1990 Mitsubishi Montero LS review from North America

Misc. repairs upon purchase (covered by selling party)

Remarkably few repairs worth mentioning between 80,000 miles (time of purchase) and 160,000 or so mile. These were its best miles.

Crank shaft broke at 175,000 miles -- expensive repair -- though I had just returned from a round-trip from Maine to Vegas on which many hours were spent exceeding 110 mph... so I deserved it.

Replaced engine with rebuilt ($4.5K) at 225,000 miles.

This vehicle does not rust much, even living it Maine... though I did drop $1.5K into under-body and door (rust) work at 250,000 miles.

Minor issues regarding power windows and wiper timer at 290,000.

Minor problems with the 4WD system creeping in at 300,000 miles. Not worth fixing as it will be retired within a few years.

Original alternator failed at 300,000 miles.

Oxygen and crank shaft alignment sensors went at 313,000 miles.

Wonderful vehicle, though not the most comfortable... but the only one I've ever owned. My parents bought it for me while I was in college and I still own it 13 years and 250,000 miles later. If willing to spend to keep it maintained I could run it for another 3-5 years.

Still used to commute between Augusta and Portland (130 mile round trip daily) and despite its age has no trouble whatsoever holding 80-85mph with its fellow commuters.

Original Transmission - Almost unheard of in this day and age of disposable vehicles, but at 320,000 miles the transmission is original and in near perfect working order.

Excellent 4WD vehicle... despite off-roading in its early years and enduring 13 Maine winters it has never gotten stuck. The vehicle just goes, plain and simple.

Should have listed more repairs, but in a nut shell more stuff is going wrong and at a faster rate. Parts of the electrical system and sensors and what not are reaching the end of their lifespan. Also, rust is creeping in around the edges of the vehicle now. Essentially, with a Blue Book value of $Not, I spend three times what its worth each year (about $5K) to keep it running because I love it so much. And though I shall part with it soon, I will likely give it to my retired father to use around town until I can one day afford to have it fully restored to its original condition.