Buying a Montero (3rd Gen)

[Swank Force One]

Thx, just want to be clear that timing belt/WP work done by his mechanic at his work place so it is not documented it is word of mouth. that was my hesitation , also he is saying all fluid was changed by him? is this something I can go for?

We can't tell you that. Fluids are cheap.

 

[clmrt]

This one - note service done in description -

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/658524576/overview/

 

[DanF.]

There seems to be a decent amount here in TX. I'm currently trying to sell my BMW to fund a Gen3.

 

[clmrt]

This one - note service done in description -

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/658524576/overview/

Same dealer now has a less expensive '01, dealer serviced since new.

 

[96LTDrus]

Same dealer now has a less expensive '01, dealer serviced since new.

Check out the photo they have of a close up of one of the wheels/wheelwells on that XLS, that rust looks worrisome (IMO). XLS is nice in that it has a Aisin transmission that isn't as picky about getting pricey SP-III fluid (or so I've read), and the manually shifted t-case alleviates much of the "blinking lights" worries surrounding stuck solenoids on the Limited's t-case, but you're losing some of the very best parts of the gen III IMO by not getting the Super Select II multi-mode transfer case with the unlocked 4Hi mode. Cloth seats seem to be less prone to wear and tearing like many of the higher mileage Limiteds with leather seats. But again, you're giving up seat heaters so it cuts both ways.

In my own search, I'm placing more emphasis on finding a rust free specimen with a clean interior/exterior, and simply assuming that whatever I buy will need a full 'baselining' with t-belt, all fluids, plugs, valve cover gaskets, etc.