Mitsubishi Montero

99trooper · July 2002

Ok..I'm watching tv tonight and there is an ad from mitsubishi about 0% financing and no payments for a year on any mitsubishi and they keep showing the montero sport...why dont they ever advertise the full size Montero?...:)

tidester · July 2002

Basketballkid,

Check out Edmunds True Market Value

tidester
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SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories

pushie · July 2002

Does anyone know which frequency the switch for the factory-fitted alarm/immobilizer operates on, or where I can get this info? I'm taking my 2001 Ltd back to the UK with me and one of the requirements is that the alarm arming device operates within a given band. Needless to say the manual doesn't have the info and Omron have ignored my emails.

Thanks for the tip Amers2. Will report back when I've sorted out what I'm going to do re-DVD installation.

BTW Am I the only person driving around with the bug deflector. It was free so I kept it on but now I'm thinking it sort of looks ugly. The dealer also threw in the wind-deflector for the sunroof - this I highly recommend (It was a showroom model).

r1227 · July 2002

I have a 2002 Montero Ltd. Just bought it last weekend. Build date was March 2002. I noticed that the rear tires are leaning in. I took it to the dealer and showed the service manager what the problem was. He suggested that the cambers needs to be realigned. But they would have to send the truck to an outside shop since they can't do it themselves. I said fine.

Left the truck the next day. Got a voicemail in the afternoon telling me that they checked the tires and everything is within spec. They even checked for bent or loose parts but didn't find any. Next thing they did was compare the tires on my Montero with 3 brand new Monteros on their lot. They said all 4 Monteros looked the same so they would consider the leaning as normal. No adjustment is necessary.

So picked up the truck and on my way home got rear-ended by this guy who is learning how to drive, doesn't have a license, a pending insurance from a no-name company, and the worst part is, he doesn't speak english.

Anyway. Going back to the issue at hand. Correct me if I'm wrong, but with the tires leaning in, wouldn't it produce uneven wear on the tires.

I read on a post before that someone is considering replace his stock tires because of uneven wear. I believed he mentioned the inside was wearing more that the outside. Could this have been because of the leaning? Is the leaning normal on the Montero? Wouldn't this affect the handling?

I also noticed that sometimes there is a slight vibration between 50-60mph. Feels like the whole truck is vibrating. I read on previous posts something about this and don't remember exactly what the fix was. Was it the tires?

Thanks guys.

oceanstgal · July 2002

Can anyone help me with pros/cons of a 96 Montero. Excellent condition, pretty well loaded, asking $14,900 from private party which seems high to me from the research I've done. Has anyone had good or bad experiences with this vehicle? I don't go off road but I have a place in the mountains and I need reliable transportation. All suggestions welcome. thanks.

sailing216 · July 2002

Try about 10 and 12k respectively for each model level. Walk away. I can find 01' models Listed for 20k and walk out the door with it for 19k easy. That's with mid 30k miles. Look and shop around.

Not only do they have the 0% for 3 years and 0 for a year, but they also offer 0% for 5 years financing on the Monty. Pretty good deal, but it's hard to get over that 8-9k depreciation drop in the first year (that's private sale, not trade-in). Used is looking better.

brillmtb · July 2002

Not that I care too much because I hold my cars for so long that anything is worth nothing when I sell it but here are some facts.

Based on 2001 models compared to original cost here are the rough numbers. The Sequoia and LC could be a bigger drop if you also found that Toyota would not go below MSRP when you went shopping. When I got my Montero I could get them below MSRP. But making things equal here it is.

Price one should ask for when selling, 15K miles, 2001 models all in excellent shape, all fairly loaded.

Toyota LC

By Edmunds: ~ 43k
By KBB ~45k

Toyota Sequoia

Edmunds: ~ 39k
Kelly Blue book ~41K

Montero LTD

Edmunds ~24k
Kbb ~29k

This makes the drop off in price from MRSP for the respective SUV to be approx.

