Winter beater shopping

[Jeff V.]

Much to my embarrassment, the truck isn't going to be done any time soon. I'm not going to get into why. All that matters is it won't be done before the weather turns shitty, and so I need a backup plan.

I was looking for a Montero Sport, just because they're cheap and mechanically simple. But this is also very tempting:

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/cto/d ... 14590.html

The owner is supposed to text me tonight. If I can get him down to 2500, I might just go for it. Any reason I shouldn't? I already know about the potential issues with the brake booster. Everything else is standard Mitsu.

I don't care one bit about off roading or any of that. I just need it to get me through late October to March, for commuting around town. Depending on circumstances next spring, I may sell it. Or keep it. Or work a deal with my 15 yr old nephew. Who knows?

If anyone has any dire warnings or better ideas, let me know.

[Duck Vader]

I have Jeep I will sell you...

:d err:

[Chris95RT]

Non rusted out cherokeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Down with the 3 Diamonds!

[Duck Vader]

Seriously though, any reason why you all are so intent on Mitsubishi?

Cheap, reliable, winter beater - Mitsu is one of the last ones that come to mind. You can buy a cheap ass Jeep, truck, Subaru, etc. that will be probably more reliable, easier to work on, easier to find parts, easier to sell, etc.

[Jeff V.]

It's mainly because I know Mitsu backward and forward. I've got service manuals, scan tools, tons of internet resources, and personal experience. I'm not worried about it being any more or less reliable than any other 100k+ mile car in this price range. How it was treated plays a bigger role than who built it in the first place.

But as I said, I'm all for suggestions. Other things I've considered are early 2000s GMs (Trailblazer mostly), late 90s Cherokees, and 1st gen Foci just because I have first hand experience with those.

I don't think I'm going to find any Subaru worth a damn for 2500 or less though.

[aaronatstate]

I'd get the Mitsu for all the reasons you listed. It'll get you through the winter for sure.

[Duck Vader]

If you don't need AWD or 4WD, you can get pretty much anything. Just get a cheap Honda/Toyota/Saturn/etc and put winter tires on? You can probably get one and tires for under $2k that will last you all winter without any issues.

If you need or want AWD or 4WD, not sure what you can find in your area, but besides a Cherokee, you also have Broncos, Pathfinders, Xterras, of if you want something stupid, Trackers or Samurai

But since you feel comfortable with Mitsu, just get one you feel confident in. I only ever had the VR4, so I don't have much experience with them. I know a lot more about Full Size Chevy trucks and Jeeps. That is my "comfort zone"

[Jeff V.]

So how about this?

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/for/d ... 52683.html

If the map is accurate, it's practically down the street from us. I'm surprised a 99 Cherokee had TPMS to begin with.

[Duck Vader]

Hard to tell without seeing them in person, but they are stupid easy to work on. I just didn't have the time want to keep working on mine. Biggest issues of course are make sure you test out the 4WD, check for oil leaks (rear main and valve cover tend to leak a lot), and just look over everything really well. Not sure how bad rust is out by you but just give it a good run down if you decide to take a look at it. Also see what the CEL light is on for - could be minor, could be bad. Exhaust manifolds crack by looking at them as well (seriously though, I have had to replace them on both the Cherokees I have had). So check that. Cheap part but pain in the ass to replace. Hard to get to the bolts. The 4.0s tend to hate aftermarket electric replacements. So for things like the TPS or CPS, or anything like that, get Mopar. Stay away from auto store brand sensors. Also spark plugs. Champions or nothing else. O2 - go for NTK.

Engine/tranny is pretty much bullet proof otherwise. It is the electrics that cause more problems than not. Mine was running fine with a severely cracked exhaust manifold and a timing chain you could practically remove with your hands. Just give a good look at suspension and steering components.

Google Jeep Death Wobble if you want.

Give a good look at this stuff here:



Other than that, can't think of much else.

[Jeff V.]

Hmm. Solid front axle. I bet that's comfy

All the Monteros (and my truck) are IFS. Starting with 2001 they went to IFS+IRS+rack and pinion.

We'll see what Monte guy says tonight. Depending on his answers I might call on that Cherokee.

[Duck Vader]

Yep. Solid axles front and rear. It's a jeep after all. Lol. You don't get one to be comfy.

[Duck Vader]

Also any driveline vibration is probably bad ujoints. Again easy and cheap to replace.

[DCIV]

First one is fwd....worthless.

Like jason’s thread, go get a Chevy pick up 4x4 and then enjoy the hauling abuility once you need to get rid of it.


Coop

[Jeff V.]

There's no such thing as a FWD Montero. Nor RWD. They were all 4WD. It's just a typo.

[DCIV]

[quote=""Jeff V.""]There's no such thing as a FWD Montero. Nor RWD. They were all 4WD. It's just a typo.[/quote]

Didn’t know that. My bad. Buy it.


Coop

[vr4]

[quote=""Jeff V.""]So how about this?

https://kansascity.craigslist.org/for/d ... 52683.html

If the map is accurate, it's practically down the street from us. I'm surprised a 99 Cherokee had TPMS to begin with.[/quote]

I'm 99.9999999999999967% sure they don't

[Chris GTO TT]

Hardly anything pre Explorer rollover recall had TPMS...

[Jeff V.]

Maybe he meant check engine light :d ontknow:

[Duck Vader]

Or he's just an idiot...

:d ontknow:

[vr4]

[quote=""Chris GTO TT""]Hardly anything pre Explorer rollover recall had TPMS...[/quote]

[quote=""Jeff V.""]Maybe he meant check engine light :d ontknow:[/quote]

Probably
[quote=""Duck Vader""]Or he's just an idiot...

:d ontknow:[/quote]

That's my bet