Any previous Montero owners here...?

[All-Terrain]

I know, I know, this is the TLC section...

... but who came here from a Montero?

I'm looking at an 80 Series LC - I presently own a '97 Montero SR - wondering how they compare, in your experience.

I have asked a couple previous TLC owners who now have Montero's... would like to hear from some who have gone the other way.

Thanks!

 

[nikosan]

I had a 99 Montero with lockers which was a very capable off road vehicle in stock form. It had the right size for the trails, and still gave decent fuel economy. I drove my sister's 97 collectors edition 80 a lot back then and felt that it was underpowered. Love the looks of the 80 but will pick the Montero over it. Now compared to a 100, the Montero loses to the 100's v8 power, the interior, comfort and handling advantages. Just my opinion remember

 

[preacherman]

I had one as well. Compared to the Montero the 80 will be slower and get less gas MPG (I got 20 on the hwy in the Montero). The 80 will have more aftermarket support, will be easier to find parts for (my local auto parts store never had Montero repair parts in stock) and will hold its value better.

It's just a matter of what's more important. Both are very capable.

 

[Mad Matt]

I had a Gen 2.5 Montero. It definitely had better power, economy and served the family well, but the 80 is more comfortable, quieter, better designed and a nicer trail rig. All things equal you will pay 2-3 times more for a similar condition 80-series compared to a Gen 2 or Gen 2.5 Montero. If I had the money I would go Cruiser ever time. If money was tight I would buy another Montero no question.


My old Montero

102_6916 by blindranger, on Flickr

My Cruiser:

Nevada by blindranger, on Flickr

 

[subytoy]

I had two Monteros before I got my 80. They were both first gen, an 87 and an 89. They were both 4 cylinder, 5spd manual vehicles. Sometimes I miss the narrowness of the Monteros and the manual trans, but overall the Land Cruiser is a much better vehicle. It has more space, more power(still slow),it's more comfortable.
All that being said, if I could find a first gen Montero two-door with a V-6, I'd jump on it.

Craig

 

[johnnyG]

I had a '90 first gen, a '93 second gen SR, and currently own a '03 third gen montero. I also have a '97 fzj80. I like them both for different reasons. I like the size, look, zippyness of the monteros, but the cruiser wins for solid engineering and community support. I wish I also had a mid-90's SR, just cause, but that might make me a bachelor. They are both great vehicles.