I have owned my 80 for just over two years now. I must say it has been a love hate realationship. I have a 92 with the wonderful 3FE. Which has more than one occasion left me yearing for more power. For the last year I have considered selling the 80 and going back to a Mits Montero. Especially with the price of gas this last summer. I wanted the better MPG and better on road handling of the Montero.
M 80 had never been my DD. But two weeks ago it became my DD with the unexpected death of my Focus. My desire for a more fuel efficeint vehicle intensefied. I began looking again at Monteros. I owned a 95 years ago before I had ever heard of the term Expedition Vehicle or Overland Travel. I got to tell you the Montero is a fine vehicle. Great 4WD system and factory rear locker.
So I went to look at one last week. I met the guy in a parking lot where he had parked the vehicle to show buyers over weekend. When I arrived the Montero was there. I pulled up in the 80 and he arrived in a Disco II. I thought that was cool. All three together. I should have took and pic but the seller would have looked at me weird. It was apparent his truck never saw dirt.
I drove the Monty and was immediatley shocked at how much it felt like a car compared to driving the tank 80.
Long story short, I decided to stay with the ol girl 80. The Monty is a much better truck for my needs right. But it had no soul. Despite the terrible MPG, poor power, I feel sort of attched to the LC. Today I spent hours on her doing my first tune up. I had zero wrenching skills when I bought her. But Im learning. I wouldnt have been able to do what I did on the Monty. I have really considered the Montero hard for a year. Kinda the grass is greener thing I guess.
After working on my truck today, I discovered a little bit more just what an amazing vehicle I own. She may not go 85 down the freeway and get 20 MPG. But she's a Crusier!!!
M 80 had never been my DD. But two weeks ago it became my DD with the unexpected death of my Focus. My desire for a more fuel efficeint vehicle intensefied. I began looking again at Monteros. I owned a 95 years ago before I had ever heard of the term Expedition Vehicle or Overland Travel. I got to tell you the Montero is a fine vehicle. Great 4WD system and factory rear locker.
So I went to look at one last week. I met the guy in a parking lot where he had parked the vehicle to show buyers over weekend. When I arrived the Montero was there. I pulled up in the 80 and he arrived in a Disco II. I thought that was cool. All three together. I should have took and pic but the seller would have looked at me weird. It was apparent his truck never saw dirt.
I drove the Monty and was immediatley shocked at how much it felt like a car compared to driving the tank 80.
Long story short, I decided to stay with the ol girl 80. The Monty is a much better truck for my needs right. But it had no soul. Despite the terrible MPG, poor power, I feel sort of attched to the LC. Today I spent hours on her doing my first tune up. I had zero wrenching skills when I bought her. But Im learning. I wouldnt have been able to do what I did on the Monty. I have really considered the Montero hard for a year. Kinda the grass is greener thing I guess.
After working on my truck today, I discovered a little bit more just what an amazing vehicle I own. She may not go 85 down the freeway and get 20 MPG. But she's a Crusier!!!
