3rd gen Montero questions

[75S30]

I'm looking at purchasing a very clean 2001 full size Montero and have a few questions. This Montero has the cloth interior and appears to be as base model as I've seen. My question is, do all 3rd gen Monteros have limited slip? I've read some people referring to a locking center diff...this truck has the manual t-case...as far as I know this shouldn't have awd or a center diff...am I wrong?

I guess I'm really looking for some main differences other than the obvious lack of leather, sweet heated seats, and sunroof, between the loaded models and the base model.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[vanroth]

Short story is that even the XLS models had some of the Limited's features including the sunroof (and Limiteds could be had sans sunroof as well). The main difference will be that the XLS will have cloth, a 4 speed transmission (at least until the 3.8l models), and a two-speed transfer case w/part-time 4WD. The LSD rear on the 01-02 models can be had on both the limited and XLS models, with the XLS getting the 4.9 rear to make up for the 4spd gearbox. You are correct the XLS (base model) will have the manual part-time case which doesn't need a center diff. The Limited has the option to operate in full-time awd and has a center diff lock mode.

I held out for a Limited as I wanted leather and the 5 speed auto (which is nice). The added benefit is the Limited can be "upgraded" to drop in 4.9 diffs out of an XLS if you decide to go up in tire size. The electronic transfer case certainly has more parts to go wrong, but the shift on the fly setup and AWD is great.

Either way you go, definitely hold out for the nicest one you can find. Gen III's will give you a good solid 200k miles of service, but there are a lot of ragged out models out there.

 

[limp_noodle]

For the 03+ Gen III, what are the differences between the XLS and Limited? The only info I could really find is the sunroof.

 

[The Viper]

For the 03+ Gen III, what are the differences between the XLS and Limited? The only info I could really find is the sunroof.

03-06 have no xls model, they are all limited

the 03 had a limited and a 20th anniversary model, although the 20th anniversary still had the limited badge on the rear door

EDIT: oh yeah, i almost forgot, i dont know why some appraisal sites are showing the 03 has an xls model, as far as i know there was no xls model after 02

 

[limp_noodle]

Ah ok. That's why I got confused. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[vanroth]

There were '03 XLS models. They had the black bezel trim and cloth seats of the prior XLS models, but were otherwise the same as the Limited model w/5spd and shift on the fly 4wd.

I'm not sure what Mitsubishi was thinking when they named all of their models in the US. Hard enough with everyone getting confused with the Sport. Heck I've even seen a few "Montero Limited Sport XLS" models posted on craigslist :elkgrin:

 

[Swank Force One]

Today i learned i want an 03 XLS.