2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS 3.0

Summary:

Fantastic! Still has many original parts

Faults:

So far normal things have been replaced.

Timing belt 3 times.

Spark plugs 5 times.

Oil changes every 3,000 miles.

Trans oil changed every 50,000.

Tires 4 times.

Shocks once.

Brakes 4 times.

Rotors 2 times.

Battery 3 times.

Sun roof leaks.

Blew head gasket at 187,400 and fixed with K&W Nano Seal. Drives very well at 70+mph, and averages 16 MPG. It has been an excellent vehicle that I would highly recommend.

General Comments:

Paint looks fantastic.

The ride is still like new.

Leather seats show some wear, but with 187,500 it is expected.

All major components are original. Power steering, rack and pinion, starter, radiator, master cylinders, power brake cylinder, water pump, oil pump, bearings, trans axle transmission, u-joints, etc.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2014

2000 Mitsubishi Montero XLS 3.0L

Summary:

Sluggish, but dependable

Faults:

The front suspension continues to have issues. There are many strange klunks, grinds and clanks out of the front of the car that sound like steel under stress being relieved. I have taken to several mechanics however and they all say there doesn't appear to be anything wrong although they acknowledge the noises when test driving.

There has been no major mechanical failures with my SUV.

General Comments:

This is a reliable vehicle that has not needed major work at all for 90k miles which is a major relief because my other car is a Saab.

The Montero handles like a dream in the snow. I am amazed how this SUV cuts through +12" snow falls with no hesitation at all. In fact, Minneapolis had just got 15" the night I purchased the Montero and it was hands down the winner when compared to the other 2 SUVs I was considering.

The cabin is a little cramped, but it is comfortable for an average size person and for kids in the back seat. It will haul smaller loads in the trunk compartment, but larger items like TVs, plywood, etc will not fit. The cockpit controls are simple and easy to use.

The largest short coming of this vehicle is its acceleration. Mitsubishi definitely should have considered a larger motor or a turbo diesel. As is, it's down right rotten. Merging on freeways is difficult, and navigating past slower traffic is almost impossible.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd May, 2007

2000 Mitsubishi Montero LS 3.0

Summary:

Terrible vehicle. Getting ready to trade it in before it's too late

Faults:

At 28000 miles I had to take this vehicle to the dealer because the Neutral light was flashing indicating a malfunction in the transmission. At 65000 miles I had to take the vehicle in for a diagnostic exam because the car was stalling every time I would bring it to a stop. The computer on board was not picking up the problem so I paid extra just to have the dealer to run the probe. The problem was caused by the Idle Air Control Motor going out and a Valve Cover Gasket leak. The plugs had to be replaced because the leak was causing them to be covered in oil. It cost me $1200 to have this service done. It's upsetting considering the fact that I keep the scheduled maintenance up to date on the vehicle. The transmission shifts very roughly, sometimes jerking if I decelerate and then give the car more gas.

General Comments:

The vehicle has a terrible starting speed. I feel as though I'm driving Ms. Daisy after leaving a red light. It also has a terrible suspension. I feel as though I'm riding a four wheeler through the woods. The cabin also makes a lot of noise when hitting bumps in the road. There's a squeaking noise coming from the glove box, and the engine squeaks all the time after warming up. I have to sit for three minutes after starting the vehicle to ensure that the transmission will not shift at 5000rpm from 1st to second gear.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 1st December, 2005