Considering a Gen III, a few questions

[NH Moto Expo]

I'm looking at Gen III's as well. I've found a huge difference in price on the XLS vs the Limited. If you can live with cloth seats and less wood the XLS often represents a $3k savings on that year range. Not sure if you give up anything mechanically by going with the XLS though.

 

[Sabre]

I'm looking at Gen III's as well. I've found a huge difference in price on the XLS vs the Limited. If you can live with cloth seats and less wood the XLS often represents a $3k savings on that year range. Not sure if you give up anything mechanically by going with the XLS though.

Here's what someone wrote about this difference:

"XLS is supplied with a four-speed automatic transmission, part-time 4WD and a two-speed transfer case.

Limited comes with a five-speed automatic with a Sportronic sequential shifter and ActiveTrac electronic full-time AWD coupled with a torque-sensing automatic limited-slip differential. Limited comes standard with the sunroof, leather interior, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, heated mirrors, fog lights, chrome exterior accents, premium audio and the LCD Information Center, which includes the aforesaid compass and readouts for outside temperature, date and time."

That Tiptronic shifter is really nice. Also, when on some pretty technical trails in Moab, that limited slip rear end really impressed me. I never once wished I had a locker back there.

 

[kchristian]

My 2002 Limited has treated us great in the short amount of time we have owned it. It runs fine on regular gas, gets 16 mpg at 80mph with 265-75's and a bunch of crap on the roof. It has a comfortable ride, and for an auto the 5-speed isn't half bad. (And this is coming from a guy that hasn't owned another auto in the last 5 cars I've owned.)

The 3.5 is slightly anemic, but it's good enough for the mountain passes in Guatemala. The select-shift transmission helps for sure. I wouldn't want to experience the 3.5 with the 4 speed.

 

[Monterorider]

The 3.5 is slightly anemic, but it's good enough for the mountain passes in Guatemala. The select-shift transmission helps for sure. I wouldn't want to experience the 3.5 with the 4 speed.

First of all 4 speed was only used On XLS in 01-02. 03+ was same 5 speed.
Second you would be wrong 5 speed get you lower 1 gear 3.8 v 2.8 and better overall crawl ratio. Top end is about the same. For hwy there is not much difference in transmission gearing, but big difference is in differential gear. 4 speed came with 4.9 R&P while 5 speed with only 4.3. For what it matters 4 speed XLS might be more comfortable in mountain passes than 5 speed limited.

 

[Monterorider]

What I liked about XLS is most of Limited's come with sun-roof unless you find rare 2003+ with DVD. XLS has a lot more head room, almost 2" more. I like it a lot more than sun roof. Feel much roomier.

 

[kchristian]

What I liked about XLS is most of Limited's come with sun-roof unless you find rare 2003+ with DVD. XLS has a lot more head room, almost 2" more. I like it a lot more than sun roof. Feel much roomier.

The huge sunroof is one of the things that sets the Montero apart from others. I'm 6 feet tall and my wife and I also sleep in the back on a platform most nights. No issues with head room for me.

Also, the quality I like about the 5 speed is the ability to choose my own gears for passing and climbing. From what I understand that feature isn't available on the 4 speed. But like I said, I'm usually a strictly manual transmission kinda guy.

 

[Monterorider]

It's just a difference between enough headroom and a lot of head room. I'm 6.2. Whichever one you prefer that's all. I personally don't care for sun-roof myself. Had one in 92. Kept it closed most of the time.
Triptronik is more of a toy/different interface. You can do all the same stuff with regular AT: OD ON/OFF button forces downshifts from 4th to 3rd (and back). That's usally enough for any kind of hwy jaunt at normal hwy speed. You can shift into 2 and 1(L) at appropriate speed using AT shifter. Like I said what you really are gaining is much lower 1st gear (nice for crawling over obstacles).
Here is layout of gear ratios Hi->Low. (basically 5, 4, and 3 of 5 speed are identical to 4, 3 and 2 of 4 speed). 4 speed will be a bit peppier at hwy speed because of lower final ratio.
0.705 1.0 1.531 2.804 final (4.9) total ratio in top gear - 3.4545
0.731 1.0 1.400 2.000 3.78 final (4.3) total ratio in top gear - 3.1433
Biggest advantage of 5 speed in 01-02 Montero is that it comes with full-time t-case while 4 speed is part-time only.

 

[Mrknowitall]

There was a sweet one a few weeks ago in K-zoo- 5 grand for an 03 XLS- wen't quick though. If you're willing to go as far as Chicago to get the right one, there are many more available.

 

[Imnosaint]

Love my '03 Limited, shortcomings not withstanding such as poorly engineered middle seat release and collapse mechanism (easily fowled), a failed sun roof mechanism, and poor mileage. It's virtues outweigh the vices for us in that it's never failed us in precarious traction and control situations, room, comfort, appointments, design, outward visibility and easy wrenching. Aftermarket support is sparse and difficult to come by, but, in my opinion, its stock configuration leaves little for want.