a true off-road vehicle, its hard to beat the Xterra SE 5 speed (5 passenger) at its price (25.5K) or for a 7 seater, the Monte XLS at its price (31K). But if you won't go "true off road" and instead go on unpaved, poor quality or slippery roads with highway and city miles, the Santa Fe's good mileage, good handling and good traction/ground clearance with modern (AWD,shiftronic and ABS/traction control) technology @$23,000 loaded is hard to beat. Its a good year for SUVs because there are so many choices out there. By the way, was the $24,500 price I got on the 2001 Monte XLS a great price or is depreciation expected to be this high?? With Monte reliability proving itself over the next year or two and I might come back to Mitsu or in any case will let you all know if my decision pans out. Best of luck and have fun in your Monteros!
Rascal
In Austrailia they picked the 2001 over the Landcruiser this year. That's my personal gold standard.
For what it's worth, I was thinking of getting a 24 foot boat--it wasn't until I decided to hold off for 5 years (until the kids are a little older) that I decided to get the Monte, otherwise I would have gotten something with a bigger engine. I will do some lighter towing (probably gonna get a fishing boat, which I wouldn't think twice about towing with the Monte.).
With the exception of the HP issue, I absolutely love this vehicle, and don't want to steer you away from it.....
As for gas mileage, how the heck are you guys getting up around 20 mpg? I've got less than 700 miles on my Ltd., but I've been averaging around 11-12 mpg. Granted, that's all on Chicago streets with a lot of stop-and-go driving, and my wife isn't exactly light on the accelerator. Still, 8-9 mpg difference seems to be a lot. Did your mileage improve after the first 1000 or so miles?
We were about to succumb to the new Nissan Quest when we decided to drive the Mote, just to get it out of systems. It was everything we were afraid it would be--solid, smooth, and secure. We decided then and there it was what we wanted. We do have some questions as to the safety of the third row in crashes. Is there any crash data that indicates the back of the Mote is any better/worse than the typical mini-van? Fortunately we wouldn't use the third row very often. We have a blended family of four kids (ages 8-14), so we don't have all four, all the time. In fact the 14 year old is beginning to want to do things on her own away from the rest of us (yeeessss!!).
Lastly, the dealer has a few program '01 XLS models with 16-22K miles for $25,900 to 27,900 (all similarly equipped with no extras). My question is with the 4.9% financing available on the new vehicles is it worth considering the used Montes at say, $24,500 vs. maybe $29,500 for the brand new one? I've seen lots of prices stated on the Limiteds here, but not much regarding the XLS. What is a reasonable price to expect to pay on a new XLS that invoices at $31,300? Any help or experiences other recent buyers can provide would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.boatingmag.com/suvindex.html
Buy the way, how in the hell can Toyota claim a 4-runner can tow 5000lbs????
rick130: I think the XLS qualified for the 1.9% financing, but I believe it ended on Feb. 28. Maybe you can still get it. I know the 4.9% for the LTD and Spyder ended last month as well, but some are still getting that rate, so Mits may be extending their special. You may want to check w/ your dealer or call Mits. 800 number.
The $5k you're saving by getting the used vehicle may be offset by the much higher interest rate you'd be subject to. You'll have to do the math once you find out the rates for both. Just plug it in to the Edmund's loan calculator. --JImmy
Just got 4th oil change, turned 13,000. So far no major problems. The minor one is the squeek in the rear brakes/suspension at the end of rolling to a stop when the weather is warm/dry or when backing up. This also goes away when someone is in the back seat, but not when the cargo area is loaded? Go figure?
PHOnos, White/Silver, 2001 LTD w/rear air & climate control, August 2000, July 1999 build date, $34,500 + TTL.
(PS) About to buy 4 new Pedders springs from Austraila to give it 50cm (2") lift and (maybe) 265-75x16 BFG AT's or MT's.
I'm targeting $28,765 (Edmund's TMV minus the $750 incentive) for a base model XLS with no options. I ran a credit check on QSpace.com and I qualify for the 4.9% financing! I am sending ou faxed requests for quotes at this very moment. I have about 10 to 15 Mitsu dealers within a 50 mile radius, so I'm hoping to get a good response.
trailer hitch and hood wind deflector
34,500 including prep and that advertising fee + tax tag title
I may have have been able to get it for a little
less but theres always the but. dealership offers every other oil change free so I figure it will add up.
one thing-
got to love the monty
I know the stigma people have with MiniVans (me included) and their preferences for SUV styling but I recommend you think long and hard in your choice. FWIW, there are some absolutely fabulous new Wagons on the market now. For similar and even less money, you could go with a BMW 325 Wagon or a Saab 9-5 Wagon and they are both beautiful rides. If I didn't need the larger cargo area for work stuff, I'd seriously consider that route myself. The BMW can be had with all-wheel drive and the Saab is GREAT in snow - I have the sedan version. But if your comfortable and feel confident driving a truck, the Monte is certainly a great choice.
