Looking to purchase a Montero Sport; any sugestions?
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Post by loner6996 on Jan 20, 2016 20:13:36 GMT -5
I used to have a 2002 Montero sport that I had to give back to the bank because they were jerking me around. I really remember liking it though and am considering purchasing another one. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or things to look for. Is the 3.5 v6 really that much better than the 3.0? Auto or manual? I'd prefer 4 wheel drive but I noticed they have a 4wd and an awd. Any differences?
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Post by pinstryper on Jan 20, 2016 20:18:11 GMT -5
I have a REALLY nice one if you are near Houston
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Post by loner6996 on Jan 20, 2016 20:30:36 GMT -5
I'm close to Phoenix so that wouldn't help. Thanks anyway.
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jan 21, 2016 19:49:14 GMT -5
... I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or things to look for. Is the 3.5 v6 really that much better than the 3.0? Auto or manual? I'd prefer 4 wheel drive but I noticed they have a 4wd and an awd. Any differences? '97-'99 - Generation 1 (US) 2.4L, 3.0L engine - '97-'99 3.5L engine - '99 only A/T or M/T 2WD or 4WD only 2.4L - 2WD only 3.0L, 3.5L - 2WD or 4WD Leaf spring rear suspension ES, LS, XLS - '97-'99 Limited - '99 '00-'04 - Generation 2 (US) 2.4L, 3.0L & 3.5L A/T only 2WD, 4WD or AWD 2.4L - 2WD only 3.0L, 3.5L - 2WD or 4WD Coil spring rear suspension ES, LS, XLS, Limited - '00-'04 The features between Gen 1 and Gen 2 don't differ that much between the same models. In other words a '99 Limited isn't much different than a '02 Limited - same features, just newer. If you're going to use the vehicle off road, stay away from any of the AWD models. If you're in the southernish states without a REGULAR, SIGNIFICANT snowfall, stay away from the AWD models. If you have any concern for fuel mileage at all, stay away from the AWD models. Oh, and AWD eats tires compared to the 2WD/4WD models.  AWD gets you two things over the standard 4WD Sport transfer case - the ability to run effectively '4WD' on bone dry pavement and AWD is VERY SLIGHTLY safer than 4WD because the front and rear drive trains are not locked together as they are in 4WD. AWD is not a terribly useful feature on a SUV that already has 4WD. YES, the 3.5L is SIGNIFICANTLY different from the 3.0L. NOT BETTER, just DIFFERENT. The 3.0L gets better fuel mileage but has less low end torque. The 3.5L has a lot more low end torque but you sacrifice fuel mileage. If you're carrying heavy loads, bigger tires, bull bars, winches, work tools, high altitude, hilly environment - get a 3.5L. If you're commuting, low altitude, relatively flat environment, the occasional camping trip, couple kids, you, your honey and a dog - get the 3.0L. I have a '97 with a transplanted 3.5L, a '97 3.0L, a '99 3.5L and a '03 3.5L. I drove my original 3.0L '97 for 500K miles before swapping engines. The 3.0L doesn't have the oomph down below 3000-3500 RPM that the 3.5L does. That makes carrying heavy loads, in the upper altitudes like CO and the mountains a PITA. If you plan to modify the vehicle and run 33" tires with a bull bar, skids, etc. the 3.5L will be a LOT nicer to drive. On the other hand, the 3.0L is a good bit more fuel efficient and if you do a lot of highway driving at lower altitudes, I think the 3.0L is a better choice. I NEVER had a complaint with the 3.0Ls in CA. Here in CO, though, its a little different. The coil and leaf rear suspensions is a major differentiator between the Gen 1 and Gen 2. If you're carrying a lot of weight on a regular basis, get a Gen 1. If all that goes in the back are groceries and small dogs, get a Gen 2. The Gen 1 has a much stiffer suspension and rides like a truck. The Gen 2 has a much softer suspension and rides more like a car. There are three A/T transmissions. The '97-'98 4-speed, the '99-'04 4-speed and the '03-'04 5-speed. The latter was only available in the '03-'04 Limited 3.5L AWD model - STAY AWAY FROM THIS MODEL! The M/T was only available in the Gen 1 Sports from '97-'99, only in the ES and LS and only with the 2.4L or 3.0L. To the best of my knowledge I own the only 3.5L M/T Sport on the planet.  