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We falled for it saving couple thousand. We still needed leather interior, so the dealer said they
will convert with additonal cost. The purchase price came out $32,800. After looking the gage now really missing should have bought ltd for 1200 dollar more. It is very upsetting. The dealer charlie thomas gave us bad deal. The interest gave us 5.4% rather than 4.99%.
The finance personnel was extremely rude.
Well I learnt this edmund car info. system after the purchase. If read all info. early would really have helped us buying the car. I tried to purchase the ltd after a week....but too late.
Any comments.
VJ
Does anyone else notice that there's a considerable amount of wind noise when the sunroof's open, even around town? It's not the buffeting, just wind noise. I think it has something to do with how huge the thing is, tho. That's why I insisted that the deflector be added (which they didn't have, but will have it put on next week). Hope it helps some.
One more thing I noticed is the driver side-view mirror seems to have a slight warp to it near the middle, toward the upper inside. I noticed it on mine, and the service tech pulled out another new LTD and it was the same. Looking through it almost feels like a fisheye effect or improperly adjusted eyeglasses. He's gonna call Mitsu next week and see if it's a defect or designed that way (for greater FOV).
All in all, the Montero is the only vehicle that met our needs without being too large, not large enough, or waaay overpriced. And with long-term reliability being an issue, we just couldn't bear going with the big three.
Anyway, thanks again, and I'll keep you posted WRT other observations. --Jimmy
To Clear up your confusion, this topic area is for the Full Size Montero. There is a seperate topic for the Sport version. This topic used to be labeled for the Full Size but unfortunately it was dropped when two topic areas where combined, thus creating confusion for new comers here.
Drew
My biggest pieve right now is the absolutely STUPID design of the three Child Seat Anchors bolted into the cargo floor. I am amazed at how stupid this design is. It is a cargo floor which needs to have a flat surface. These anchors have caused me lots of frustration since I use the Monte for hauling cargo all the time. They should have been designed in a way that keeps the cargo floor flat without obstruction. I attempted to remove them to see what would be left behind but if you do that, it leaves an unfinished hole in the carpet which will surely get damaged. Anyone have any luck coming up with a way to replace the anchors so that the cargo floor has a flat finished look and is protected? I'll be working on this one. Probably have to bolt down a large washer to hold the carpet in place and at least reduce the obstructions.
Drew
As for the three-point seatbelt issue, the problem with a lap belt only is that in an accident, the belt can permit the occupant to ramp up backwards in the seat and possibly slide out from the belt. Also, lap belts are supposed to be worn across the hips, not up across the abdomen. The three-point belt helps to keep the occupant from sliding around and getting out of position. If the lap belt slides up around the abdomen and you are thrown forward, you can have serious abdominal injuries. So, yes, it's a potential safety issue. I don't know of any way to re-fit the center seat for a three-point belt. Would I like to have one? Sure. Did it stop me from buying the truck? No way. (And just to show you that I'm no risk-taker, my other car is a Volvo.)
mp19fan - Congratulations on your purchase. I have been thrilled with my 2001 Limited. The only complaint that I have with the truck is the same one you do (driver's-side mirror). I also had a problem with a mirror on my Volvo that distorted images, and Volvo replaced it with a new mirror that was fine. So, when I took my Monte back to the dealer to request a new mirror, I thought that the mirror was just warped and could be easily replaced. I was surprised when the dealer told me that's just the way they are. It's an annoyance with an otherwise outstanding vehicle. With the money that I saved over MDX, M-Class, etc. (plus I can tow my boat!), I'll live with it.
I took the seat anchors out, replaced the bolts -- haven't had any problems. I do like the idea of adding large washers, but won't the bolt heads then stick up and sort of defeat the removal of the anchors in the first place?
I'm glad it's not just my mirror, I thought I really needed new glasses (which I do, but nice to know it is the mirror).
Congradulations.
Sounds like you got one of the best deals yet. Where did you end up buying? Find us a good full size Montero mechanic in SoCal
Photos of places to go in SoCal try out 4x4 capability at
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=1205042
None of these places are really extremly rough. I'll post some photos of recent Death Valley trip when I get time to download the camera.
-Paul
I finally made the deal thru Puente Hills Mitsubishi, which is about 5 minutes from my house. I'll be checking out their svc. area this week and talk to a couple of their mechs. to see if any of them are Montero experts.
Can't wait to see some pics of Death Valley.
