Vauxhall Monterey Review (1994 to 1999)

Quick Summary

We're a funny bunch, us Brits. Backing the plucky Japanese underdog to the detriment of our domestic manufacturer, we bought the Isuzu Trooper and shunned the Vauxhall Monterey. Call it badge snobbery, warped loyalty or a sense of fair play, it nonetheless means that the few Montereys that are out there represent astounding value for the used buyer. Don't write the big Vauxhall off as a half-hearted 'me-too' effort. Years of development from Isuzu resulted in a credible Land Cruiser/Shogun rival, and the Monterey is the cleverest way to buy into this quality at a knock down price. The Vauxhall badge may not carry a great deal of prestige, but most used buyers would rather pocket the cash and have a quiet smile every time a Trooper comes the other way.

Overall:

Models Covered:3 dr/5dr 4x4 3.2 petrol 3.1 diesel [Diamond, LTD, RS]

MONTEREY CHEESE?

At first glance, the Griffin mounted on the nose of the Vauxhall Monterey looks slightly incongruous mounted as it is aboard a shape best known in the UK as an Isuzu Trooper. Vauxhall's toe in the water of the 4x4 market came about as a result of their ownership of Isuzu, and followed the moderate success of Vauxhall's other Isuzu-sourced 4x4, the Frontera. Whilst the UK sales figures of the Monterey never looked particularly clever, picking up a used example could be a canny move. With lower prices and higher specifications than its Isuzu counterparts, the Monterey range offered conspicuously good value in a rugged, no-nonsense package.
Used Vauxhall Monterey for sale

History of the Monterey

Rewind back to 1994, when the 4x4 explosion was in full detonation. Having made respectable sales in the mid-range 4x4 market with the Frontera, Vauxhall was eyeing the success of the Land Rover Discovery with undisclosed envy. 'Doing a Frontera' with Isuzu's larger model, the two year old second generation Trooper, proved beyond General Motor's temptation and in May an instant full-sized off roader, the Monterey, suddenly appeared on Vauxhall's price lists.Offered with a 3.2-litre petrol engine and a 3.1-litre turbo diesel unit, the Monterey was available in two body styles, a five door LTD version and a three-door RS variant. Pushing the Monterey brand further upmarket was the Diamond trim level, introduced in October 1994 and available solely in the five-door station wagon body style. Sales of the Monterey were modest to say the least, and the range soon started to be pruned back. The 3.2 RS three-door was first for the chop, being deleted in October 1995. In January 1997, the 3.1TD RS was shown the door, shortly after which the rest of the (now exclusively) five-door range received a revised tailgate, twin airbags and seat belt pretensioners. Vauxhall carried on its cull, ruthlessly picking off the stragglers of the Monterey range one by one. The 3.1TD Diamond fell in August 1998, the 3.2 Diamond biting the bullet shortly afterward in October of the same year. The petrol and turbo diesel LTD versions were the last left standing until General Motors kicked the stool from beneath them in January 1999, effectively ending the Monterey and it's Trooper badge engineering exercise.
Used Vauxhall Monterey for sale

Vauxhall Monterey Road Test

You get lots of body roll and slow progress in every model bar the more car-like V6. Seven-seat versions are about but you'd have to be sure you could cope with a heavy load and a noisy, strained engine up hills. If you really need seven seats and don't need to go off road, an MPV might be more appropriate.So, the Monterey is not really at its best as a family car. It's probably good enough for most people's needs in the mud, however. Most owners buy the car for its butch looks and maybe the occasional off-road day out – there's nothing like this to remind you just why you bought one in the first place. Like any big 4x4, try before you buy, as it may be a bit too uncivilised for your everyday needs.Both engines are surprisingly refined at all but flat-out speeds, making it easy to appreciate the merits of the excellent Clarion stereo system. Still, you won't mistake it for a Mercedes S class, but it's better than you'd expect for a big 4x4. Another major selling point is the ride, supple yet absorbent, whether you're on grassy knolls or tarmac. Basically, it's as good as a bad executive car and for a vehicle of this size and ability, that's about as much as you can say.Should you wish to venture onto the dirty stuff, then the conventional second gear lever offers you a choice of high and low 4WD ratios. The Isuzu Trooper's reputation in the rough guarantees that the big Vauxhall can hold its own with the best of them.
Used Vauxhall Monterey for sale

Buying a Vauxhall Monterey

Ever spotted how many roadside recovery companies use Isuzu Troopers as rescue vehicles? That should tell you something of the Monterey's ruggedness. A few niggles to report, but nothing too serious. The trim quality of many cars is suspect, so have a good look and don't be afraid to haggle for a better price if you find saggy seats and tatty headlining. Look also for faulty handbrakes and notchy gear changing.The turbo diesel engine is a little agricultural but make sure all that black soot is normal and not a blown turbo. They cost a lot to replace, so get an expert to check it if you're worried. Service intervals for the diesel-engined Monterey are 5,000 miles, so check the service record carefully.Check the differentials, gearbox and engine for oil-leaks and don't forget to engage the front-hubs to test the transmission in 4x4 mode. While you're underneath look for signs of off-road damage. Power steering systems have been known to leak, and try to check if the vehicle has been fitted with a tow bar, as excess towing can lead to worn suspension and transmission parts. Finally, when negotiating servicing costs, why not get a quote from both Isuzu and Vauxhall dealers? You may well find one quoting considerably less than the other.
Used Vauxhall Monterey for sale

Vauxhall Monterey Typical Pricing

The thirsty 3.2-litre petrol engine variants of the Monterey were/are the least popular and hence the cheapest. Opening value for a three-door 3.2 RS on a 1994 L-registration is £2,700 whilst a five door LTD model commands around £400 more. If you hanker for fewer miles on the clock, expect to pay around £4,600 for a 1997 P-plated LTD and £4,800 for the upspec Diamond model.The more economical 3.1-litre turbodiesel proved more popular, but popularity, as with everything else, is relative. Don't expect to wade through an endless swathe of used Montereys at your friendly Vauxhall dealer. Track a decent one down and you'll pay from £3,000 for a 1994 L-registration RS three-door, or £4,000 for five doors and an LTD badge. A 1997 P-registered LTD will command around £5,000, or £5,100 if you want additional Diamond-spec bells and whistles. Insurance for all Monterey models is a lowly Group 12.
Used Vauxhall Monterey for sale

Vauxhall Monterey Parts

(approx based on a 97 3.1 turbodiesel) A clutch assembly will be around £240 and shock absorbers front and rear are around £50 and £70 respectively while a new radiator is around £270.Brake pads front and rear are about £65 and £60, respectively. A new tail lamp is around £50 and a replacement headlamp close to £170. Major and minor services are around £65 and £235 respectively, excluding VAT.
Used Vauxhall Monterey for sale