Best of Luck.
Drew
Steve
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I'm on my way tomorrow morning to tie up a deal. I hope all goes well.....my situation is a bit tedious w/ the 4.9%, my credit rating, and the trade in I have. Keep yr fingers crossed for me guys. will let you know how it goes when I get back.
As for sgbassin: fight em till the end. That definitely does sound fishy, don't let them pull a fast one on you. Tell them you have it in writing!!!!! and that you'll know someone/will complain to the BBB, which will only give them a bad rep/rating!!!!!
Just for that,you should get them to throw something else in for free!!!
Also, I read the fine print on the invoices they showed me. Get this: "This invoice may not reflect the ultimate cost of the vehicle because of the possibility of...return to dealer of advertising association fee by the distributor." That's anywhere from $700-$900! They wouldn't tell me one way or another whether or not they actully get this back. The ad fees were different in two places where they showed me the invoice. I was told that the distributor charges ad fees based on how large inventory is. More cars means less per car. So maybe it's wise after all to check out the largest dealer in your area.
I got mine 2 weeks ago for $35,000 with about $1600 worth of dealer goodies included + t/l, so your dealer should be able to honor your agreement. Sorry to hear you're having such difficulties. --Jimmy
I bought my 2001 Monte Ltd.s in Feb. for $34,000. + T/Lic @ 4.9% rate, w/rear air, factory hitch and front bug deflector.
Place to buy Mitsubishi Genuine parts.
http://www.mitsubishi-accessories.com/index. asp
Montero Trailer Hitch
Class 3
Easy installation
In stock
Sale Price $300.33
2001-2001 Montero All
No shipping charge for present
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Montero Trailer Hitch
Class 3
Easy installation
In stock
Sale Price $300.33
2001-2001 Montero All
Terms of Use Privacy Security
I was able to get a LTD Montero with rear air for
34,700 in the early days. Now I would not pay more than 34,500 and would probably try for an accessory.
Look up a couple of posts, some of the people here have done very well.
Stick to your guns. IF your anywhere near OR I know where you can get the deal above with no hassle.
I would pay the difference to go from the XLS to the LTD. Rear air nice and tranny much better from what I hear.
The dealers are showing the $819 advertising fee on the factory invoice as a direct charge to the dealer. I've factored it into my offer by agreeing to pay it, if they will step up and admit that there is an incentive to offset it. No dealer will. I'm in Southern CA and there are approx. 15 Mitsu dealers in a 60 mile radius. The best price I have found to-date is the no-haggle internet price through the Autobytel certifed dealer in Costa Mesa ($29,950 for the base XLS). Maybe I'm too hard headed, but if the Autobytel price is the lowest, I've got to think I can negotiate a better deal with other dealers.
A dealer in CA tried to hit me with 900.00 in ad cost and I did not pay this in Oregon. I think when I calculated my price based on Edmunds invoice I paid 4% over invoice total, out the door. No tax up here. I thought this was reasonable. I would go up to 5% over invoice but I would negotiate hard for 3% over in this current economy. They are going to be hurting real soon with the stock market dropping so much.
Give him a price you are willing to pay that includes dest. ($520) and ad fees (approx $750). He should come pretty close. It doesn't hurt to visit the lot as well to see their selection. --Jimmy
2001 Montero LTD- running boards, rear spoiler, sunroof wind deflector...$35,000
You can legally buy in OR and pay CA "use tax" I think it is called but check with your DMV for sure. The bottom line is you wont be able to avoid taxes. (Why do you think everyone is moving up here from CA? Its not just the big steelhead in the rivers).
I bought my car in CA and had it trucked to OR at a time when there was only 4 on the west coast. I bought it through the dealer in OR but I could have bought it in CA and had it sent up. It cost me $200 extra but it was worth it.
If the CA salespeople are trying to hit you with near MSRP pricing, limited colors, ad fees then buying in OR could easily make up for the little bit of expense in trucking it down but I would discuss the tax implications with your DMV first.
Southern OR Mitsubishi 541-245-2001 Ask for 3% over invoice, no ad fee and see what they say. I cant remember my sales managers name but there are only two of them I would go straight to them and as, skip the floor person.
Oh ya, as far as I know these Monteros are 50 state legal meaning no special changes when you bring to CA but you could easily find this out for sure.