How are they? I'm thinking about buying a 2000 with 42,000 miles for $15,000. I'm not sure of the trim level, but it's got leather, moonroof, and a CD player. Anyone can help me identify the trim and whether it's worth it to buy the car? Thanks!

 

You'll love it...I used to work at a Dealership and when I drove that thing, it had a decent ride and alot of power, but the gearing of the transmission could be a wholl lot better... For some reason it feels like the engine was designed for a Turbo application... It uses the same engine as the Full size Montero, so it's very Torquey...The only thing is... it's not as refined as a lexus, which somewhat disappointed me.

But, my only serious compaint again is the engine response....it always seems like it's second guessing itself....but it's nothing a Supercharger can't solve....they make one in Australia for the Montero Fullsize, so with a little modification, you should have a 360hp beast on your hands!!!!

 

In Japan and Australia they sell the Diamante (Magna) with a 5-Speed automatic (Sport-tronic), like the one found in the U.S. on the Montero Limited.
If you really wanna get your hands dirty and have the cash, you can install one of those. You won't regret it, that tranny is solid.

 

I really dig them, but in the "near-luxury" market I think a used Infinity, Lexus, Mazda Millenia (especially the S with the miller cycle engine matched to a supercharger) 5 series Beem, are all better buys. But ya take what is available

 

Stay away from the Infiniti G20. The car loses value like a rock and is essentially nothing more than a glorified Sentra. i.e. just as unreliable after 60k miles.

The Diamante won't get you the respect Lexus, Infinity etc. will get you, but you'll get a distictive looking car with tons more personality.