LC: - 11k (edmunds) - 9k (kbb)
Seq: -5k (edmunds) -3k (Kbb)
Montero -9k (edmunds), -5K (kbb)

So, by value and given the best of the numbers above the LC is about 83% of its original value, the Montero comes in at 84% and the Sequoia trounces them both at 92%.

I understand these are rough numbers but probably not too far off from reality. So, value? That depends. The Montero is on par in ride quality, off road ability and quality to the LC yet at a fraction of the cost and with about the same resale drop. The LC is the gold standard in my mind and has dropped the most of the three so for some this might be a good choice.

Perhaps buying two Monteros instead of one LC would be the ticket!

suzysully · July 2002

anyone have a receiver bike rack, if so what brand and do you have a dealer installed mits hitch or an aftermarket.

brillmtb · July 2002

http://www.motortrend.com/june01/montero/montero_f.html

brillmtb · July 2002

Putting a class 3 hitch on is not very expensive and can be done aftermarket by many people.

I have a Yakama hitch that clears the rear tire, I also made a platform that can hold an ice chest, etc but mounted fork mounts on one end so that it could carry bikes as well.

If I were going for a new bike rack it would be one that the bikes mount in to not one that they hang from if you know what I mean.

brillmtb · July 2002

I meant to say I have a Yakama bike rack.

brillmtb · July 2002

I took the plunge and ordered Old Man Emu's aftermarket springs and shocks for my Montero today. Will keep you all posted on the reported inprovement in handling.

Reportedly even the LC benefits greatly with the use of thier kits.

The Montero kit raises the clearance by 1.5 inches, stiffens the suspension a little and the shocks are supposed to have better compression and rebound settings that the inexpensive stock shocks do not provide.

I just hope it does not make the Montero too stiff.

dchyorny · July 2002

What year Monty do you have? Did you put on bigger tires also?

brillmtb · August 2002

My Montero is a 2001, the suspension is not installed yet. Stock tires still and really no plans to go beyond 265/70-75-16 at this time. Will be looking at the new A/T Geolander as it rates high and seems to have a more aggressive off road oriented tread

dchyorny · August 2002

I too have a 2001 XLS (the older style, right?). My stock tires came at 255/70/16s. Do you have the new redesigned Monty and is that why yours are wider? Is it alright to put a bigger tire or will the odometer will be screwed up? I want 265/70-75/16 but not sure if I should do that on a leased Monty, I have 2 more years left on the lease. The current crappy Geolanders were just too bold to begin with that were stock are screaching left and right and I only have 27,000 on it. How much are the ones you were talking about?

suzysully · August 2002

you have a yakima rack that clears the rear tire? I've tried yakima, thule, saris and none will clear the rear tire. What is the brand of your Hitch? I have an aftermarket by drawtite and am wondering if it is too far under the vehicle. I'me wondering if the montero factory hitch would come out to the bumper more. I've also tried the hollywood rack, but am thinking maybe I need to put a different hitch on.

whotheman · August 2002

will they get a V8 into this?

claybuster · August 2002

My auto retract antenna got too close to a tree limb and bent on my 2001 Montero Ltd. Anybody else had the pleasure to replace yet and what the cost was? Are these parts available cheaper through a 3rd party supplier? The antenna motor should be O.K., but do not know if just the antenna can be replaced and what the cost will be. Any help would be appreciated. Considering any maintenance (except lube jobs) on the Monte's is ridiculous (for newcomers - ask the dealer what a simple tune-up with a plug change will cost or the timing belt@ 60K miles). Any way I am also considering a small whip with enough flex to not be a future problem and just remove for car washes. Any suggestions?

Thanks for any help.

claybuster · August 2002

I finally got the courage to tow my 4,200 pound boat/trailer with the Montero with significant hills 100 miles. The 5-speed Sport tranny helped, but it was much much worst than I anticipated! Let's try 35-40 mph (60 mph speed limit) on some long hills using 3rd gear and lots of engine rev's. I finally learned to keep the rpm over 3000 rpm even on the flat. i did not plan to use the Monte for a lot of towing, but 35 mph max of some long hills was embarrising if nothing else. The Monte needs more torque/more HP, like a V-8 option.

sailing216 · August 2002

just had the antenna installed on my nissan, and it was $35 for the mast, and 15 bucks to install. If the motor is trying to move it up and down, that's good it means it's not burned out yet.

