Montero Limited .. any input? =)

[gimmick413]

Hey, folks! I'm new around here .. Anyway, I was wondering if any of you had any input on the 2002 Mitsubishi Montero (or comparisons to the 2000/2001 models)? I know I could read up on car reviews and the such, but I want feedback from real people ..

I'd appreciate any input!

Thanks in advance,
Tommy
gimmick413 :evillaugh

[topracer]

I would prefer the Acura MDX. Everything on the MDX is better than the Montero.

[gimmick413]

Originally posted by topracer
I would prefer the Acura MDX. Everything on the MDX is better than the Montero.

Just for point of discussion, what do u mean by "everything"? Could you please cite some examples? I believe the Acura MDX is more expensive than the Montero Limited, isn't it? Also, how come the Montero is the only SUV to win the Dakar Rally 8 times out of the last 9 years? Lastly, on styling alone, I'd definitely prefer the Montero ...

[gimmick413]

Testing, testing ...

[topracer]

compare the MDX with Montero.

MDX
240hp
0-60 in 8.1 sec
60-0 in 135 ft
17" rims
48/50k warranty
HID's

Montero
200hp
0-60 in 11.6 sec
60-0 in 136 ft
16" rims
36/36k warranty

In fact Montero is a better off-road car or rally car as you said. But it tested that it could flip when turn in high speed.
For daily city/highway drive, the MDX is more fun to drive. MDX is faster and turns a lot better. And I want the GPS.
So if you go offroad a lot, go for the Montero or Landrover Discovery.
I prefer MDX, mostly for performance and daily commute.

[gimmick413]

All good info .. Thanks for the numbers .. but you left out a very important stat -- price .. pls. furnish a price comparison as well (seriously, i'm curious) ..

Honestly, I guess what it boils down is personal preference .. again, as far as styling, the Montero Limited appeals to me more .. As far as rims, I can always upgrade if I were so inclined (although i'm not sure the diff between 16" and 17" is 'noticeable', especially on an SUV) .. As far as HP, 200 horses is a lot -- and I'm not joining the Paris-Dakar rally, nor am I trying to become the FIRST-ever documented Mitsubishi consumer to flip the Montero doing a high-speed turn..

Food for thought RE: your comment that the Montero would "flip when turn in high speed" :

* Mitsubishi conducted own tests on Montero & was unable to reproduce Consumer Reports' results

* Additionally, Mitsubishi says there have been no accidents or complaints about SUV

* Automaker says Consumer Reports' testing is unrealistic because magazine uses expert drivers

*Experts can turn vehicle at 5-times rate & at 10 times intensity of average driver

Anyway, if I were to invest in a vehicle in the price range of a Montero, I sure hope I wouldn't be crazy enough to jeopardize my life (and my investment) testing the laws of physics ..

[topracer]

Well... it's your choice. I personally like the style of the Montero too. Montero was 100% built in Japan, but MDX was only made in Canada. I drove the Montero first. I love that, however I noticed the car row too much and was under power. Then I drove the MDX. The MDX has everything that the Montero has. And it has less body row and more power than the Montero. I trust a Honda engine and tans more than Misubishi.
The price of a Montero is around $33k, and the MDX is around $35k wo/GPS. Think about the resell value. MDX will have a better value and easier to sell. But if you fall into the Mitsubishi 1.9%/0.9% no payment thing, then Acura can't help you with that.
Drive them fist and see which one you like. You may agree with me. Drive the X5 too, you will feel that a SUV can be solid like a sports car. Then you will not go back to the Montero.

[superGTO]

Betweem the Acura MDX and the Montero Lmt.

I would of course have to choose the Montero, and not just becuase I own one. The first thing that caught my eye was of course the aggressive styling, the roomy interior and the fit and finish. I'm not saying that the MDX is a bad vehicle and that the quality is'nt good, but too me, it's looks to much like a mini van, and it's based on a mini van...

The worse thing that turned me off to the MDX was I was driving in my Montero, and I saw one rolling down the street, and I could see all the underside suspension components practically hanging off the vehicle, as if they took the modified Oddysee chassis and just raised certain components to make it look like a truck.

If your looking for an SUV that can actually be used...choose the Montero, as for the body roll, I was suprised by this too, but it's just the way the suspension is set up... It's the ultimate balance of smooth on road ride, and off road control and stability... I would love to see a MDX owner even THINK about taking it out off roading, and I don't mean grocery store speed bumps. As far as power, the Montero in my oppinion is underpowered like was mentioned, but not so underpowered you feel weighted down... I would never get a regular Montero in that case, only the Lmtd becuase of the cool as hell 5-speed shiftronic shifter, with that shifter you can change in any gear you want and hold it right in the torquey powerband all day.

So... If you want an SUV that ALWAYZ turns heads and is reliable, has a large comfortable interior, extremely capable and proven off road ability, that again has a very smooth powerplant with luxurious fit and finish, go with the Montero.

If you like the mini van ride, like the additional additional power with a decently styled interior and exterior, (Although very reminescent of the Honda Oddysee) and never plan on using it for an SUV's true purpose, which is off roading with towing and trailering, then choose the MDX

I for one have had my Montero since 2001 and have had nothing but enjoyment out of it... My fiance loves the attention we get in it, and she loves the 3'rd row seat for her neices and nephews, as well as the quality. We have not had ANY problems with the Montero, and have only had to take the truck in for standard oil changes.

