Mitsu Montero

[redorange]

I would buy the MS over the Fort just because I saw less of it when I was in Manila for vacation. The Fort was so common to see in every corner and I just saw maybe 2 of the MS. It makes the ride more unique and you don't have D4D problem to contend with along with the carjackers. Just because it's 10 years old doesn't make it bad. The design may old but the car he is buying is still brand new and not used as others have made it appear.

[the josh]

WE have the Montero Sport here as Mitsu Challenger (Jap version basically), and yes it comes in petrol and diesel variants as well. I did consider it when I was looking for an SUV but I ended up with a Toyota Surf/Forerunner.

[niky]

Hay... ang hirap...

Personally... if the "D4D issue" is that much of a problem for him, why not a VVTi? Despite the harsh ride, the Fortuner, to me, is a much better vehicle than the Montero in terms of space and handling.

Why not a Hyundai Santa Fe? Even if he isn't really considering it, try to get him into a showroom to see one. The Kia Sorento might not have enough seats, but it's also a great choice in this budget range, and leaves a lot of change from the purchase.

If he really isn't into the Koreans, point out that their engine architecture is derived from Mitsubishi's diesels (well, sort of) and the citations the Santa Fe is getting. If you can get him into one for a test drive, that's half the battle.

[kmo]

yup i agree with niky here, just get the 2.7 vvti engine of the fortuner and be satisfied with it tpos na problema nyo .... plus its just arpunf 1.3m less than the 1.5m budget

[OTEP]

Unfortunately, Toyota does not offer the VVTi with a front axle. That's about as stupid as Mitsubishi not offering front drive on the Pajero FM. They could have at least offered the feature as an extra cost option.

In other markets you can get a Fortuner in all sorts of configurations including a 'base' model.

[kmo]

hmm maybe the vvti is not enough para mag 4wd? im not sure hehe

and besides, i really dont see any need for a 4wd mechanism here in the philippines .... we had lots of 4x4 suvs before and we RARELY needed the 4wd mechanism ... nandyan lang siya para pampabigat at madagdagan yung parts na pwde masira in the future

[OTEP]

The VVTi is available in 4wd in other markets. It is also available in a basic model. With manual a/c, steel rims, cloth seats, no roof rails, etc.

Granted that few SUV's actually venture off the beaten path, it would still be nice if they offered the option to configure as needed because some of us actually need the extra traction afforded by four driven wheels. Mas impractical/magastos pa if you acquire another vehicle solely for off-road use. And if you're on a budget, the off-road vehicle you will get will not exactly be desirable for daily use. Wala naman added development costs. Since the front drive system of the Fortuner and the Montero (including the Pajero) are already in existence and are considered 'off-the-shelf' parts already. They just have to charge the buyer for the additional feature.

Mahirap nga lang i-retrofit and 4wd once the vehicle has left the assembly line. Unlike the Patrol GU that only calls for a shifter, a driveshaft and front hubs.

As it is, the MS is one of the least expensive (after incentives) diesel-powered, 4wd wagons you can buy. The other one being Kia's Sorento. But it did give up an airbag and ABS+EBD to undercut the competition.

[number001]

I have seen VVTI Fortuner 4x4 in Singapore. (It is the only engine option available there. D4-D is not sold in Singapore, at least that was the case last year). Also from pics in Thai forums, they also have it in Thailand.

[seonadancing]

Ayaw nga nya kasi ng gasoline engine kasi mahal ang gasoline compared to diesel. Bumaba pala ng 2 pesos yun presyo ng fuel yesterday. He doesn't want korean made cars even though sabi nya ok na daw gawa ngayon ng hyundai and kia. Kung pwede lang gasoline engine pinilit ko na sya sa camry, o kaya sa grandis pero diesel talaga gusto e.

[kmo]

hehehe hes making the choices hard for himself hehe

[katsudon_ph]

problem with 4d56 engine is the tendency to have oil leak in the cylinderhead gasket as well as oil fan gasket.

[OTEP]

The Montero Sport is powered by the 4m40 engine.

OT: on the road I pass going to simbang gabi, there are three houses and all of them have Monty Sports. hehehe. One white and two silver.

[niky]

The one thing I don't like about the Sorento is the extremely soft suspension. The interior is miles better than the Fortuner (love the black bamboo wood trim), the acceleration is great for a diesel automatic... in fact, it feels somewhat like a gasoline V6 at traffic speeds... but the soft suspension makes it feel like a boat in stop-and-go traffic.

[OTEP]

niky,

AFAIK, they will be addressing the soft suspension for the '07 models. But I think for the front suspension only. Not sure what tricks they will have for the rear end.

[number001]

^The Sorento also needs to change its second row passenger seats, which is way too soft and unsupportive. Whatever your body size is, upon sitting on it, it will gulp down your buttock making you think you broke the seat, when in fact it is just too soft.

[niky]

niky,

AFAIK, they will be addressing the soft suspension for the '07 models. But I think for the front suspension only. Not sure what tricks they will have for the rear end.

I think the front end will be enough... the squat on acceleration isn't quite as bad as the dive under braking... guess we'll know next Motor Show. Kung ma-revise na yun, the Sorento will be nearly perfect.

Soft rear seats? Bah... I always sit in front... kahit may driver... :hihihi:

[heightdeprived]

Is your brother in dire need of a UV?

Actually I'm thinking of suggesting for your brother to wait for the next generation Montero sport, I reckon Mitsubishi's going to execute it the Toyota way wherein the Next generation Montero sport is to be based on the same platform as that of the Strada just like what Toyota did to it's Fortuner which sits on the same platform as the Hilux...

[kmo]

Is your brother in dire need of a UV?

Actually I'm thinking of suggesting for your brother to wait for the next generation Montero sport, I reckon Mitsubishi's going to execute it the Toyota way wherein the Next generation Montero sport is to be based on the same platform as that of the Strada just like what Toyota did to it's Fortuner which sits on the same platform as the Hilux...

the new gen montero sport here in our shores? hehe maybe after 10 years then itll come here ....

yup i heard that there is the new fortuner acutally upgraded lang yung mga flaws of before like the wheel well covers etc etc

[pixelparadigm]

The Montero Sport accelerates more linearly than the Strada 2.5L CRDi, given that their power output is equally matched, IMHO.

But still, Hyundai Santa Fe is the fastest of them all per buck.

[Ultramarathon5]

New at this so if I screw up just let me know. Also I do not know how to write in text, therefore I tend to be long winded when I write.

Question: I am retiring to the Philippines and I own a 2000 MS which unfortunately I can not ship. Tax is 350%. I read your messages about old model MS being sold. How old? I plan to get an SUV, a Montero Sports if possible since I know how reliable it is.