I became a Montero lover back in the mid 90's. I had always wanted a Land Rover but couldn't afford one as I was a student at the time. I came across an '89 2 door 5 speed with little miles on it and the owner was an engineering student from Japan that had to dump it as he was moving back to Japan. I paid only $3900 for it when the blue book was around $7000. I moved to Phoenix, Az in 2000 and drove it for 2 years without AC! The time came to go for that Land Rover I had always dreamed of and found a nice '98 Disco with 24k miles at the LR dealership. It had full warrantee! That same year my Dad bought a new 2002 Discovery. We were on the phone often talking about our new purchases! Sad to say it was a short lived romance with Land Rover. We both got rid of our LR after one year. So many issues to even list...vapor lock, electricals, oil leaks, gas mileage 10-12mpg?? His was brand new and the ACE, and other bells and whistles kept going out. Needless to say we both still like Land Rover and know that many owners have few problems.
This took me back to Mitsubishi. I love Toyotas, etc..but really like the uniqueness of having something a little different. I currently have a 2000 Montero (gen II.5--not current body style) with snorkle, ARB suspension, 32" BFG's (looking at getting 16" wheels and a taller tire), and various attachments. It will be turning 100,000 miles before years end and I have never had a leak, moan, squeek or hiccup with this truck! I get 24 mpg (short commute), have obtained a best of 26mpg on highway and also a worst 18mpg. I take out the back seats and it becomes a truck or camper. When this one dies I hope there will still be one around to replace it as I plan on driving this for many years! The local dealership in town (I am back in Colorado)say that there are 3 other Montero's in town with over 300,000 miles on them so I have a ways to go.
Thanks for letting me put in my 0.02:safari-rig:
Roger