I would highly suggesst anyone looking for an alternative, look at the Montero, with a proven engine, and track record, you can't go wrong.

As for future upgrades, we plan on a new DVD Nav system, PS2 and Dreamcast, 2 10' subs, 2 amps, 22' rims with Yoko's, and a Eaton Supercharger... (Yes they make them in australia), becuase everyone knows the Montero's the ISSSSHHHHH :sun:

[Jimster]

The Montero is a superb SUV- it has a great 3.5 Quadcam V6, an awesome 4WD system, the interior is very comfortable, suprisingly refined and I love the way it looks- don't get an MDX- it's crap

[importvic]

Originally posted by Jimster
The Montero is a superb SUV- it has a great 3.5 Quadcam V6, an awesome 4WD system, the interior is very comfortable, suprisingly refined and I love the way it looks- don't get an MDX- it's crap

Actually the late full size Monteros are powered by a 3.5 24V "SOHC" 6G74 V6. only the 96 & 97 SR Models got the 3.5 24V DOHC 6G74 V6 engine. I own a 96 SR, & I'll tell you, this engine really hauls! an uncle of mine has a 01 SOHC Montero XLS. you can really feel the diffrence in power.

the DOHC 6G74 engine is what some 3000GT/Stealth owners are using as a stroker kit in place of their DOHC 3.0 6G72. both engines are nearly identical except for the 74s .5 longer stroke.

[MonteroBoy]

i have a 2002 limited....its exactly the same as the 2001.........no difference...i know this because i also have a 2001.well its my wifes but anyway both the same i love them both.they could use a bit more power but hey thats what the aftermarket is for huh?? ive done the hyperground wire kit, a k&n filter and the HKSuv exhaust for it and its a pretty noticible difference......by the way if anyone knows anything else for this vehicle feel free to let me know??

[Monteroguy]

Hi,
anyone kows how to improve the poer of the 2002 montero limited?

Replace a turbo filter or exhaust?


Thanks,

Monteroguy

[importvic]

got some time to kill so I'll try to answer your Q the best I can. it all depends on how much $$$ you want to spend.
the 1st & best bang for the buck is a drop in K&N airfilter. next ones a PITA.
the Monteros come with Platinum or Dual Platinum spark plugs from the factory, & 7mm or less (can't remeber exactly, possibly 6.5mm) NGK SP cables. the only reason why platinum is better is because it lasts longer, so for cars/trucks that are a PITA to change the spark plugs on(3000GT/Montero/4Runner/Pathfinder/Maxima/300ZX/Etc.), they usually get these as OEM plugs (service intervlas 60-100k mi). regular, Cheaper Copper electrode plugs will out perform the Plats, or double plat plugs hands down. they'll just have to be changed more often (every 30k mi) Just stay away from the crap plugs (Autolite, Champion, Motorcraft, Etc.) & also the gimmick plugs that hinders performance rather than helping on import engines (Bosch plus 4, Splitfire, etc). Get yourself a set of quality plugs, just ask for the Copper electrode counterpart of your Plats (NGK, or Nippon Denso brand). next, get a set of cables from Magnecor http://www.magnecor.com/index.htm the 10mm might be overkill but the 8.5mm should do you justice. next order of business is to upgrade the small OEM wiring diameter to the stock fuel pump. some tests on other cars have shown that voltage delivery to these units start to drop as you get midway to your top end. there's a rewire modification for DSMs here: http://www.vfaq.com/mods/pump-relay.html you might want to try it on your Montero.
after this, things start getting expensive. an MSD ingnition system, more spark = equals more fuel getting burned = more power! (aprox, $300-$350). get your heads ported & polished (DIYS free! or shop costs, $1300-$2000)
Have the Intake Plenum Extrude Honed (about $400-$500),
headder manifolds Extrude Honned ($400-$500)
you can opp to get a full (size matched to your Honned Headders) exhaust system in which case expect to spend $800-$1000 for a custom Free Flow Mandrel bent stainless exhaust. or just get it done up to cat & put an electronic cut out on it
http://www.quicktimeperformance.com/qtec.htm
($400-$500 for the SS exhaust + $130 for the Qtec). thats about all I can think of for now. noticed I covered the 4 basic food groups: Intake flow, Spark, Fuel, Exhaust flow.
One More thing, If your Montero has a resonator bottle hanging on the pipe from the Mass Air Sensor to the throttle body you can probibly remove it & cap off the hole. doesn't do anything but quiet things down. most of this stuff can be bought from www.machv.com

[f1 tech]

Have anyone driven the 03? It's suppose to have 15 more horsepower and torque with a new engine. I also like the new updated look. I'm debating on whether to get this, the Pilot, or the Explorer.

[03monterorunner]

hey f1 tech
i just bought a brand new montero, let me tell u, it is one of the greatest SUV's i have driven. i got the limited instead of the 20th edition because u don't really anything else extra. although i'm still searching for aftermarket parts for it. http://www.jaosusa.com/welcome.htm has some pretty good stuff for it though.