I've got 150k on my 3.0L - I've had it for a few months.  A couple questions: 

The damn emissions light came on at exactly 150k the other day - is this just a computer reset that anybody can do?

I'm going to have the timing belt replaced - simple procedure?  How much should I expect this to set me back?

Are the brake pads/rotors easy to change on this car?

Thanks.

I do believe that light came on automatically. In a fit of stupidity some years ago I had mine disabled without asking for a quote. It required removal of the dash and really set me back. However, the light doesn't come on any more.

I last had the timing belt replaced at 120,000 miles at my Mitsubishi dealership. I believe the total cost was around $700 but that included all new hoses and belts as well as flushing all the coolant.

I recently had brakes repaired on all 4 wheels. The front cost twice as much as the rear because, according to the service guy, "we have to remove all the 4 wheel drive stuff." All 4 wheels cost me $300. My guess is the rear pads are fairly easy to change, but the front are difficult. I have had two rotors replaced and a caliper as well. These were not what I considered expensive repairs.

However, wait til you need a tune-up. That's when the Montero shows poor engineering. The intake plenum has to be removed to get to the spark plugs. Fortunately, the Mitsubishi dealership here is loaded with good mechanics and a great customer service ethic. Still a tune-up will cost $300 or so.

As you can see, I do very little repair work on my own. The only mechanical component I have replaced was the master cylinder. I won't be much mechanical help, but I have had the vehicle a good long time and know it pretty well.

Thanks Moontero.  My service guy wants 379 for the timing belt, and 180 for the front brakes, assuming that the rotors will not need to be replaced.

Have you had any issues with your radiator?  Mine has some pinholes in it that are "bubbling."

P.S.  I'm getting a consistent 15.8 or so MPG with mixed driving - what are you getting, and what does the EOA say we should be getting?

I haven't had any troubles with the radiator at all. The Valvoline Instant Oil Change folks are telling me my coolant is dirty right now and it should be flushed but I am skeptical of flushing all fluids at one time in any system, so I haven't done anything yet.

The $180 for the fronts sounds good if that includes turning the rotors.

My gas mileage is significantly higher. I get right at 20 MPG on the highway and I average about 17 in town. I always use Shell gas. However, having said that, my speedometer has never read correctly and since I bought the car used (24,000 miles) I have always suspected somebody changed the gearing in it. At 65 MPH I am running about 2900 RPM - how does that compare to yours?

BTW - the gas guage no longer works correctly, I have some dash indicator lights out and the power locks are slowly failing. The brakes have always been the worst problem but since I found new brake guys that has gotten better. I have always had a little highway vibration that is very inconsistent too and the tires haven't always worn well.

Still, I love this thing. When I want to get somewhere that is difficult I reach down and put it in four wheel and I go. I love that it's a real truck and has real 4 wheel drive and not that silly twist button on the dash. I have never had a vehicle this long or put so many miles on one. I am probably going to replace it in 2004 with a newer Montero but I am afraid they are a little too prissy.

I have changed my brake pads twice on my 2000 Montero Sport and the front pads are easy, while the back brake pads are much more difficult.  4 wheel drive didn't have any impact on changing the front pads