Thinking of buying a used MT

[Slaphappydrums]

So I was thinking of getting a 2001 Montana w/ 116,000 miles on it , and stumbled upon this site while trying to do some research...., any advice?
-Thanks

['97ventureowner]

The biggest problem these vans had was the intake manifold gaskets. Most failed within the mileage range of 60,000 to 130,000 miles. GM introduced a newly designed gasket in the summer of 2002 to try to fix the issue. There have been reports of gaskets failing a second time for various reasons. I'd check to see if the gaskets have already been replaced and might even do a pressure check of the cooling system. Other than that there were various other "quirks" that gave owners issues , mainly electrical such as power window switches,wipers,etc. A quick look at some of the various topics on the main Montana page can give you an idea of what other members are dealing with. Don't get me wrong, these are fairly decent vans that can go the long haul if properly maintained. They have their issues, but so does any other vehicle. Members on here have routinely reported going over 200,000 miles, and the gas mileage is decent as well.

[mhall02]

We have a '99 Montana w/ 169,000 miles, purchased from my in-laws a couple of years ago, they bought it new. Under their ownership the intake gasket was replaced twice, once at ~60,000 the second around 95,000 miles, both under warranty. The tranny was rebuilt at 54,000 miles, also under warranty, and those were the big issues for them. Since our ownership I've replaced the serp. belt, belt tensioner, water pump, and idler pulleys. Farmed out a harmonic balancer replacement and replaced both front wheel hub bearings, I think one of them is acting up again, but not a bad job. Is this good or bad for a 9 year old van? Seems typical in my opinion, but hey its paid for and gets 23-24 mpg highway and does not burn a drop of oil and is not using any antifreeze. I'm not ready to part with it yet, but thats the experience with mine.

[1Bradymichael]

I have a 2000, and besides the LIG being done 3x, it has been okay. Thankfully the "quirks" I have been able to fix myself, as well as a water pump, front wheel bearing, and the obvious general PM items. She has 109k and is still a decent van, my brother has one, same year and milage and has been nothing but a money pit for him, however he has very little mechanical ability,so......
I would like to trade it off, but it isn't worth much, and still runs great with no oil use.And with three young kids it would not make sense to get something newer at this time.

[Slaphappydrums]

Thanks for the advice, I'll be using it as a replacement for our old 84 Toyota van , as a work vehicle for my drum company , we need something that'll hold a lot of drums and gear , and be nice for travel. I'm a little hesitant cause it's from Hertz , but I'm still thinking about getting it.

[sendwade]

Originally Posted by mhall02

We have a '99 Montana w/ 169,000 miles, purchased from my in-laws a couple of years ago, they bought it new. Under their ownership the intake gasket was replaced twice, once at ~60,000 the second around 95,000 miles, both under warranty. The tranny was rebuilt at 54,000 miles, also under warranty, and those were the big issues for them. Since our ownership I've replaced the serp. belt, belt tensioner, water pump, and idler pulleys. Farmed out a harmonic balancer replacement and replaced both front wheel hub bearings, I think one of them is acting up again, but not a bad job. Is this good or bad for a 9 year old van? Seems typical in my opinion, but hey its paid for and gets 23-24 mpg highway and does not burn a drop of oil and is not using any antifreeze. I'm not ready to part with it yet, but thats the experience with mine.

I have had my '99 for about four years and replaced the intake gasket on my watch. It has been OK now for over two years and have not put a drop of water in it. I have not used DEX-Cool any more. My truck does not and has not got anything close to that milage. Whats up with that. Mine only gets about 15 to 17mpg. Please any suggestions.