BTW, conselor2 and phonos, I received a call from the svc. rep regarding the driver's side mirror this evening, and I think he's gonna order another one from the factory. I'll call him tomorrow to confirm, as I wasn't home and he left a message. I'll post as soon as I get some more info. --Jimmy
Drew
claybuster, I also was told that the factory didn't have rubber floor mats or a cargo liner out yet, although the caro liner, at least, is expected soon. I was going to order tan rubber floor mats from Weathertech (www.weathertech.com), which run about $90 for a set of front and rear mats, and a black cargo liner, which also costs $90. But, I really haven't heard anything either good or bad about those mats, so if anyone has any feedback on them, I'd appreciate it.
As long as we're on the subject of accessories, has anyone found a good roof-rack mounted or trailer-hitch mounted cargo box for hauling stuff? Any thoughts about/experiences with accessing a roof-mounted box or raising the center of gravity by putting stuff on the roof? Thanks in advance.
I've already sent an e-mail to them asking about the springs they added to this project to give it a 50mm (2in.) lift.
http://www.motorcare.com.au/demonstrator.htm
If you haven't read Edmunds.com's confessions of a car salesman, I highly recommend you do so. I found it very entertaining, and yet enlightening as to what may go on in auto dealerships.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
My one question is that of the audio system. I am aware that it is made by the ever so famous Infinity brand (parent company JBL), but didn't get to really get a feel for the sound. Any comments on the quality of this sound system? I am a former owner of a Grand cherokee which used to always incorporate Infinity audio systems......and it sure sounded grrrrreat!!! (I guess the reason why they both use the same brand is due to Chrysler and Mitsubishi often used to share assembly lines and parts with eachother in the past. Do they still have a joint collaboration with eachother?)
That was one of the requirements for the Montero. It has to have a good system. She sat in it for about 20 minutes while going through her CD collection, and finally gave the thumbs up. Adjustments are very straightforward, but I do wish there were EQ controls.
BTW, while closing the back door, I was wondering if the sheer weight and constant opening and closing of it would eventually cause it to sag a bit, not unlike solid core doors for some homes? And doesn't the info screen on the dash of the LTD just scream for a nav. system?
Another thing, do any of you check the other SUV topics? As one who was also considering a Sequoia (too expensive for what you really get, too large for our needs, first year model, and did I mention too expensive?), I frequently checked over there. Boy, are they ever defensive about their purchases! And a tad too condescending for my tastes. If you're considering anything other than a Seq, you're throwing your money away, according to them. --Jimmy
good luck
-phonos
There is a Yakama rack (Load Warrior), I think they have 3 models now, that you can add an extension on. It is very well built. You can attach any of thier accessories directly to the rack for bikes, skies, etc. I am waiting to see the cross members that they are developing for the Montero 2001 which they assured me are due out anytime. They recommend thier crossmembers stating that they are considerably stronger. These racks seem to have a lower profile and will clear my garage. You would need water proof bags for travel and security would be a greater issue unless you take the bags off at night and put them in the vehicle.
MATS:
The dealer gets them from Husky I believe. When you call Husky I think I remember them saying they offer other colors. Why the dealer doesnt get them I dont know. I would check with Husky liners for the color you want. They should still fit custom like the dealers and probably cost you less.
I guess one won't know how well this sound system is until they spend a long time driving around in the vehicle. Will probably take a nice long trip to figure it out.
Here's link to their offerings by state::
http://4x4books.com/state.htm
If I'd have known that they would be extending the 4.9%, I would have waited as well. I also have 2 more payments on my leased JGC. However, I got a great deal and I couldn't take the chance of missing the great rate, saving thousands over a conventional rate. --Jimmy
So in essence, they are willing to add my remaining 2 payments from my previous car onto the tab of the new one??? Thats not
4.9% for 60 months are reserved for people with very good credit (scores of over 700). They get your credit report and it's either a yes or no. It's a good idea to check your credit prior to negotiating a deal so there are no surprises.
As far as adding your two remaining payments on top of your negotiated price, I'm sure that can be done. First, I would negotiate the best price for the Montero w/o letting them know what you have planned for your old car. That way you get the absolute best price, then you can ask about adding the remaining payments on top of that. Or try and hit them up with a suggestion that they help pay half of what you owe. Doesn't hurt to ask. Hope this helps. --Jimmy
Did you get 4.9% for 60 months? You really got a good deal. The longest term in August, 2000 when we bought was 48 months. With the added extras you got, I think you got a very fair deal. Do you know off-hand what prices they are getting for the running boards, spoiler, and wind deflector?
Still looking for a 2001 Montero mechanic in SoCal
-Paul
Drew
The service manager couldn't get too specific but he did claim that of the Early Valve jobs they do, a high percentage of those customers were using Synthetic Oil. The others were obviously neglecting regular Oil Changes. He claimed it had to do with an incompatability of their Hydrolic Type Valve System with Synthetics.