If your top priority is fuel efficiency, the M/T is it. Be aware that if you plan to modify your Sport for wheeling, this will SEVERELY limit your drive train options unless you have a large pile of cash laying around and nothing better to spend it on. If you plan to wheel your Sport, I strongly suggest the '97-'98. Besides the fact that what aftermarket parts there are for the Sport are for the Gen 1, the '97-'98 uses the Aisin Warner AW4 A/T - the same that was installed in the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4-Runner and Nissan which makes replacing the transfer case with a commonly available Jeep transfer case relatively simple. I don't mess with the 2WD ES or the other 2WD only models so I can't speak for them. The LS is the base 4WD model. The XLS is the upper range 4WD model. The Limited is the tippy-top of the food chain. Mechanically, there is very little difference between models with the exception of the 5-speed A/T in the '03-'04 Limited 3.5L AWD - which I already said to stay away from. The brakes are the same disk/disk with a minor difference in size between models in the Gen 2 Sports. Nothing of any importance. Mostly what really changes between models are cosmetic features. The LS will be the cheapest, the XLS next up and the Limited is usually the most expensive since it was the top of the line. Which model is more personnel preference since, like I said, mechanically they're all the same. There is a 'Narrow' and a 'Wide' model. THIS is IMPORTANT. The 'Wide' models have the large, wide color matched fender flairs and come with the wider 7" alloy rims. The 'Narrow' models usually have NO flairs, but may have thin black textured flairs but come with the thin 6" alloy rims. The 'Wide' model is the upgrade. You can get a LS 'Narrow' or the LS 'Wide'. Whatever I look for, I make sure its the 'Wide' model. Hard to find features: the dash pod with the gauges, rear spare tire carrier and locking rear differential - all only available on the '97-'99. Edward |
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Post by loner6996 on Jan 22, 2016 0:12:10 GMT -5
Thank you ES_97sport. That is exactly what I was looking for. I live in phoenix so It's pretty flat, no snow. I definitely want a 4x4. It would be mostly a to and from work and occasional weekend toy. This is my current ride I love driving it but it gets pretty terrible gas mileage.  |
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Post by MonteroSportHonduras on Jan 22, 2016 12:13:54 GMT -5
... I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions or things to look for. Is the 3.5 v6 really that much better than the 3.0? Auto or manual? I'd prefer 4 wheel drive but I noticed they have a 4wd and an awd. Any differences? '97-'99 - Generation 1 (US) 2.4L, 3.0L engine - '97-'99 3.5L engine - '99 only A/T or M/T 2WD or 4WD only 2.4L - 2WD only 3.0L, 3.5L - 2WD or 4WD Leaf spring rear suspension ES, LS, XLS - '97-'99 Limited - '99 '00-'04 - Generation 2 (US) 2.4L, 3.0L & 3.5L A/T only 2WD, 4WD or AWD 2.4L - 2WD only 3.0L, 3.5L - 2WD or 4WD Coil spring rear suspension ES, LS, XLS, Limited - '00-'04 The features between Gen 1 and Gen 2 don't differ that much between the same models. In other words a '99 Limited isn't much different than a '02 Limited - same features, just newer. If you're going to use the vehicle off road, stay away from any of the AWD models. If you're in the southernish states without a REGULAR, SIGNIFICANT snowfall, stay away from the AWD models. If you have any concern for fuel mileage at all, stay away from the AWD models. Oh, and AWD eats tires compared to the 2WD/4WD models. AWD gets you two things over the standard 4WD Sport transfer case - the ability to run effectively '4WD' on bone dry pavement and AWD is VERY SLIGHTLY safer than 4WD because the front and rear drive trains are not locked together as they are in 4WD. AWD is not a terribly useful feature on a SUV that already has 4WD. YES, the 3.5L is SIGNIFICANTLY different from the 3.0L. NOT BETTER, just DIFFERENT. The 3.0L gets better fuel mileage but has less low end torque. The 3.5L has a lot more low end torque but you sacrifice fuel mileage. If you're carrying heavy loads, bigger tires, bull bars, winches, work tools, high altitude, hilly environment - get a 3.5L. If you're commuting, low altitude, relatively flat environment, the occasional camping trip, couple kids, you, your honey and a dog - get the 3.0L. I have a '97 with a transplanted 3.5L, a '97 3.0L, a '99 3.5L and a '03 3.5L. I drove my original 3.0L '97 for 500K miles before swapping engines. The 3.0L doesn't have the oomph down below 3000-3500 RPM that the 3.5L does. That makes carrying heavy loads, in the upper altitudes like CO and the mountains a PITA. If you plan to modify the vehicle and run 33" tires with a bull bar, skids, etc. the 3.5L will be a LOT nicer to drive. On the other hand, the 3.0L is a good bit more fuel efficient and if you do a lot of highway driving at lower altitudes, I think the 3.0L is a better choice. I NEVER had a complaint with the 3.0Ls in CA. Here in CO, though, its a little different. The coil and leaf rear suspensions is a major differentiator between the Gen 1 and Gen 2. If you're carrying a lot of weight on a regular basis, get a Gen 1. If all that goes in the back are groceries and small dogs, get a Gen 2. The Gen 1 has a much stiffer suspension and rides like a truck. The Gen 2 has a much softer suspension and rides more like a car. There are three A/T transmissions. The '97-'98 4-speed, the '99-'04 4-speed and the '03-'04 5-speed. The latter was only available in the '03-'04 Limited 3.5L AWD model - STAY AWAY FROM THIS