2002/03 Montero real world reviews, gas mileage (not sport)

I am currently driving a '96 land rover and am considering purchasing a used 2002/03 Montero. Probably an '02 due to the fact it will be cheaper.

I am wondering if anyone could forward me any comments/reviews you have personally written, any websites that have fairly honest reviews, etc.

My friend just bought a 2000 Montero and I really like it, am considering a '00, '01 as well. Anyone care to comment on which you would buy and why. The old frame based platform 00/01 or the new unibody constructed Monteros.

Thanks a bunch!

-Tom

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TomTom
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i believe there was no '00 montero, and the unibody definitely started in '01 (3rd generation).

i drive an '01 XLS and love it. the biggest flaw is that it's underpowered (3.5l v6, 200hp, 230ftlb...as i recall), and a bit softly sprung. the '03s have a 3.8l motor which is supposed to help the power considerably, adding much needed torque. and ARB markets a suspension kit under the 'old man emu' brand name (which i will be installing shortly) which lifts the vehicle

40mm and adds progressive-rate springs to keep the ride from being quite so wallowy. mileage is ok for as heavy a vehicle as it is...i get 16-17mpg on average, and have seen as high as 21mpg cruising at 65mph (less at 80...) the 3.8l is supposedly even a little better, since it's not working so hard.

the XLS is the 'base' model, which in '01 meant no leather, no infinity sound system, no video-game lcd compass (*not* a navigation system), and a

4spd auto with a mechanical transfer case. the feedback i've seen has indicated some problems with the 5spd 'tiptronic' auto/electric transfer case of the '01 limiteds and all '02s. mine has the 'sport' package, which adds a rear limited slip differential (a *must* if you're off-road at all) and a truly massive sunroof.

the 4-corner independent suspension on the 3rd gens adds considerable on-road comfort and handling vs. the solid rear axle on the body-on-frame montys (and your rover). it's also plenty capable off-road, with the seemingly incongruous improvements of both higher ground clearance and lower step-in as compared with earlier models. that said, the serious rock crawlers still prefer the earlier ones due to their lower rear-end gearing, optional differential lock, and the improved articulation of the solid axle. myself, i don't rock crawl, and the '01 does great on the mountain fire roads and deep sand beaches where i fish.

check out the mitsubishi forums on

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it's mostly earlier models there, but do a search on 'gen 3' or a model year and you'll find some more reviews. also the australian forums here:
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the montero ('pajero' everywhere but theusa) is a lot more popular over there. they refer to the 3rd gens as 'NM'or 'NP'. 3-door models are available over there, as are direct-injectiondiesels and manual trannys. alas... fwiw,

dookie

Reply to
dookie

oh...

i've had mine since new, just over 2 years now, about 51k miles. zero problems. flawless. but i'm also good about maintenance and have replaced all the fluids with synthetics...motor, gearboxes, tranny.

dookie

Reply to
dookie

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