Unfortunately the day has come. My 1993 Mitsubishi Montero that I love so dearly has too many problems to keep maintaining. Today I managed to make it back to my house where I'm going to park it. I talked to the mechanic and he told me it's time to let go. The car has low miles 140,000 for the amount of issues it has. The only positive side is that it's April and getting warmer outside so I can use my bike to get around. The thing is that I have to look for a car that's available in my town because I can't use the Montero anymore. It's a very depressing day for me. I've gotten many compliments on it's unique look over the years and it's very sad to see it end.

I will continue to go by 93montero I think. Even though my next vehicle will not be one. The great thing about the Montero is how spacious it is headroom wise. Since I'm very tall (6'6'') I need something that's suitable. I'm really open to anything right now. I will still be getting a used car though. Since I want to see what's available for awhile I might not have a car for some time. Whenever it happens I will be sure to share pictures.

But why not another Montero?

They're pretty hard to come by in the US.

Do you will get money for your broken Montero?

In Europe nearly no Jeep, neither Japanese, British or German made ones, are coming to the junkyards, all of them, even in damaged condition, were bought by dealers (mainly Lebanese - at least some Mafia-gangs) and shipped to Africa.

I would really like to have another Montero, but they are very hard to find. I was so lucky to find the one I have and it already wasn't in the best condition when I bought it. It wasn't expensive to buy, but I have had new parts installed over the years. There are definitely valuable parts but I'm not sure yet how much it would go for. It's too bad because it still runs fine but has the scary and dangerous rattling noise now. The mechanic said that there were important fluids missing in the back of the car that is the reason for the noise.

I actually have seen some interesting cars for sale already. I've seen a Volvo 850 for sale that seems to be in good condition. I'll probably take some time to see what the available options are.

You need to fill transmission fluid/oil in the rear differential, that would probably remove the noise.

Thank Atom, yes I did this along with having the oil changed. The noise still persists and I'm not sure why. There must be interior damage caused by the fluid not being changed.

Was this your first car?

How will be the chance/price to get a used, usable back axle or differential at a junkyard or at eBay?

This was my first car, although I drove a Ford Aerostar before that but it was one of my parent's cars so it wasn't officially mine.

The chance of finding parts is slim but possible. I just really don't want to put more money into it at this point.

In my dream the Montero would be completely resorted with every single option working. How about instead of Pimp My Ride it's Restore My Ride! Then all it would need is a roof rack.

It would be nice to have such TV programme, but I guess that for general audience it would not be really interesting
It would give more interesting results than Pimp My Ride for people who like normal cars

You never forget your first car. It achieves a legendary status. Remember it the way it was when it was running like a champ, not when it's on its deathbed.

Take plenty of pictures of it. Even if you already have a lot of photos of it, by all means take some more. You can never have enough. I have no pictures of my first vehicle.

And don’t look at it in a bad way. Its just a life learning experience, and like "Qwerty_86" said, remember the vehicle when it was running well, and remember the good times you had with it. If you really love the Montero in general, years down the road, once you’re older and more financially secure, you may come across a nice Montero someone wants to sell ...

Nobody said you can only have one Montero in your lifetime.

Before you sell, trawl through eBay pages (from all around the world) for rear diff's. If I go to the wreckers soon (dad needs something for his gearbox. A spare part something or other...) I'll look and price parts for that gen Pajero, to see if it is economical. But like Neptune said, take lots of Photos of it.

This is exactly what I feel about it. I will never forget it as long as I live. I have taken many pictures of it all covered in mud etc. but some more wouldn't be a bad idea. The fact that my first car is so unique in the first place makes it even more legendary. I've driven it to Florida and back from Indiana which is about a 15 hour drive. I've had countless great experiences in it. When I'm older and have access funds I might try and find another early 90s gray/black Montero, because I think gray (the color that I have) matches the ruggedness of the body exactly. I even prefer gray over all black.

Well it's been two full weeks now without driving the Montero. I have to say that biking everywhere is making me much stronger. I also don't have to pay for gas for a 15 mpg vehicle. But....I still love cars!

I'm still on the hunt...

Want a 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis? Only $2000

I'm serious too, you live in Ohio right? I'd be willing to take a little drive there if you want.

Checked his profile-Indiana

So yes, still close!

For 2000 $ you also can have my Omega.
No kidding, since I have my home-office, I don't need it any more.

But the transport is up to you. You should know an US soldier over here. For that guys the transport of cars and other stuff to the USA is for free.

I think the trip from Michigan to Indiana might be a tad bit easier than the trip from Germany to Indiana.