Comments: 1-15, 16-18
Brake pads had to be replaced 3 times.
Has a severe vibration in the steering wheel that an alignment will not fix.
There is a rattle coming from the glove compartment that started at 35000 miles.
Dashboard brake light stays on all the time due to defective sensor.
Transmission does not shift smoothly from first to second gear when cold.
This car is underpowered and the factory brakes will not last to 20000 miles.
Interior of vehicle is excellently designed and holds up well.
I regularly drive on very rough, unpaved roads near the ocean and this vehicle has held up very well to the rough terrain and salt air.
I have a Montero Sport with 36,000 miles and I have my original brakes on it and still have around 10,000 miles left on them according to my local Mitsubishi dealer.
The difference in the brake pad life mentioned above can be explained due to different driving conditions. My wife and I both drive Montero Sports that we purchased at the same time. My wife's job requires her to travel a lot, mostly on Interstate highways. Most of my driving is done on city surface roads in stop and go traffic. Her factory brake pads are still in good condition after 50000 miles, while mine had to be replaced after 25000.
I have this same model/year and we have been quite satisfied. I would agree with "worth any minor problems". (No car is perfect.) We bought ours as a used vehicle with 35,000 "rent-a-car" miles on it; our mechanic pronounced it sound: "Nice car!". We discovered too late that the CD player was kaput; otherwise, everything works perfectly and 20,000 on-road miles later, no repairs have been needed. I got a good price on this well-made, stylish Japanese vehicle and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't require either great mileage, or lots of power.
While searching for my car I chose from two other makes and I am glad I chose this one. I love my "Mitsi". I have a 2000 Montero Sport XLS. It does vibrate somewhat, but I
do enjoy the ride. This SUV fits me and growing kids
perfectly; not too much room and not too little. I live in the city, but do go camping and on long road trips and she has been great! In the first year I bought the Montero I was rear-ended. I was told by the insurance estimator that my car handled the accident well.
We own a 2000 Montero Sport with 43000 miles and I have:
Service by me:
Replaced the battery ($60)
Replace the front brakes at $35K Miles ($30)
Replaced the tires at 35K Miles ($600)
Replaced the fuel filter ($15)
Replaced the air filter with a K&N ($50)
Replaced the PCV Valve ($3)
Added an air spring kit and receiver for towing trailers.($300)
Dealer Service:
Had the trans serviced recently ($182)
Need to have the dealer install new plugs. (Quoted $300+!)
It's a reasonable car to own that gives great reliable service for my wife who drives it 90% of the time.
I service the vehicle myself except for the spark plugs which I just found out about. Gotta' take the top of the motor off to get to them. I love the quality and the looks of this vehicle. I expect 15 years of great service out of it.
I would like to add that I also have been chasing a vibrating steering wheel for years now. The computer alignment always shows in the green, no unusual wear on any parts noticed by technicians. New tires have never corrected the problem.
The brake light issue only seams to happen in the winter. I suspect a bad sensor or misaligned. I just live with it.
The inside cargo panels cracked and split. The plastic is very brittle. It will break before it will flex under impact. I have had parts on order for 6 months now and still they do not have a due in date.
Forget using it as a tow vehicle. The power is not there for towing. I tried to tow an empty 6' tall 12' long cargo trailer. All I can do is put the pedal on the floor and hope not to get run over buy other cars. I tried the A/T button and it just caused me to be at much lower speeds before shifting down.
Now for the good... I did get it for one year before I had to pay for it. The paint is holding up great. The brakes have never been an issue. It does handle great in snow, it is very well balanced.
Love my montero sport, problem with brake pads? stop using cheap pads you get what you pay for... this is a great auto..
Safe, reliable, nice too look at..
At 35000 miles, the transmission seems to slipping, the power steering pump is gone and the AC is blowing hot. What kind of truck is this?
Scary! The Montero Sport problems sound just like the Galant problems. Must be a Mitsu thing...
Just wanted to add to the comment "stop using cheap brake pads - you get what you pay for." I have a Mitsubishi Galant and am considering a switch to the Montero Sport because I loathe the Galant. I have had nothing, but brake problems with the car since I bought it and using expensive pads has not helped. The rotors consistently warp with normal braking and it eats brake pads like they're bon-bons. The alignment problem/dancing steering wheel must be a Mitsubishi thing, since I have it with the Galant as well. Mostly upon braking, not necessarily while driving, but we can't just run over other cars to avoid braking so as not to warp the rotors or feel the bad vibrations that the car is putting out, right?
I wouldn't even consider buying another Mitsubishi if I hadn't allowed myself to be talked into a lease on the Galant. Now my only recourse to get out of the money pit nightmare is to buy another Mitsubishi. Part of their "Diamond Loyalty" nonsense.
I just bought a 2000 montero sport xls and I have all of the service records for the history of the vehicle. There was no problem with the brakes, the transmission doesn't slip, and the plastic is not "brittle." You people need to understand that brakes and batteries are going to need to be replaced. It all depends on how you drive the vehicle. The Montero is a comfortable vehicle that is very dependable. I will add that $300 to change spark plugs is a little rediculous, but when you have a vehicle that doesn't need very many repairs, mitsubishi has to do something to make a little more money. Its all business.
We have 2000 Montero Sport XLS and it has been very good to us far. Bought new in 2000, it has 90,000 Miles and all it needed till now was just regular oil changes, new tires and timing belt around 70,000 (more of preventive maintenance). No complaints... Overall great auto with no problems.
I have a Montero Sport 2001 and I love it, my car have 104000 and I still have the originals brake pads.. is a great car.. If i want another car i will buy a Montero sport..
I guess all cars run well when they are new. Mine developed an oil leak that I did not know about because of the skid plate. The alternator going out is what told me. I have purchased a newly remanufactered engine 500 miles ago and were already having problems. Once I am able to get rid of this car I will never buy another Mitsubishi.
I own a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS. Purchased it brand new. It presently has just over 60,000 miles on it. Other than a set of new brakes, and new tires, I have simply changes the oil about every 5-6,000 miles (it's not necessary to do it every 3000 miles as the oil-change guys would like you to believe) and have had no other major issues. I parked it in a garage for most of the years, so the pain is still in great shape with zero rust. It seats 5 and has room for storage in the back. Four-wheel drive has been handy during the winter months. Hey, I hate to say it, but it's another Japanese manufactured car that has lived up to its longevity and reliability reputation thus far...
I have a 2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport XLS and it has been flawless; no issue whatsoever. We had the 60K tune up done and also changed the trans fluid once. It now has over 70k and still no problems. Best car I have ever driven in the snow as well.