I know some of you here are Big Fans of Synthetics but don't shoot the messenger. I'm only passing on what I was told. If you want to use Synthectic, I'd at least recommend discussing the issue with your dealer to decide for yourself what the best choice is.
We also discussed a study done on NY Taxis that compared changing oil every 3K vs. every 6K. He was recommending every 3K of course but interestingly the study concluded that after 100K, there was NO measurable difference in wear after autopsies of these engines were done. Funny. So why should I take the every 3K advice? I"ve been doing changes at about 5K.
drew
For those of you wanting a restated price target I was able to get a limited with rear air many moons ago for 34,700. I would go for 34,500 now.
Hitches can be added for about $170 Parts and $50 labor compared to something like >$300 that they wanted to charge me. The advantage of dealer installation is that they still dont sell the wiring harness separatly as they have in past years. If it is a plug in that would be better then a universal wiring although a good installer can do a quality job even without a factory plug. Hence, I told the dealer to keep his hitch, the plug issue did not warrent the difference in price.
I hear rumors that the wiring harness will become available at a later date.
Good luck
Steve
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Both recommendations MAY be slanted so the dealer makes more money either in more frequent oil changes or in increased wear IF synthetics really are better.
I use synthetics now but would be willing to change on a dime if there is some truth to what you are hearing.
thanks again....now off to the synthetic oil site.
3-5k in price due to currency -change.
the cars are better equipped leather European instrumentation.
the bad part is only the amount of paper work,taxes custom things etc. regards zalmoxes
As for the dealer added extras, on the window sticker it listed the running boards at $999 and the rear spoiler at $399. Yep, I'm thinking the same thing...
After driving with the sunroof open, I insisted that they include the wind deflector (quite a bit of wind noise, but understandable for such a large opening). They wouldn't budge, so I offered $50 more to close the deal, which they reluctantly agreed to. Apparently their cost for it was +/- $100. Not sure of the retail price.
$34,500 seems like a good price for one w/ rear air. The best I could find online was $34,540. The reason I got the dealer extras was because that's how they outfit nearly all of their LTDs. Negotiating a price on something that's already installed is simpler because they really don't want to have to spend the time to remove the stuff. But it can also allow the dealer to overcharge the unsuspecting buyer.
They have about 20-30 Monteros on their lot, about half are LTDs, so selection is pretty good. --Jimmy
Brillmtb, you are right about the price, I put in an offer for 34,500 on a monty ltd. I'm planning on aiming for lower at competing dealers. I read on this post that someone picked up a limited for 33,700 including boards and spoiler.....i think. Now that sounds like a terriffic deal!! You guys think i have a shot at that price?
Does the rear spoiler really do anything for the truck other than cosmetic appearance? I think it gives it a bit of a hoodlum look IMO.
Anybody else having this "Service Engine Soon"
light problem?
I plan to take it back to the dealer and let him keep it until it's fixed. After talking to the service manager, I am concerned that they don't even stock many of the sensors.
This is not a real good start! 250 miles and it's going back to the shop for the 2nd time! New rig bugs!
I have no agenda or strong opinion on the subject. I've always beleived that Syn's are great for performance vehicles who's engines will run much hotter than those in every day cars - And overkill for the rest. My only suggestion is that if you want to use them, do some research and see if in fact Mitsu discourages it and why. I've found that the way they design their cars is sometimes a little different than the typical manufacturer so maybe there is something to what my dealer said.
Also, the frequence of oil changes was a comment from the service manager and not something that Mistsu has issued. The owners manual supports the intervals I use. Under normal conditions, Modern Oils can go quite a bit longer than 3K. That's not an opinion, that's a fact.
Drew
New to the board here. We picked up our Montero Ltd. two weeks ago and have enjoyed every drive. The posts here were very helpful in making our decision. We looked at almost all the competition and this vehicle just seemed like the best combination of value, looks, size, and uniqueness. We came close to going a little bigger with the Yukon until we realized that almost every third or fourth SUV we saw on the road seemed to be a Yukon/Tahoe. Too common.
I have a question regarding the display screens. The manual shows three different displays: the compass, the large clock and the air conditioning. However, mine only toggles between two. I've never seen the air conditioning. Was this changed after the manual was printed, is something wrong with mine, or am I missing something? I just noticed this because I've only recently had the chance to sit down and go through the whole manual.
Otherwise, great vehicle, great value, and just uncommon enough that you don't look like everybody else on the road.