Which would you buy, 1997 SR or 1999?

[pheepster]

Hello,

I'm debating between the purchase of two different Monteros, a 1997 SR or a 1999. Basically, just looking for some opinions on positives/negatives, which you would buy and why.

The 1997 SR has roughly 150k miles, the current owner has only had it a few months and does not know much if anything about the history. Asking price is $3,000.

The 1999 has nearly 200k miles and the asking price is $2,500. I have yet to talk to the owner (I've been leaning toward an SR, so I"m not too sure about this model.)

Both have acceptable amount of wear/tear, clean body...


I realize this is minimal info, but any input is appreciated.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Hello,

I'm debating between the purchase of two different Monteros, a 1997 SR or a 1999. Basically, just looking for some opinions on positives/negatives, which you would buy and why.

The 1997 SR has roughly 150k miles, the current owner has only had it a few months and does not know much if anything about the history. Asking price is $3,000.

The 1999 has nearly 200k miles and the asking price is $2,500. I have yet to talk to the owner (I've been leaning toward an SR, so I"m not too sure about this model.)

Both have acceptable amount of wear/tear, clean body...


I realize this is minimal info, but any input is appreciated.

Which seems like the most logical to spend your money on?

 

[vanatee2000]

i would go with the lower mileage myself...saving 500 bucks to get a vehicle with 200k miles is probably not worth it. but then again, havent seen either. does the oil smell like gas? is the trans fluid burnt? how is the gear oil in the diffs? when was the timing belt done last? is the suspension creaky and soft? do all the electronics work? how are the tires? brakes? does the 1999 have the rear diff locker? have the valve stem seals been done? has the crank bolt been updated? hows the AC? heater? glass? its too tough to say which we would buy without knowing more about each vehicle. 50k miles is a pretty big difference as far as engine longevity...it could potentially mean 50k miles of poor maintenance and abuse.

 

[jhill15]

The 97 sr hands down (rear diff lock!!!) ....that is if everything checks out when you inspect it.

 

[Dolomiti]

99 might have a diff lock too (look for the orange sticker). That being said, both are about $1,000 over priced.

 

[nwoods]

99 might have a diff lock too (look for the orange sticker). That being said, both are about $1,000 over priced.

That must be a geographical issue. Those prices are pretty fair for SoCal.

The main difference between the 97 and 99 is body style. Which look do you prefer?

 

[Dolomiti]

I bought a 98 (locked) a year ago with 240k for $1,000 and overpaid for a 99 (locked) with 110k for $3,000 a couple of months ago.

Yes, SoCal prices are higher but you've got better selection and AZ prices and selection are sometimes even better.

Regardless, prices for both (considering how great they are) is extremely fair.

97 will have DOHC and slightly better aftermarket support.

 

[mapper]

Prices are a function of what is available. Why did you "overpay"? You should have bought something more fairly priced, right? I'm guessing the supply of vehicles dictated the price.

Back on track. I think either of vehicles mentioned are reasonably priced IF they don't have a laundry list of outstanding maintenance issues to deal with. Sadly, the laundry list of maintenance seems to be a component of nearly every Montero I looked at in the 150-200k miles range. It seems these trucks need basically nothing up to that point...and then folks sell them rather than pay for maintenance.

 

[jlocster]

...97 will have DOHC and slightly better aftermarket support.

Actually the 97s have the 3.5L SOHC from the Gen 2.5 and the body style of the Gen 2. It was a transition year. But I agree that the Gen 2 body style is easier to find parts for. Otherwise, like nwoods said, what type of fenders do you like?...mechanically they are identical.

 

[nckwltn]

Actually the 97s have the 3.5L SOHC from the Gen 2.5 and the body style of the Gen 2. It was a transition year. But I agree that the Gen 2 body style is easier to find parts for. Otherwise, like nwoods said, what type of fenders do you like?...mechanically they are identical.

does the 97 have the 4.63 gears where gen 2.5 has the 4.27?

 

[Mrknowitall]

does the 97 have the 4.63 gears where gen 2.5 has the 4.27?

Looks that way- so that goes to its advantage in dealing with tires and such. The 99 has bigger wheel wells. Really comes down to the condition of each one- the 99 with its 200k is more likely to require some chassis parts, like ball joints and such.

 

[Clem]

does the 97 have the 4.63 gears where gen 2.5 has the 4.27?

My understanding is that the 97 US model looked like a Gen II, but had the 3.5 SOHC and 4.27 gears like a Gen II.5.

Hopefully, one of the fellas with a 97 will chime in.

HTH,

Clem

 

[Toasty]

That '97 should be 4.27 ratio.

 

[Mrknowitall]

That '97 should be 4.27 ratio.

I would have thought that, too. I figured only 3.0 trucks had the deep gears. Cars.com lists it with a 4.63. Why did some Sports have 4.90's with the 3.5 and big axle?

 

[Dolomiti]

Prices are a function of what is available. Why did you "overpay"? You should have bought something more fairly priced, right? I'm guessing the supply of vehicles dictated the price.

Back on track. I think either of vehicles mentioned are reasonably priced IF they don't have a laundry list of outstanding maintenance issues to deal with. Sadly, the laundry list of maintenance seems to be a component of nearly every Montero I looked at in the 150-200k miles range. It seems these trucks need basically nothing up to that point...and then folks sell them rather than pay for maintenance.

True. I got the price down by $500, but didn't really want to have wasted a 5 hour drive with a 2 week old baby.