We decided to get a used Monty. So what does a plug change/tune-up cost?

brillmtb · August 2002

Hitch

I use a yakama bike rack that holds the bikes by the frame with two arms sticking out to the rear. It does clear. I think the hitches can only go in one spot but it is possible your hitch reciever portion is in just a little more than mine. In that case why dont you just add an extension piece at the reciever. These are not too expensive and you can adjust out how far you want your bike rack.

Again, if I was buying a new rack I would get the one where the bikes "sit on it". Either fork mounted or with both tires still one the bike, I have seen both. The second option allows you to keep the front wheels with the bike, hence, you dont have to pack them elsewhere. If done correctly this will also allow you to open the back door with the bikes off the rack.

I have tried all kinds of racks on cars and the ones behind the car always seemed better.

Towing

I am able to hold 55mph with my 3300lbs trailer in 4th at 3000 I think it is. I rarely if ever use the 5th (overdrive) and I found out from my friends who have large pickups that they dont either. In fact, when I told them I had to climb some steeper hills at 45mph they didnt even flinch because thats what they have to do with the heavier trailers anyway. So.....its a diesel ford F250-350 with 350hp and 600ft pounds if we want to tow better. Apparently the gas trucks dont do much better unless you get the V10's and then gas milage drops to 9-11.

New old man emu suspension goes on the Monte Tuesday, hope I made a good call here.

phonos · August 2002

Brill:

Where did you purchase OME suspension? Overlander? Or ? Price? Installation Price?

Thanks in Advance.

PHOnos

brillmtb · August 2002

I cant remember the name but will get it for you.

Price: 529 or 49 I think, includes shipping, 4 springs, 2 rear shocks 2 front struts.

It is being put in as I write, no supprises from the shop so far. I was going to do it myself but he is only charging $150 including a 4 wheel alignment which was going to cost me some 50 bucks anyway so I said what the heck.

Will be able to drive it today I hope and I hope I made the right choice, this makes me a little nervious knowing how good the stock suspension is.

brillmtb · August 2002

Installed 4 springs, 2 rear shocks and 2 front struts.

Appearence:

2.5 inch lift front and rear. Will take some getting used to but not to the point where it looks like some kids car overdone. They had told me 1.5 inches which would have been high enough for me but they have also said that after 500miles I can expect the springs to setting down by up to 3/4 inches.

Performance:

Definite improvement on washboard. Where I had to "speed up" a little with the stock suspension on washboards to get the ride a little smoother it seems that I can take them at any speed with increased comfort.

Lateral roll.....what roll? I was able to comfortably slide the rear out on a gravel road without a hint of roll. On the street (dont try this at home) I was just starting to break the rear loose, no serious roll, when I decided to take it easy for a while. Seems that although comfort is maintained the combo of different valved shocks and perhaps 10-20% stiffer springs with variable rate in the back has resulted in a better ride AND handling. No, I dont work for these guys.

It also seems a little more quite in the inside. I have seen this before when I put aftermarket shocks on my car. I dont know if it is reducing the vibration through the suspension better. The stock Montero is excellent to begin with.

Also, on braking and little turns there is no nose diving down for the most part and the little giggles are 50-75% reduced.

This is still a soft suspension for those concerned that it would be too stiff as I did. My understanding is that there are a set of springs above mine that are even stiffer.

Going on a longer trip to the Mountains next week, will post my "longer term update" when I return.

Overall, other than the ride height that I will need to get used to I am very pleased.

Front ground clearence: to bottom of licence plate 22.5 inches

Rear to bottom of reciever hitch 13 inches and this looks like the lowest part of my Montero now. Of course the A arms are lower but they move up with the tires so I dont think ground clearence is measured here.

phonos · August 2002

Brill:

I'm seriously jealous. I want 'em. Where did you get 'em. I have to know.