MODEL! The M/T was only available in the Gen 1 Sports from '97-'99, only in the ES and LS and only with the 2.4L or 3.0L. To the best of my knowledge I own the only 3.5L M/T Sport on the planet. If your top priority is fuel efficiency, the M/T is it. Be aware that if you plan to modify your Sport for wheeling, this will SEVERELY limit your drive train options unless you have a large pile of cash laying around and nothing better to spend it on. If you plan to wheel your Sport, I strongly suggest the '97-'98. Besides the fact that what aftermarket parts there are for the Sport are for the Gen 1, the '97-'98 uses the Aisin Warner AW4 A/T - the same that was installed in the Jeep Cherokee, Toyota 4-Runner and Nissan which makes replacing the transfer case with a commonly available Jeep transfer case relatively simple. I don't mess with the 2WD ES or the other 2WD only models so I can't speak for them. The LS is the base 4WD model. The XLS is the upper range 4WD model. The Limited is the tippy-top of the food chain. Mechanically, there is very little difference between models with the exception of the 5-speed A/T in the '03-'04 Limited 3.5L AWD - which I already said to stay away from. The brakes are the same disk/disk with a minor difference in size between models in the Gen 2 Sports. Nothing of any importance. Mostly what really changes between models are cosmetic features. The LS will be the cheapest, the XLS next up and the Limited is usually the most expensive since it was the top of the line. Which model is more personnel preference since, like I said, mechanically they're all the same. There is a 'Narrow' and a 'Wide' model. THIS is IMPORTANT. The 'Wide' models have the large, wide color matched fender flairs and come with the wider 7" alloy rims. The 'Narrow' models usually have NO flairs, but may have thin black textured flairs but come with the thin 6" alloy rims. The 'Wide' model is the upgrade. You can get a LS 'Narrow' or the LS 'Wide'. Whatever I look for, I make sure its the 'Wide' model. Hard to find features: the dash pod with the gauges, rear spare tire carrier and locking rear differential - all only available on the '97-'99. Edward That's an awesome write up! To the OP; It's great to see you are coming back to the Montero life. I can talk a bit about my experience about the 2WD Monteros we have. I have a 03 narrow ES 3.0, it has slightly narrow flares (added by dealer because they are not Mitsu branded) and alloy wheels. The roof is also higher than the 00-02 ( I believe it started in 03) so you get a bit more head room. Being an ES it is a basic model, no cruise, no rear cup holders, no built in door tweeters, no A/T mode button and no variable speed for the wipers. My brother has a 01 wide LS 3.0, it has all the features mine doesn't but the normal height roof. Like Es_97Sport said, there are no mechanical differences between trims. Coil suspension is THE sh1t if you want to ride in comfort. I have carried heavy loads on mine and it bottoms out, so its not a good idea to do it often. As for a 2wd, the 3.0 seems like an adequate engine, it might be a bit dog from take off but then it has good power. Overall from my experience and what I have read I would look out for shuddering transmissions due to old or incorrect fluid and oil consumption/smoking. Mine smokes a bit but runs really strong. And in almost a year of owning it I have only done maintenance, never had an issue. |
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jan 22, 2016 15:04:03 GMT -5
... I live in phoenix so It's pretty flat, no snow. I definitely want a 4x4. It would be mostly a to and from work and occasional weekend toy. .... No worries. Glad to help. In AZ you wouldn't notice a 3.0L. As I said, I've driven the 3.0Ls in CA around San Fran. Even in the hills they were fine. I think you'd be happy with that. The 3.0L can be tweaked with a different exhaust, intake and manual locking hubs (for the 4WD models) to get better mileage than they already do. Consider long and hard what 'weekend toy' means NOW and what it might mean later. A lot of people have bought Sports based on what they THINK they're going to be doing with them and a year or two down the road they change their mind. Unlike Toys, Ford, Chevys, Jeeps, etc., there is a very limited aftermarket for Mitsu Monteros and Montero Sports. You can't just run down to 4-Wheel Parts and buy a lift kit. If you have ANY thoughts AT ALL of maybe doing mods, some moderate wheeling, camping/expeditions stuff, very carefully consider your options. In our world, it is MUCH, MUCH easier to start out with a loaded up, 90% there vehicle than to try to 'fix' a deficient one. Edward |
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Post by pinstryper on Jan 22, 2016 17:04:49 GMT -5
So the 99 3.5 will have the useless automatic?
Guess ill just buy Jaimes' 97
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Post by jkdv8 on Jan 22, 2016 17:12:47 GMT -5
3.5 5 speed sound like fun.
