Soooo, I'm thinkin' hard about a montero purchase...

[Clem]

Ooops...what he said :bowdown:

 

[alex9528]

Gen 2.5 came out in 1998 to 2000 with SOHC 3.5 engine. The 98 and 99 years have the factory lockers on some models but none on 2000 models. I think this body style is the best compared to other models. Gen 3 is 01 thru 06 . 01 to 02 is SOHC 3.5L engine - 2 trims are XLS which is 4speed auto and optional activtrac 4wheel drive. Limited model is 5 speed auto with activtrac 4wd standard and manual select gears also Center diff lock standard. 03 to 06 models all have 3.8L SOHC engine and 5spd auto with activtrac 4wd CDL standard on all trims. No factory rear lockers are avail in all gen 3 but ARB has lockers for Gen 3s.

 

[Fergie]

Great info on the years!

I see some had 3rd row seats and some did not...was this strictly an option, or model trim specific?

G

 

[off-roader]

Great info on the years!

I see some had 3rd row seats and some did not...was this strictly an option, or model trim specific?

G

gen ii and later came with them as an option although I've never seen a gen ii or later without them.

 

[Fergie]

Google shows several different configurations for the 3rd row; did they only come in one flavor for the US market?

 

[Sabre]

Google shows several different configurations for the 3rd row; did they only come in one flavor for the US market?

The Gen III 3rd row seat is a bench. It folds down into a storage well under the rear floor and is quickly and easily removed altogether for increased cargo capacity. Prior to that they were split seats rather than a bench, and folded up against the side panels in the back.

 

[Fergie]

The Gen III 3rd row seat is a bench. It folds down into a storage well under the rear floor and is quickly and easily removed altogether for increased cargo capacity. Prior to that they were split seats rather than a bench, and folded up against the side panels in the back.

That would be why I didn't see it in the one I looked at; they were hidden! I'm guessing that storage area is pretty large then, if it can handle those seats.

 

[off-roader]

Not sure. My intent has never been to keep them since they consume a lot of space...

 

[Fergie]

Well, with two kids, and friends, those extra seats are needed.

I do like that they are out of the way entirely when not in use.

 

[Sabre]

That would be why I didn't see it in the one I looked at; they were hidden! I'm guessing that storage area is pretty large then, if it can handle those seats.

You pop off the headrests, the back folds flat, then the entire thing rotates on its axis and disappears into the floor. It's a simple matter to pull it out if you want more storage space. The remaining storage well (we call it "the basement") has enough room for a chainsaw, lots of tools, spares, etc.

 

[BIGdaddy]

That would be why I didn't see it in the one I looked at; they were hidden! I'm guessing that storage area is pretty large then, if it can handle those seats.

yup, storage area is quite impressive when the seat is stowed. What's cool is that the middle row actually accomodates my 3 girls sitting side by side, so that we COULD load up cargo if need be. With the third row deployed my kids have a great amount of space for normal, non-camping/overland type trips.

 

[Sabre]

yup, storage area is quite impressive when the seat is stowed. What's cool is that the middle row actually accomodates my 3 girls sitting side by side, so that we COULD load up cargo if need be. With the third row deployed my kids have a great amount of space for normal, non-camping/overland type trips.

Yeah, I'm a popular soccer dad who can take half the team to practices!