While the second-hand SUV market continues to burn hotter than Hades, finding a well-maintained Toyota for a reasonable price is like finding a needle in a haystack. Perhaps you’re looking for something similar in size to the 3rd Gen 4Runner or 80-Series Land Cruiser, something that you can trust and that performs well off-pavement. When well-maintained, the Mitsubishi Montero can be all of these things (and more) and is often sold at a fraction of the price.
Some worry about the ability to find parts for this platform, especially aftermarket ones, but this build proves that with some research, some help from a Montero specialist, and a dash of TLC, the Montero can be a rugged overland platform that can truly take you places while making friends along the way.
From the Owner:
“After spending almost a year building and exploring the NW in my 2004 Subaru Outback LL Bean, I knew I had outgrown the platform and was ready for a change. As I looked around at options for replacement, I stumbled across the Mitsubishi Montero. A reliable, very capable, and spacious vehicle that met all the criteria I had for a vehicle I would use to travel in.
Through tons of research prior to purchasing the Montero, it seemed apparent that previous owner maintenance and neglect was the one downfall of the platform. Because reliability is such an important piece for me, I looked for the cleanest Montero I could find. During my search, a friend mentioned a Montero specialist in Bend, OR by the name of Sean Kendall (@Oregon_Monty). Sean is known for his rebuild and restoration skills which have helped to keep many of these vehicles on the road.”
1998 Mitsubishi Montero
A capable off-pavement platform, the Montero’s 3.5-liter V6 engine has 200 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. This example features the Winter Package, which includes factory electronic adjustable dampening suspension, headlight washers, heated seats, a leather interior, and locking center and rear differentials.
Although US Montero sales ended in 2006, it lives on globally under another well-known name: Pajero. The Pajero is known for its reliability, but its rally credentials are also impressive. Since its first Dakar Rally victory in 1983, Pajero/Montero has earned the title “King of the Desert” with 12 victories and seven consecutive wins.
Distinguishing Features
This Mitsubishi Montero is equipped with Koni Heavy Track shocks, King KCRR-23HD Progressive coil springs, Ironman torsion bars, an upgraded idler arm bushing kit, and a full Siberian bushing kit. The pitman arm, tie rods, and ball joints are OEM. The next owner of this build will enjoy driving, ditch, and reverse lights by Rigid, a Trigger Controller Six Shooter light management system, and Revel Gear camp lighting.
Additional distinguishing features include:
- Kumho MT71 tires, 285/75/R16
- Black Rhino Realm wheels, 16-inch
- Rhino Rack Batwing Compact 270° awning
- Custom interior platform buildout
- Dometic CFX3 55-watt fridge/freezer and fridge cover
- Custom dual battery system with Blue Sea Systems components
This 1998 Mitsubishi Montero is listed for $15,500 OBO and is currently located in Prescott, Arizona. Check out the full vehicle specifications via the classifieds post here.
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