It’s safe to say that Japanese manufacturers are synonymous with reliability and build quality. Whether it’s a Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Suzuki, Isuzu, or indeed a Mitsubishi, chances are it’ll be a vehicle you can depend on (which is why I’ve just bought one). However, while used 4WDs like the Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol demand big money, the Montero has largely slipped under the radar despite sharing many of the same desirable attributes. We’ve presented a number of adventure-outfitted examples that include this 1991, 1997, and 1998. Today’s 154,000-mile 2002 Mitsubishi Montero XLS incorporates a wealth of premium upgrades and is topped with an Autohome Columbus rooftop tent. At just $13,000 OBO, this has to be one of the best value overland-ready rigs we’ve showcased and is the perfect turnkey vehicle for exploring more in 2024. If you’d like a better idea of how the Montero performs as a travel companion, check out these drool-worthy builds from Gondirtin, JS Overland, and Montana Montero.
From the Seller:
“The idea for this build was to keep it simple and modular, able to seat/sleep four adults and set up camp fast. The RTT opens in five seconds, and the rear door kitchen setup works extremely well. It was my daily driver for about 5,000 miles, then became a dedicated trip rig; mainly trips down the Baja peninsula where the independent front/rear suspension of the 3rd-Gen really shines and eats washboard roads like a mid-travel rig. Unlike most people, I set out to build an XLS over a Limited for a number of reasons, all of which come back to the Limited being way less reliable, in my opinion.”
2002 Mitsubishi Montero XLS
The Montero is fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 200 horsepower, 235 pound-feet of torque, and returns a combined 15 mpg. A dependable motor is matched with backcountry performance thanks to 4WD, high and low range, a snorkel, skid plates, 4.90 gears, a rear limited-slip differential, and more. Inside driver comforts include:
- Air-conditioning
- Cruise control
- Center console with cupholders
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Aftermarket Pioneer stereo
Distinguishing Features
- Method wheels with BFGoodrich KO2 A/T tires
- Bilstein 4600 shocks with Lovell springs (Dobinsons IMS shocks included but not installed)
- Goal Zero Yeti with additional 33-amp-hour house battery and 100 watts of solar
- Overland Vehicle Systems 270-degree awning
- Thule Aero rack with Autohome Columbus rooftop tent
- Adventure Driven Design skid plates
- Freshwater, 10 gallons
This 2002 Mitsubishi Montero XLS is listed for $13,000 OBO and is currently located in Southern California. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
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