Anonymous
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I'm trying to make my final decision on which late 90s SUV I want to get to replace my 1998 Honda CR-V which was recently stolen. I've looked at a 1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR with 106,000 miles (none off-road, which I'm sure disappoints you guys) and am a few days away from making my big decision.
My father is helping me with the decision (I'm 23 and female, so he thinks I need the help) and wanted me to ask a question on here. According to Mitsubishi, the timing belt should be replaced at 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The current owners don't know if it's ever been replaced, as they've had it less than a year. We're concerned about buying it and having to replace the timing belt right away. We just spent $600 or more replacing the timing belt on my CR-V when it hit 90,000 miles and started screeching. Since that car was stolen its kind of like lost money.
My dad doesn't think there's any way for a mechanic to take a look to see if the timing belt needs replacement. The seller has agreed to knock off of the price the cost for any repairs we find that are needed. So far we've only seen that it needs new tires, but I'm having it inspected by someone tomorrow.
I guess my question is...how long did everyone's timing belt last? My dad said that on some cars when the timing belt goes it can ruin the engine, but that on others it's not as big of a deal. Which is the Montero?
Any other issues I should be on the lookout for on this model?
Thanks all!
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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just got me a 94 and luv it-have all records
definatey replace timing belts on mitsu motors at specified intervals
check my artical in talk"non tech section" its about a week old it will tell u what everyone told me before my purchase 
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Jim_B
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 06/21/01
Posts: 1447
Loc: Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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What are the other choices? The 3.5 Mitsu engine is good, but kind of complicated and expensive to repair if something goes wrong.
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LRJ4x4
Web Wheeler
Reged: 12/17/01
Posts: 11717
Loc: Monterey, CA
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Thats a big step from a CR-V to a SR Montero. My wife has problems with our 98 4Runner because she went from a RAV-4 which is nothing more than a jacked up car similar to the CR-V to a full frame solid axel 4 runner. The SR is a nice machine but just be aware it's not going to handle like a car.
Your dad gave you good advice, listen to him. Nothing wrong with getting advice on important decisions.
Have it looked over by a quality mech that is familiar with Montero's. It's better to pay $100 up front then it is to drive home a $6000+ bucket of bolts. Don't belive anything the seller says unless there is paperwork to back it up. If it seems funny it is funny and just walk away.
As far as the timing belt. There are two types of engines, interference and non-interference. If the timing belt goes on a interference engine the pistons and the valves hit and the engine is destroyed. On non-interference engines the pistons can't hit the valves so there is less chance of major engine damage. Bad things can still happen but most of the time it's repairable.
I'm not sure if the 3.0 or 3.5 is interference or not since I have a 2.6.
Let us know what happens
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98 Montero with cold weather package
96 Toyota Land Cruiser, fully locked Mall Machine :-)
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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The timing belt isn't something you wait to see how long it lasts. Every 60k miles, you just replace it. It's expensive to replace because it is labor intensive, and while you are down there, its a good idea to have your water pump checked/replaced as well since it is hard to get to. As far as the belt goes, check to see if it looks dry, or show signs of cracking or deterioration. If it shows any of those signs, it is way overdue for replacement. And yes, if the timing belt goes on this engine, it's my understanding that it will be toast. So, having a mechanic check it out is a good idea.
I can only reiterate what LRJ says about the difference between a Montero SR and a Honda CRV. Its much bigger, taller and heavier, and gas mileage will be less. It's a very capable 4x4 as well, so it might be overkill for what you need.
I have nearly 175K on my engine and it is running strong. Follow the factory recommendations for maintenance and you will minimize problems. Don't wait for something to happen.
Asking questions and getting information from forums like this one is also invaluable. I have learned more from people here than any other source, and as a result have saved lots of time and money for repairs or modifications.
I coulnd't be happier with my montero, and plan on getting a lot more miles out of it.
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off-roader
Mitsubishi Forum Moderator
Reged: 01/16/00
Posts: 15558
Loc: Bay Area, CA
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Not sure about the 3.5 but the timing belt on the 3.0SOHC engines is listed as a 60k replacement in CA but in the rest of the country it's 90K. What does that mean? IMHO Ca. is just a bit stricter with require maintenance?
I do believe the 3.5 DOHC is an interference engine but I can't be sure. I've been told that the 3.0SOHC engine in mine is not so timing belt goes and I stop but that's about it.
Took me ~5hr's to replace it on mine. Not sure on the 3.5.
Also, replacing the spark plugs can be a real bear because you have to remove the intake manifold or go through a number of gyrations to get one of the plugs out. Guess that's why the recommend 100k plugs. I'd make sure this was done prior or get the money up front.
It is a pity you won't take it off road. The SR comes with one of the nicest off road packages which includes adjustable shocks, a rear differential lock (not very common in 4x4's of that era) and a very advanced 4WD system. Not taking it off road will be like buying the really nice hiking boots and using them around the house instead of slippers.
