Looking to buy a 3rd gen montero

[Mad Al]

I'm new to the forum and I've been looking at the 3rd gen monteros. My big questions are, is there any years I should look at or years to avoid? How does the unibody compared to a 1st or 2nd gen xterra (the others vehicle I'm looking at). Any information would be helpful.
Thanks

 

[montypower]

2003-2006 is best. Limited has nice options.

Unibody is more like body on subframe than true unibody. No body flex or noises. Extremely solid. No comparison to Xterra. Xterra is a toy in comparision. Front differentials are a joke (very weak, aluminum housing). The Montero uses 9.5" ring gear in the rear (similar to 1/2 ton trucks); Tacoma is only 8" in comparison. Front is 8.5" ring gear; Toyota uses 7.5" in FJ, Taco, 4runner. It is massively overbuilt. One of the best transfercase / 4wd systems of any SUV built. Best traction control system I've ever seen (you need to experience it).

Montero looks like a soccer mobile. Xterra looks tough. But in reality, Montero will dominate in build quality, strength and capability.

 

[jhill15]

x2 on Everything montypower said. I went from an 04 xterra xe to an 03 montero. The ride quality between the 2 are apples and oranges as well as the 4wd. The only thing I like more about the 1.5 gen xterra compaired to the den 3 montero is the simplicity of the 4wd set up.

 

[Mad Al]

Thanks for the info. How's the aftermarket support?

 

[Eric M]

I would say the 3rd generation has the best aftermarket support of any Montero. Also don't worry a bit about the unibody design, it's more than strong enough. Years to avoid depend on what you're looking at. If you want the 3.8L you'll want a 2003-2006. If you want to avoid 17" wheels but still want the 3.8L, you'll have to narrow your search to a 2003-4. Stuff like that, so narrow down what you want and that will tell you where to look.

 

[Mad Al]

Is the 3.8 better than the 3.5. Is it just mor power or better reliability?

 

[Eric M]

It's got slightly more power and supposedly timing set maintenance is a bit easier because they moved the accessories around. The biggest upgrade in the 3rd generation, to me, would be the 5 speed transmission. These things are slow and need all the help they can get. The 5 speed was available only in the Limited in 2001 and 2002, and then from 2003 on it was across the range.

 

[All-Terrain]

It's got slightly more power and supposedly timing set maintenance is a bit easier because they moved the accessories around. The biggest upgrade in the 3rd generation, to me, would be the 5 speed transmission. These things are slow and need all the help they can get. The 5 speed was available only in the Limited in 2001 and 2002, and then from 2003 on it was across the range.

It's not the extra 15 or so horsepower that's so much better. It's the extra torque. And not the torque at peak output, but the distribution of extra torque --- the "area under the curve". The almost-10 percent increase in displacement makes for a nice low-to-mid range feel.

 

[nckwltn]

I have an 03 3.8 and a 99 3.5. The 03 has so much more low end torque. Finding that 3.8L engine is the way to go

 

[montypower]

3.8L also runs on regular 87 Octane or Premium. Where the 3.5L requires premium. I still run with premium anyhow (only $3-4 more per fill).

17" wheels would be perfect for BFG Ko2 34x10.5r17. They should fit stock. I ran the same size on my factory wheels. Ideal size for this truck in my opinion. Could still get 20mpg on the road (fully loaded over 6k lbs).

 

[Eric M]

6G74 does not require 91, but recommends it. I haven't noticed any difference running mine on either 87 or 91.

 

[nckwltn]

3.8L also runs on regular 87 Octane or Premium. Where the 3.5L requires premium. I still run with premium anyhow (only $3-4 more per fill).

as long as premium only costs $.20/gallon, the more expensive gas gets, the cheaper it becomes to put in premium (as a percentage difference between regular and premium fuel)

 

[Mad Al]

I see everyone is advising the 03+ but in my area for under $10k I'm just not finding them. There's a few 01-02. And I found one that's 01 limited with 165k miles. Too many miles?

 

[Mad Al]

And again thanks to everyone for the feedback and help. I really appreciate it!

 

[Eric M]

If it's the right price and has good maintenance records I would buy it. The only thing you really lose with the 01 is styling and the 3.8.