Hi Everyone,
Back in June I started seriously looking for a Montero.
Finally found one and am pretty happy.
It is a 95 LS with 130K on the clicker. Engine is tight and inside/outside are clean. Got it for $2450 so we are in pretty good shape. I am amazed how stout this vehicle is after just 1 week of driving it.

Being new to Mitsu Club I wanted to know what I should look at modify to keep tranny and engine running. Anything to look at or look for will be really appreciated. We'll put a picture up when we take some.

Thanks and thanks to all those who sent advise back in June.

jbm

Welcome.

Wow a 95 for $2450! Do you know the service history? If not I would think your due for a timing belt. Check the crank pully bolt. I'm not sure if it effects your year but it's best to double check. It causes major problems if it breaks and is only a $5 part.

Pictures?

Hey LRJ,

Yeah that is a pretty decent price. Truck came out of Miami, lady owner but I have no idea what has been done. Timing belt and bolt are a good place to start.
Thanks for the reply.
Will get some pics this week.

jbm

Welcome! That's a great rig. I'll be looking for an SR model soon myself. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

$2450! That is huge!!! AT or 5-spd?

If you don't know that the t-belt and other 120k service was done, then you should also include:

- Water pump (and o-rings)
- Front oil seals (2-cams, 1-crank)
- Timing belt tenioner and pulley
- Tune-up (plugs, EGR, wires)

Other things would include full fluid change.

Hey MontyMcV,


It is A/T. shifts fine so far. Unless I can confirm work you listed has been done I am going to have it taken care of. No issues so far, does need front pads...
Wife doesn't like the whirrrr noise that you hear when you hit about 45mph. I think it is just the sound of the vehicle myself.
The sound does stop if you take your foot off the gas at that speed but you don't go far that way.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the help.

jbm

Sorry OT
Which Seminole, FL? Okaloosa Co/ just outside Ft Walton beach?
Or the other one in Pinellas Co?

Hey Wyleone,
We are in Pinellas county,
The most people and the smallest county in FL.

This would be why I choose to drive a Montero !! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Hey, I have one of those. It has been an incredibly solid/reliable truck. Like any high mileage used car, make sure you change all the fluids ASAP. One maintenance item on that car which is often overlooked is the cleaning of the throttle body and IAC valve. It is easy and quick, but should be done every 15-20k miles.

About the whirring noise. Does that happen right after you start the car and drive it? If so, that is normal but it should go away after you drive around a bit. When the car is cold/just started, the transmission shifts a bit later than when it is warmed up. The shift from 2nd to 3rd is also fairly abrubt when the car is cold. My truck has been like that since I bought it with 20k miles.

Do a drain and top-up on the A/T. It is easy since it has a drain plug. You will need about 5.5 quarts to top it up. Although there is some disagreement on this issue. Any Dexron III rated fluid should be fine.

BTW that is a very good price, although that is why I still have this truck. It has no resale value but has another 100k miles left in it.

Welcome! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Hi Winston,

Thanks for the tips.

Fluids are going to get changed this week along as a just to be sure.
The tranny shift is exactly like you describe upon start up and smooths out when warmed up.
The whirring noise seems to be noticeable when you hit 45 mpg after the tranny hits 3rd gear. Shift is fine and power is there so that is not an issue. Since I haven't driven one of these guys before I can't compare it.
It really sounds like standard engine noise from acceleration at that point.

I got to tell you this one. We have gotten a lot of rain here in Tampa Bay and are about to get some more with this baby hurricane coming. At my sons soccer practice last night the grass parking lot was flooded but a Ford Explorer tried to make it thru to park next to the field. It bogged down and the Mom driver gunned the heck out of it spraying mud over 1 Lexus, 1 Camrey and 1 F-250. It was hilarious <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
So after practice I just HAD to drive the Montero thru the mud. I didn't even put it in 4x4 and cruised right thru without a problem.

It was great.

jbm