Used 1991 Mitsubishi Montero Consumer Reviews
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Going Going Going
Back in 1989 around october I saw this montero RS with 5 speed 4 door silver in color at the dealer. Got a great deal. 17,500 that was new, 20 years ago. Will I buy another Montero? YES this thing will not DIE!!! Have about 438,000 miles. The body has no rust, the paint so so, parts 2 clutch one fly wheel, one transmission at 365000, other than this just small parts.
when SUV's were worth something
after owning many 4x4's, this 91 monty is my favorite of all of them. it's unpretentious, get-down-to- business approach and style are the best. it's everything the newer "gen- x" SUV's (like the Xterra, etc) wanna be. amazingly reliable. 4x4 system is unstoppable. this winter i have pulled an explorer & two blazers out of the snow, and last summer my LAND ROVER GOT STUCK IN THE MUD & the monty pulled it out! the air ride drivers seat is great on my back, and the cargo and cabin area make anything do- able and haulable. manual transmission makes it fun and less sluggish. up to 33" tires can fit without modifications!
My Third Monty
This is my third and oldest Montero. I trust the brand to buy a 20 year old copy with 160,000 miles. Everything works like new. Its 143 horses must be Clydesdales. The view through the tall windows is commanding. Only drawbacks (others mention these): Driver's seat does not go back quite far enough and radio controls are far below the dash. Gas mileage is fair. It helps to know where to get parts. A junk yard or one of several online forums will keep this truck going at least another five years. There are lots of prior Montero owners out there who come up to the car and smile.
A Reliable Rig
This is a very reliable SUV. I bought it used with 44K miles and it now has 175K. The only repair I've made was for valvue cover oil leaks and the starter. The first tune up was done at 100k. It burns about a quart of oil every 1K miles now. A great rig for a responsible driver.
So Cal Bakersfield Review
I have not had any problems with this vehicle whatsoever. I have over 120,000 miles on it, and have spent less than $500 in repairs on it, outside of oilchanges and regular maintenance.
The Last of the Great SUVs
I am the original owner and have enjoyed my 1990 Montero so much I just put in a new "factory" interior. The vehicle has 197,000 miles on it. It is quite difficult to find OEM interior trim parts. Someone should start a salvage yard for 82-91 Monteros so we will always be able to find parts.
Love this SUV like no other!
When we bought our first Montero in 1989 we were so thrilled with everything about it! People would actually stop us and ask what type of vehicle it was. Unfortunately, a few years later we were involved in an accident which totaled our beloved SUV. Remarkably we suffered not one injury...the car was amazing in how it protected us. Ended up with our 91 immediately after. We still have this car and we are now giving it to our 16 year old son to drive to school. Have had no problems EVER with this vehicle. Today we had new shocks put on and a new stabilizer bar. All windows, ac, original radio etc. are all still working fine. Had a problem with the horn once...will drive this Monty to her death!
10 years with a Montero LS
We purchased the car 10 years ago, used with 3,000 miles on it. During the 10 years our experience has been generally good. Steering box failed at 60,000 miles ($800), dealer said not unusual. Original exhaust lasted 9.5 years, but cost $900 at the dealer. Other failures: year 5 - two power window controls failed ($125 each for parts); year 1-cruise control sometimes turns off when directionals are used (dealer unable to find problem); year 6 air conditioning failed ($900 to repair with no guarentee it would be fixed (dealer price)); year 6 - FM radio and cassette failed, replacement lasted only 2 years.
Best of the best
We bought this "unknown" SUV instead of the 4Runner we couldn't afford. Only thing I would do different was to buy the automatic. The clutch plate was small and replaced about every 45,000 miles. Otherwise, a great ride for the money. Owned it for 11 years, original owners, put 168,000 miles on it. Great family car.
13 Years and Going Strong
I bought this vehicle to drive for 2-3 years and replace when I found a better SUV.I'm still looking for that better one.I have never broken down or been stuck that the 4X4 come through.If the other 11 automobiles I have owned over the past 13 years had performed only half as well as the Montero I would have been delighted.Overall fantastic SUV!
Absolutely love this car
This is my 4th one! I love this car! I was a real estate broker living outside the states and this car was great for showing property off of dirt roads. They still make the 2 door; they just don't import it into the states. The "box" (older) version is better because it has real Bumpers! Looking for one in mint condition.
This generation of Monteros is the best
The Montero that I own which is a 1990 has over 160000 miles on it. It is still going and I love it. I drive it everyday. I put a third row seat in the Montero, but removed it because I needed the HUGE truck for cargo. It you are in need of a 4X4 SUV under $5,000, this is it.
I sold it too soon.