Good right up Edward.
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jan 22, 2016 21:50:51 GMT -5
So the 99 3.5 will have the useless automatic? Guess ill just buy Jaimes' 97 Unfortunately, the '99 Limited 3.5L has the V4A51, not the V4AW3.  Of ALL the Sports to switch from the V4A51 to the V4AW3, this is probably the easiest, though. The '99 Gen 1 is the first year for the PCM so it has the least 'functionality', so to speak. Danny swears that all he had to do was wire up a resistor pack for the V4A51 solenoids and that was that - no driveability issues and no CEL & OBD issues. That leaves you with a shifting. Danny manual shifts his - he doesn't have a TCU so there's no 'D' functionality. Physically you can transplant a '97-99 shifter in relatively easily since there's no generation change. Gen 1 '97-'98 shifter & console plate and you're done. At which point you wire the transmission as they do for manual shift of the AW4. You could ALSO get the TCU and wiring from a '97-98 - presumably where you'd get the donor transmission - and wire it in. I don't know much about this, but I DO know that the Cherokee crowd has done this with their stuff - pull a TCU off a mid '90s AW4 that has no ECM connectivity. You could actually transplant in a Jeep TCU like they've done, too. OR, you could go the route of running the PCS TCU with an aftermarket A/T shifter. The PSC unit is standalone and programmable. VERY programmable! This will be my solution. I've been reading through their manual and documentation for the TCU. That thing is scary impressive! Its absolutely possible to get 100% OEM behavior and functionality. I also found out that they have multiple modes, so it also possible to have one mode that's normal OEM behavior and switch to a second mode that is 100% manual shift. That negates the need to do what the Cherokee guys do which is install a manual switch to cut out the TCU when they want to go manual. So it depends on how much you want to do and what you want to end up with. It is ABSOLUTELY possible to put the AW4 - the good transmission - in the '99 or I wouldn't be doing it myself. You'd probably have a lot easier time than me because you have much better parts availability and more time than I have. You just have to decide how much work you want to put into it. You'll need drive shafts and a t-case as well, don't forget, but you'd need those irrespective. The '99 t-case won't fit on the '97-99 transmission 'cause the output shaft on the A/T is a different diameter and spline count. Edward |
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Post by ES_97Sport on Jan 22, 2016 22:17:08 GMT -5
3.5 5 speed sound like fun. Good right up Edward. Thanks! The 3.5L on the 5-speed A/T isn't that great. The transmission really isn't matched to that engine. Don't ask me how that was accomplished, but its not. Its ok but it certainly doesn't make full use of the 3.5L power-band. UNLESS you manual shift it - then it'll get up and move. If you let it shift itself, its a pig. The 3.5L on the 4-speed A/T is much better. The different between my '99 Limited and my '03 Limited is night and day. Rock solid consistent, smooth and the programming is the polar opposite of the '03. No hunting, no stupid up/down shifting confusion. It just works. The 3.5L on the 5-speed M/T does nothing but show just how bad they screwed up the programming on the 5-speed A/T. I REALLY wish I had the time to beat the ECM kinks out of the engine swap because its an awesome combination. The 3.5L has an flat, even curve that starts WAY down in the RPM range. Which is the only way the 5-speed A/T works at any level since it routinely shifts into 5th dropping the RPMs to 1100-1200 RPM. This is a fun combination in a 6000 lb vehicle. I can't imagine what it'd be like in a stock weight Sport. Edward |
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Post by chrisho on Jan 23, 2016 0:08:01 GMT -5
Ed,
Thanks for the great write up. I am going to have to print this out and save it for later. Love my LS sport & thank you all for keeping her on the road!
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Post by loner6996 on Jan 23, 2016 2:55:17 GMT -5
speaking of the wide and narrow body, is it just the fender flairs that are different or is the actual truck wider?
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Post by pinstryper on Jan 23, 2016 9:18:21 GMT -5
So the. 99 3.5 automatic is the unit to look for?
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Post by bdmontero on Jan 23, 2016 11:58:19 GMT -5
I'd personally stick with a 98 3.0 that has the factory tire carrier and locking differential, leather seats and the compass and oil voltage gauge pod. The main reason is to stick with the aisin transmission. That's what I have and that transmission is literally bulletproof and will handle anything you throw at it. You MIGHT find a 99 with that but they are kind of hard to find.
Sent from my SM-N900V using proboards
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If your top priority is fuel efficiency, the M/T is it. Be aware that if you plan to modify your Sport for wheeling, this will SEVERELY limit your drive train options unless you have a large pile of cash laying around and nothing better to spend it on. 
Of ALL the Sports to switch from the V4A51 to the V4AW3, this is probably the easiest, though. The '99 Gen 1 is the first year for the PCM so it has the least 'functionality', so to speak. 