Gas mileage won't be the best. If you buy it and decide to sell it in a few years, let the folks on this forum know.
Oh, if you do decide to take it off road and want advice also let us know.
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Off Roader
96SR (3.15:1 xcase, 35's), 89 V6 SWB (33's)
96SR Build Up Thread
Old web page
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Let me tell a little bit more about my decision...
Right now I'm driving my dad's Ford F150 SuperCrew until I get a new car. My brother has a 1991 Ford Bronco 4x4 I also drive. My dad and I talked yesterday about how the Montero is "more rugged" than my CRV. First, let me say that I didn't like my CRV. I've had it 6 years and before that I had a 1986 Chevy Blazer. I'm ready to move to something a little bigger. I'm currently in law school, but was planning to buy a brand new car in 2 years when I'm done with school. I'm looking at the Chevy Trailblazer, but we'll see how I feel in 2 years. So, this Montero will only be for 2 years.
I really liked that it was bigger and sat up higher than my CRV. I loved that I felt like I was surrounded by windows, it has a very open feel. The one I'm looking at has been kept in really good condition as far as I can tell, with the only cosmetic damage being a small tear in the front passenger seat. I'd actually prefer to get a model that wasn't a 4x4 because I don't need it, but all the ones I've looked at have it. I do ski, so having a 4x4 will be nice because my CRV couldn't make it up the mountain in snow. I just won't be using the 4x4 often.
Thanks for all the advice so far. I like to really research things because I tend to make impulsive buys. I've got a company called "Car Checkers" here in Atlanta coming out to look at the car either today or tomorrow. They apparently check for just about everything, including a paint test to see if it's been wrecked and repainted or anything. My family only owns Fords (except me), so my dad doesn't know much about the Montero. Best to leave it to someone who does.
Any other advice is much appreciated. I've read other threads on here and it's very helpful.
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Winston
Rock Warrior
Reged: 02/01/05
Posts: 509
Loc: SF Bay Area
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The 97 Montero SR is a great car. I do not know why people are trying to second guess your decision. Your 3.5L has 24 valves with a single overhead cam. This is different than the 94-95 3.5L engines that have a dual overhead Cam. Like someone mentioned earlier the replacement interval is 60k miles. However, the belt on your engine would probably last up to 150k miles. With 125k miles on the engine I would be nervous and would definately change the belt imediately. Your Dad is right, there is no good way to determine if the belt has been changed. However, there are little inspection covers on the timing belt cover. If you take those off and are able to find some strange brand name on it, then you can assume it has been changed.
Like someone else stated it is about time for new plugs on that engine which is not a simple job.
Having said all of that, these cars are incredibly reliable.
If you decide to buy the car I would do the following maintenance. If you do all this you will be good to go for another 100k with only fluid changes.
Replace timing belt, water pump, timing belt idler pulley, Timing belt tensioner, alternator belt, AC belt, new top and bottom radiator hoses, new spark plugs (ngk double platinum), new spark plug wires, replace coolant, new thermostat, new radiator cap, clean throttle body and IAC motor. At a dealer this will cost you about $1000 to $1250.
Sorry it I scared you off. Oh, and yes if the timing belt breaks it will destroy your engine.
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'90 Montero XLS (Sold, sadly)
'95 Montero LS 160k
'03 Montero Limited 30k
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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That was a long list of things to do. Are you sure all that would only be $1000-1200? My timing belt for my Honda ending up costing between $600-800 by itself.
The owners have said they'll deduct money off the selling price for anything that needs to be done, but I'm not sure how much I can convince them needs to be done. I'll have that Car Checkers report in the next couple of days.
While we're on the subject of what needs to be done...it does need new tires. Right now it has 265x70x15 BF Goodrich T.A. Radials (according to what my dad wrote down for me - it's all greek to me). Any advice?
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DavidG
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 10/29/03
Posts: 1258
Loc: Atlanta, Georgia
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Definitely replace the timing belt. If you don't have a mechanic you are comfortable with you could use O'Brien Mitsubishi, they seem to be good people. Whatever you do don't go to Rick Case Mitsubishi for service!
As much as I would like to recommend going for larger mud tires (sounds like you would not need them) you should replace the BFG's with the same size light truck tire. I've used Discount Tire in the past. They offered great service, competitive pricing, and there are a number of them around Atlanta. I personally go to the one near me on Peachtree Industrial Blvd. in Chamblee and I can say they're excellent to work with.
BTW, if I wasn't heading out of town in the morning I would offer to take a look at the rig for you. Regardless, good luck  If it's in good shape I'm sure you'll enjoy owning it.
-David
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1997 Montero SR
www.georgiaoverland.com
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