Sold it at a 165,000 miles. Started looking for a new SUV and began to regret selling it. Never had a problem with it. Only normal maintenance, and maybe brakes wearing too soon, burns a little oil. Always started. NEVER left me on the highway stranded. Could use more guts up highway hills, but it's top end is great. Also could use more driver leg room. Fits well in compact car spaces for so much int. cubic ft.
A Perfect Machine
I can't think of any way to improve this vehicle. Even after almost 19 years it still runs like a champ. Add gas and change the oil and it will never let you down. Even with 121k miles it can keep pace with interstate traffic and off-road like it was new. The designer thought of everything. They don't make them like this anymore. I'll only drive a Montero after owning this one.
1989 Montero LS
I am the third owner of this Montero LS. It has 205000 on it as of this week and it can still take off from the line. I bought this truck to use in winter since my main car is my baby and I don't like to drive it in snow. I drive the truck daily now from autumn til summer and it is great. The truck was in no way properly maintained by its previous owner but still runs like a peach. I will be doing pretty much a full engine and electrical rebuild in summer of 09 and will do some things to the surface rust to make the truck look like new.
great SUV !
it's very reliable, never get stuck, look very good, the only modifications I done to mine, was the superwinch manual locking hubs, 16" tires, bushguard, remote starter, Yakima roof racks. The engine and the transmission are just perfect.
Montero 1990 LS
We are the orginal owners...now have 224,000 miles. Engine rebuilt once, new rings, new head, 3rd oil pump. Works like brand new now, saving it to give to our 16 year old son. This is the only car he has known...Have been to Quebec twice in the past two years in it. It is very tough built and reliable
1990 Montero -- still going strong!
We LOVE this car! 140,000 miles, and it still runs GREAT!
Good Bye Old Friend
I drove this SUV off the lot new in June of 1990. It's the only vehicle my two teenage daughters can remember me owning. Original manual clutch, original engine w/ 250,000 plus miles. Still runs but needs an engine rebuild. Replaced the computer once due to the idle servo motor shorting out. That was a $1000 fix and the most costly repair today. I just purchased the new Toyota FJ Cruiser after 17 years. Only time will tell if it can endure as well as the Montero. Hate to see old faithful go.
EXCELLENT FOR BEGINNING FAMILIES
For the last two years it has been our best vehicle. Has never broken down, anything and everything fits in it. Great daily driver and very comfortable for long trips. The off-road capabilities are endless. Very good ground clearance, good suspension and high/low 4x4 ranges. Crossed rivers headlight-deep and had no problems at all. The turning radius is not as good as other SUV's but the independent front suspension is absolutely fantastic.
Life in the Box
Have enjoyed 2.5 years with a LS Montero. This is one of the few import vehicles that has enough interior room where I feel comfortable (6'3'). Very practical, have driven on 2000+ mile road trips twice and it has never let me down. This is my daily driver and it used to tow a boat frequently. There is a design flaw with the steering gearbox - very common and expensive repair ($500-$800) but chances may be pretty good this has already been replaced on the earlier models. Love the truck. Has been both a workhorse and earns Range Rover wanna be respect around town for a fraction of the price.
Good rig
The montero is fun rig to drive. Very well build. Good engine. Good for hunting an for in town driving. Not good for long hauls. Not comfortable for long drives.
Old Betty still rolling smoothly
This is posted as a tribute to my old gal now with 208k miles. I feel guilty that I'm now considering replacing her simply to keep up with style....(OK she need tires and ignition switch work too.) Too bad they don't make these anymore. I bought her 1 year old at 9,000 miles. 21 years and 208000 my baby still runs great. Blown engine oil seal at 200k has been the only major issue. Very comfortable ride. Good off-road durability. Still not a squeak in her.
Montero
Great cheap suv. Fun!!!
Going strong
1990 LS this car has been in my family for almost 30 years 275,000 miles and my father keeps track of the miles to this day I get a phone call asking for them and what needs to be done or greased moon roof still works AC is on point. I do need the weather strips around the moon roof, just got new upgraded shocks my pops for the longest would not let me modify anything but he’s coming around even though I bought it off him a few years back. Love this car I won’t sell it unless it’s in writing it will be kept on the road or serviced. I do get offers all the time. This car is as solid as they come
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I love my Montero!
Well 151K miles later and she's still running. The A/C quit last week (bad in Florida) and the blinkers stopped blinking yesterday. I bought her in 2002 w/ 102K. I've just had so much fun, I'd love to keep her running forever. I actually got upset that I had to start shelling out some money for repairs in 2004, but DUH..it had 120K and was 13 yrs by then! Sadly I think her time is nearing. In the 6 years of ownership, I only had it not start on me ONCE! Geez what am I thinking, why am I considering a new vehicle? I love this SUV. Oh yeah I remember now, it's not cheap to get them fixed!