New (old) tow vehicle

[Rosscoe]

I've been looking on and off for a better tow vehicle for couple of years but really couldnt swing it but came across something interesting and always liked the way Montero Sports looked. From what I had seen at the time, they only came with 3.0 liter motors unless you got the fancier higher trim level models. Then I saw this "XS" model that has the larger 3.5 motor and lower end trim. Kept looking at the ad, then they dropped the price 1K. Drove the hour plus to look at it and it was pretty clean, so I jumped on it.
I had to take out a loan and managed to get a decent rate, considering its 11 years old. Everything fell into place.
I am hoping it allows me to make more club meets as opposed to driving my 29 year old rust bucket, gas hog truck. This isnt what I'd consider fuel effcient at 19-20 mpg but better. At 4275 lbs, it fairly heavy. Compared to most SUV's, this is more of a truck with a full frame under it.
I sure hope it pulls the 175 ok. It actually has more horsepower (almost 40)then my v8 305 truck but a little less torque. Its rated for 1500 lbs if no brakes on the trailer and 5000 with brakes. As a bonus it already had a good hitch in it. We'll see.

[Jason]

That should get the job done Ross! Looks nice!

[Jerry]

Looks good Ross.

[Bayflite73]

Well done Ross! It should get the job done nicely!

[CVX Fever]

Nice truck Ross! I towed my first 2 boats for with a compact Toyota 4WD PU for 9 years. The 3.0 V6 in that truck was only rated at a 150HP. Both boats were heavier than your 175. I don't think that Montero will even know your boat is back there. And your right, that's back when they built smaller SUV's like a real truck.

[V153]

Ya nice looking ride Ross. Oughta be able to pull your boat(s) just fine. Never had too many Mitsubishis in the family but 'member Grandma Eleanor (Mom's Mom) had one. Lil red econobox, mighta been called a "Challenger" if memory serves me correctly. Had a 'power or economy' transaxle. I can remember pissing everybody off by split-shifting it. Neat lil ride actually, hauled azz in 'power' mode?

[Jason]

The wife has a 2001 Mitsubishi Eclipse 4cyl 5-Speed. Now has 190,000 miles and still runs and looks great. Still on the original clutch! Mitsubishi's are good reliable cars and much cheaper than Toyota's or Honda's.

[V153]

Y'know it really is incredible how many miles you can put on a car nowadays. Time was you were lucky to go 50K without needing a valve job, etc.

Got 199,8** on the Ranger'n she seems to be runnin' fine. Burns a lil bit of oil but nothing serious? Amazing!

[Jerry]

Fuel injection and non leaded gas. All that crap that use to build up on the valves and pistons was lead.

[MarkS]

Looks really nice Ross, congrats!  Just keep the routine maintenance up, and you should be good for another couple hundred thousand miles. Should make the road trips much nicer.    

[fireman24mn]

I drive a 1999 Vovlo S80 and I got about 245,000 on it and it still runs great. A/C is Ice cold, comfortable, good gas milage. I have owned many different cars used to buy, fix up and sell about 4 or 5 cars a year. Out of everything I have had this is by far my favorite car. If it does die I will just find another wrecked one and use the parts off of this one.

[V153]

It actually has more horsepower (almost 40)then my v8 305 truck but a little less torque

Yo Ross, what's top end ...?

[Rosscoe]

It has 197 HP and 223 lbs torque.
129K miles and its an 01
not real happy with the rear seat config. Dont fold very good for hauling long stuff, utilizing the front seat. I haul something like 22 2x4's in my 90 Mazda MX6 once and was able to close the trunk! It sagged a little.  
I had over 190K on that when I sold it and the original clutch too. Excellent car. Not a rip in the interior either but it was getting some rust.
My main concern with this will be the tranny and maybe some swaying issues. When I pulled the 163 with my then girlfriends Areostar, it was kinda squirmy. 4.0 motor pulled it fine.
Looks like I'll be dragging the 175 in to get the brakes working. I've done about all I know how and cant get any pressure in the master cylinder and I need to move on to other things, so I'll see how it pulls, however it is light one motor which will actually increase tongue weight.