Overlanding is going through a renaissance and as a result, 4x4 Sport Utility Vehicles have jumped in prices. Across the U.S dealerships and auctions have all seen an increase in demand for capable off-road SUVs.
So, what’s left at an entry-level price for the Overlanding enthusiast on a budget? There are a few affordable options, but none that combine reliability and capability as the third generation, Mitsubishi Montero.
The third generation Montero was produced between 2001 through 2006. Also known as the Pajero in most parts of the world, this 4x4 Mitsubishi has everything you want in an overlander.
Affordability With Racing Heritage
The Mitsubishi Montero has been in production for four generations dating back to 1982. The U.S market was fortunate enough to have three of the four generations, with its final production year in 2006. That’s fifteen years since it was discontinued in the States. Which explains why many American enthusiasts are clueless when it comes to the Montero. However, it's not just a capable SUV that can handle any terrain. The Montero, otherwise known as the Pajero, has a championship pedigree as a twelve-time winner of the Paris-Dakar Rally.
The Mitsubishi Pajero holds the Guinness record for the most Dakar Rally wins, including a stretch of seven in a row from 2001 to 2007. Its victory run spans over three decades with its first championship coming in 1985. All three generations of the Montero tasted victory at Dakar and all three generations can currently be found for under $5,000.
Why Is The Montero So Cheap?
Today, Mitsubishi doesn’t have the brand recognition that it once had in the U.S. Look at their current lineup, no one is running to their nearest dealer excited to purchase a Mitsubishi Mirage. The Montero has suffered from its brand's inability to establish loyalty with its consumers. Consequently, it has yet to swing back up from its depreciation curve like some Toyotas.
The Montero was never considered a failure, it just lost its luster by the mid-2000’s when Mitsubishi began struggling with sales. With new consumer demand for fuel-efficient crossovers, the Montero didn't stand a chance in the U.S.
Fast forward fifteen years and we find ourselves in a booming market for capable SUVs. Which is the perfect time for budget-conscious off-road enthusiasts to take advantage of some lesser-known options like the Montero.
The Reliability And Capability Of The Montero
Due to attrition and fairly low production numbers, Montero’s are not easy to come by these days. The ones you do find tend to have mileage well into the 200,000 range. That is in large part due to Mitsubishi’s reliable V6 engines of its era. The Montero was designed to go up against its rival Toyota Land Cruiser, so it had to be built to the same standard. A lot of the capable features that can be found on a Land Cruiser can be optioned on a Montero at a fraction of the cost.
The third generation Montero had unibody construction and independent four-wheel suspension for a more comfortable ride. The Limited trim models came equipped with a two-speed mechanical transfer case, and a limited-slip differential. It has an active-trac gear selector to manage high and low ranges, so you can switch to four-wheel-drive on the fly.
You can select 2H to send the power just to the rear wheels. There’s 4H or all-wheel-drive, typically used for more traction on normal pavement when roads become slick. Most importantly, there is 4HLC and 4LLC with a locking center differential. When the center differential is locked it evenly distributes power to both axles. When both axles have equal power, the tires can rotate simultaneously for maximum traction. With its monocoque chassis and revamped suspension, the third-gen Montero opted for comfort along with its off-road prowess.
The Montero Is The Perfect Overlander
One silver lining we can take away from the Covid-19 epidemic was that it opened our minds to the thrill of Overlanding. Many of us needed an outlet when everything was closed and cabin fever began to set in. As a result, a lot of us fleed to the outdoors to start a new hobby or rekindle an old one.
Overlanding gives one the freedom to overcome boundaries, providing adventure seekers with a path to escape, both physically and mentally. It allows you to become one with nature and also happens to be a great way to social distance.
Due to its rigidity and comfort, the Montero is the perfect rig for traversing through the wilderness. Whether you are driving through lush green forests or rugged red rocks in the desert, the Montero has got you covered. Combine the soft independent suspension with its low range four-wheel capability and you have yourself the perfect overlanding rig.
It's Also Got Creature Comforts
The third-generation model is arguably the most affordable and well-rounded overlander. The Limited trim comes standard with leather, dual power seats, and an enormous sunroof. It has a premium Infinity sound system, a full roof rack, and large windows for great visibility. The digital compass mounted on the center dashboard can come in handy when your cell phone loses service on the trails. The Montero is ideal for both the suburban family of seven or the Overlanding enthusiast who considers pavement to be optional.
What A Bargain For A Fun Overlander
The Mitsubishi Montero can be found on almost every Youtube list of bargain off-roaders under $5,000. However, its the Montero's versatility and racing history that sets it apart from the other vehicles on those lists. You can take it to the grocery store one day and to the trails the next. With crossovers consuming most of today's market share, the Montero is part of a dying breed of SUVs. Take advantage of its depreciating price tag, because you will not find another automobile under $5,000 that is more fun on the trails.