Hi out there! I'm in the market for a Montero LS or SR, 1995-1997 and I'm seeking advice in 2 areas, one specific, one general...

First, I'm aware of the oil consumption issue that seems to be common among these vehicles. However, I'm getting conflicting opinions about its cause, even though I've spoken to 3 Service Advisors at different dealers as well as read owners reviews online. Some say the 3.0 is more affected, some say the 3.5. Some say the cause is the valve guides, some say it's the valve stem seals. SOOOO...which is it? "mmsamma" is a 9 year Master Tech, any words of wisdom? ..... or anyone else who is knowledgable on the subject?

Second, are there any other areas of concern on the full-size Montero of this year range that I should be aware of in my shopping research?

I'm somewhat knowledgable in a mechanical sense, but I'm electronically challenged....I'm planning on going down into Mexico for an undetermined period of time and don't want any BIG surprises!

Please help...thanx in advance.

Paul

Hey, I have a 95 Montero LS and it's been great - my oil consumption was bad also until I started using a thicker oil - now I just deal w/ it and add it whenever needed. Have one other problem - think it's a computer prob but it's intermittant and the check engine light NEVER comes on so no mechanic up here can figure out what's going on. I mentioned it in another thread and it seems that it might not be a common prob but others have had to deal w/ something similar. It only acts up once a month, has never left me stranded and when the engine is turned off and on again, it's fine.

Other than that it's a great vehicle, no other probs I've had to deal w/ - I'm beginning to think it just doesn't like being in the cold Canadian winters (I'm originally from Virginia and had no probs)

Thanx for your reply usacanadiangirl! Yes, I seem to remember reading of the cutting out/stalling issue...I guess EVERY vehicle has its quirks. Also, mmsamma (the Master Tech) gave some good direction on this. How many miles on yours?

I think I may have found a good one at a dealer here in San Diego...a '96 LS, grey on grey with nearly 100k on it, but it's a one owner in really pristine condition in and out and a clean CarFax. 3.0, running boards, moonroof and factory 10 disc. It doesn't blow any smoke at all on cold startup or warm re-start. If we can work out the dollar issue it may be mine this week.

I want to put oversize tires on it right away, probably 33x12.5...one forum contributor says that worked OK for him by just cranking up the front torsion bars a bit. Anyone else have any experience with this???

Also, what are some good sources for aftermarket off-road and performance accessories for the Montero. The 3.0 could use just a little more grunt.....

Paul

Mine has about 110000 miles on it, silver, but no moonroof or factory 10 disc, so good luck, I hope it works out for you! mmsamma also gave me some advice - which I definitely appreciate and hopefully can get to the bottom of this little prob!