-P

brillmtb · August 2002

Gosh,

Cant I be the first 2001 raised Montero on the block for a little longer

You might want to jack up you front and rear 2.5-3 inches and see if it looks too funny for you before making the big plunge. I dont think you will be unhappy with the handling. It certainly is not worse in any way.

If you want me to update you after I pound around on it a little more I will let you know. Otherwise I got the whole thing shipped to me for $547.

Parts OME109S, OME914, OMEN110, OME917

From Overlander 800-288-4068

You can also talk to the importers who I think are ARB in Seattle, WA for info.

I have a pending question with them reguarding the cup that that front spring sits on. It may be that they sent me the wrong cup but they are not sure yet. You might want to let me clear this up. If it is the wrong one then I may need to take the front stuts out again which is no little task. The rears you could easily do yourself. Jacking up the rear decompresses the springs so they just fall out and the shocks are simple. The fronts "were fairly easy" but unless you have worked with stuts before I would have someone do them for you.

I had a 4 wheel alignment as well. My tires seem to be leaning a little (tho oppisite way from the sagging looking stock look) but he assured me they are dialed right in to the stock settings. Makes me think that some of the reports of tire wear may be in fact to do the Monteros coming out of the factory without being at the stock settings

I am going to speak to a 4wd specialist about this and see if what I am seeing is an issue as long as the caster, camber, toe in are factory specs.

Steve

phonos · August 2002

sailing216 · August 2002

I'm looking for an aftermarket suspension to firm up the handling (less roll), but I do Not want to raise the clearance on 01 Monty. I've had a very hard time trying to find suspension upgrades at all, more less, the 2 I found had a lift. Any suggestions?

phonos · August 2002

Who is the second supplier of the springs (assuming the first are those in the OME kit that Brill just installed)?

In your case, not wanting any lift, you'll probably have to have higher load rate springs (with a somewhat shorter "free length" than stock) wound.

However, the calculations for the springs for such a modification are tricky (length, rate, etc), but it can be done. A spring winding shop should be able to help you.

Also, it probably won't be inexpensive for having just 2 front and 2 rear springs wound.

phonos · August 2002

Brill:

With the lift, do you think 275 or even 285-75x16 (although not recommended on 7-inch wide rims, supposedly you need 8-inch) tires would work without any interferences?

Did you ever find anything out about the availability of any speedometer correction modifications for going with 265-75 rather than the stock 265-70 tires?

johce · August 2002

I fell bad when I traded in my Monte '01 XLS because i really like it very much. I had it for 2 years (18,500 miles) without any problems except of recalls. (I've got $1,500 equity)Our oldies came here in the US and always complaining in coming up and my 6yr old daughter screaming that they're squashing her. To avoid conflicts I decided for a minivan(my life is over). Anyway, so far I like the '02 Town & country Ltd,AWD its like the Monte too. Happy driving! Enjoy your Montero guys..

sbeach · August 2002

Have enjoyed the postings. Very informative. Just purchased a new 2002 montero limited in the Houston, Tx area. Found dealers did not want to deal much with the 0-0-0 offer. My wife and I researched for months and test drove approximately 15-20 vehicles. My wife wanted the Land Rover Discovery which was extremely nice but I felt the Montero best fit our overall needs. By the way, most posts here talk about the Toyota LC as the standard in offroading. Maybe its just me but I'd put a Land Rover, even with its under performance problems, up against a TLC anyday. The TLC is just too overpriced for what you get. One question, do the tire covers have a tendency to disappear? Is there a way to lock it so it doesn't walk off while parked in a parking lot? Thanks for the info.

regala · August 2002

Does anybody had any experience with their check engine light coming ON after consistently climbing a really steep mountain? I thought it was the transmission overheating but according to the manual, the transmission has nothing to do with the check engine light.

What's weird was, the check engine light turned OFF by itself the next day. I thought that those lights don't turn off by itself and need to be reset by the dealer.

phonos · August 2002

For those interested in off-road capabilty increase -- check out "good news" that Lloyd Swartz posted over at Outdoorwire regarding conversion of a Limited's Hybrid LSD to full-locker capability.

http://www.outdoorwire.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=69;t=006418

dchyorny · August 2002

Does anyone know of a high performance air filter for the 2000 Montero XLS?

psalty · August 2002

which dealer did you ultimately purchase your Montero from in the Houston area and what did you pay for it ? I'm in the same market and looking at my options. thanks.

brillmtb · August 2002

I had that light come on once as well. Temps seemed to be fine, ran fine and the light went out.

Dont know what caused it. I thought it was the service light indicating service reminder.

brillmtb · August 2002

Well, well, well

Back from Tahoe, light 4wding, good fast highway driving. Hwy 5 down and 395 via Susanville and 89 on the way north for those of you who might know the roads.

Impression

Still a great improvement. Wife said the roll was much less. Since she sits in the back a lot with the baby this was important in reducing motion sickness.

Cornering improved, ride quality not "stiffer" in an unpleasant way. In fact, still on the soft side.

I would say that washboard bumps still are a pain at certain speeds but the feeling is muted now and not so "sharp".

Large hits are better.

Overall, I am very happy and could recommend this to anyone wanting roughly 2.5 inches increased height, improved cornering (roll) without a loss in quality of the ride.

Please note, I was sent the wrong front strut plates and was sent replacements that need to now go in. Be sure you get the right plates the first time. It took the Austrailian maker to figure this out as it seemed the US supplier had the wrong plates in thier strut boxes as well.

I must say that they were very nice to correct the problem for me and they sent me the correct plates.

This should correct the front end being just slightly higher than the rear when it should be just slightly lower.

Rear clearence with over 500miles on the springs stands at 13inches to the bottom of my rear hitch. I dont see an area under 12inches now. This puts it just about an inch higher clearence than the 4 runner and anything else out there other than perhaps the Hummer.

brillmtb · August 2002

It looks like the rear tires could be huge now, the limitation is going to be where the front tire comes near the rear portion of the front fender when turning (if you know what I mean).

I measured and it looks like you could probably go up a full inch in diameter (1/2 inch radius closer to the fender) and still be OK but I would want to double check again and see if it would work with chains.

Since I didnt measure before the lift I dont know how much clearence is there in stock config.

I have not found out about the electronic adjustment, or lack thereof, when replacing with larger tires. I sure hope they thought of this because it seems the new Geolanders are a little different in size but have a more aggressive tread in the A/T model. They also rated very high, 1st or 2nd if I recall

phonos · August 2002

Thanks for the great information, Brill.

Susanville used to be a great little town. We used to go deer hunting just north of there, up toward Eagle Lake. Did you stop in McCloud, that area is a beautiful place too.

I know what you mean about the front fender clearance. Never thought about chains, thanks for the heads-up.

When you have time, could you measure the overall maximum height on level ground (from ground to highest point on vehicle, probably center-forward on the top rails)

Thanks in advance, I want to know if I need to replace my tilt-up garage door with a roll-up for the 265x75-16's or 275x75-16's.

Did you see my bitchin' about the Oregon Sand Dunes NRA over on your post at Outdoorwire?

brillmtb · August 2002

New front stut plates in, ARB said they would pay for the mistake for sending me the wrong plates without me even asking for them to pay, now thats good buisness. Would recommend them to anyone.

New front height is down about 1.25 inches and is now below the rear, as it should be, and I think it makes a handling and look improvement but this could also be wishfull thinking. Overall, it looks great and not like some young kid jacking his SUV 10 inches in the air.

As far as measuring the height I will try and do that this weekend. Will measure to some obvious area since I am not sure what you mean by top rails. Will measure away from my hitch since those who dont have them will have a better comparison. Would like you to give me the same measurements back on stock so we can see the over change.

As far as McCloud, I fly fish, so I like all those kinds of areas. Live in So Oregon, fly fishing paradise. Seems the retirees have found out about this place to.

As far as the Sand Dunes, dont get me started. I bought a 2002 KTM 520 EX/C and have to travel up to 3-5 hours to ride sometimes just to get to an area "the environmentalists" have not sued someone to close to everyone but hikers.

By the way, no fire ever started by a motorcycle in Southern Or hx but we are excluded from the forrest right now (which is probably OK give the high risk), but it is the hikers that have started most of the fires (some of which intentional) yet you dont see the forrest restricted to hiking (thank goodness). Just goes to show policy often doesnt follow evidence based results

At least they havent restricted my ability to hike in and fly fish most the of areas I enjoy but I'm sure someones working on this too.

Off soapbox now

Garage issue: Yes, for those of you planning the lift and add a bike rack on top check out your garage door height. Had extra foot higher door put on new house garage to clear everything but perhaps a space case but I am going to measure now and see if that will clear with the extra foot. That would be nice.

treyvo · August 2002

Looking to buy Montero Limited in Houston. What did you folks paid for it and at which dealer? Any Options? Your reply is greatly appreciated. Thanks.....

whotheman · August 2002

I know they're juicing up their V6. How much more power is it getting? It's gotta be mre than the 5-8% I've heard, right?

brillmtb · August 2002

OK, it seems that the front to the crossmember connecting the two a-arms is about 10.5-11 inches off the ground. The rear measured to the same middle point between the rear wheels is closer to 12.5 inches. This is near agreement with the makers and the end effect looks good.

Parked it next to a friends older LC. The rear of mine has more clearence, middle a little more and the front is more as well with and exception. They did a better job of getting the front fender up and out of the way of rocks on the LC where the Monte has the front fenders hanging down. The LC front suspension and drive components will hit before the raised Montero.

I plan to go with the Yok Geo A/T rather than the stock H/T next time and possibly with the next size larger which is an LT vs P tire, dont know the difference yet but it would result in a radius increase of about 0.5 inches so add that on to ground clearence.

The rears should easily accept chains with this larger tire but would have to check the front on extreme turns. There is a debate about where 4wd should be chained but I usually would go to the rear tires. Some say front so you pull the front end to avoid steering difficulties on ice, I dont know. Heck, I havent even come close to needed the chains.

Also, FYI. If you get the kit remember that in 500miles they will drop a little. It was enough that the shop realigned my 4 wheels again. Dont know if it would be best to put them on drive 500 miles and then align. That might save money but I am not sure if you would prematurely wear your tires over that distance.

Good luck

Steve

brillmtb · August 2002

Almost forgot,

My local dealer said there was no program available to them to flash in a different tire size. I hope more of you out there will call your dealers and keep your ears open because this may be possible.

igorb · August 2002

Got that light on this morning too.
I have almost 30K on my 2001 XLS.
Would be interested to know what mileage has been an average for this kind of a warning . Would a dealership reset it under the warranty and has any one ever gotten the info about what could have caused this.

brillmtb · August 2002

Could the light just be a service interval indicator. I know my car light will come on at particular service intervals as a reminder.

suzysully · August 2002

Can you tell me what brand your hitch is and how far it sticks out? Is it flush with the bumper?
Mine is 3.5 inches from end of receiver to outer most part of bumper. The rack people said they wouldn't put and extension on hitch for the racks weren't engineered to be used that way, whatever that means. I'm tempted to getting another hitch, but don't know what route to go. I still can't find a rack that will clear the tire.

igorb · August 2002

If it were a reminder then this procedure should have been described in the owner's manual. I'll have to look into it. In fact, in my case the light never went off by itself. Chances are I am calling the dealership (hope they would not advise to refill the headlights with fresh halogen:)

phonos · August 2002

Thanks again, Steve, for the information.

By top rails, I meant the factory stock load rails on the roof. Sorry I wasn't clear on this item (actually, I couldn't remember what they're called at the time [the mind is the second thing to go when one ages, and I can't remember what the first is]).

-Paul

Mitsubishi Montero

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