2to4wheels
Adventurer
Let me first introduce myself as you can see this is my first post. I've been a lurker for a while and now that I am serious to start my overlanding career, I am looking for some un-biased (is that possible!) thoughts on a dilemma my analytical mind is wrestling with, Montero Gen 3 vs GX470. I've done my fair share of searching on here and this one I don't think has ever really been discussed. Since I work in the management consulting world, humor me with how I've laid out my thoughts here and I welcome any and all feedback.
Background: We are a family of 3 going on 4 with a dog. This vehicle will be a daily driver and I live in the city. I have driven at least once, both of the vehicles in question and have done extensive research on both to get an idea of what I am getting into. I think there is a fair bit of the Toyota 120 platform and 4.7 V8 so those are a bit of a known quantity to me...the Montero not so much.
1. Supply: Hands down, the GX wins hear. These things can be found in good condition all over the country. Since they are a Lexus, many of which were dealer maintained and soccer mom daily drivers. The Montero as you all know is a bit harder to find in any kind of decent shape with reliable service records, especially on the 100K miles plus vehicles.
2. HP and MPG: Again, really like the GX here. Great motor with plenty of power and nearly the same MPG as the 3.8 Montero. Hard to debate this one, especially given the 4.7's storied history
3. Space: I think we're pretty close here. I don't have the actual numbers, but the Montero may have the edge here especially with third row hiding away rather than folding up.
4. Creature Comforts: I think we'd all agree that a Montero is a step up from maybe a 4Runner, but the Lexus has a nice fit and finish to it. I've noticed in both the leather doesn't age that well but hey, there are worse things in life.
5. Reliability: Need some help here. As discussed earlier the 120 platform is a pretty known quantity here. Specific on the GX, those that still have the rear air suspension may run into trouble but as far as the driveline goes, it is what it is. So from the Monty folks, where does it stack up in comparison to Toyota?
6. Aftermarket and Parts: Need some help here as well. The GX has great parts availability and even the aftermarket world is coming around now that more of them are ending up in overlanding garages. The FJ and 4Runner suspensions are all compatible. The Montero...I get it. Limited aftermaket support and frankly, I don't see myself doing that much anyway as I'm really looking for a good off the beaten path camping rig, not a crawler. Probably an OME lift and some tires would be the extent of mechanical upgrades. More curios about since it's an aged vehicle that was discontinued in 2006, what does the OEM and non-mod part world look like?
7. Price: Obviously the huge kicker in favor for the Monty. Based on looking around, you are looking at a $5-7k premium for like year/condition GXs.
All that said, seems like the GX has a lot going for it but is it worth the money? Or is it worth saving some coin and looking for a good Monty and just dealing with the fact that it's more rare and being so, there are more limitations.
Thanks!
Background: We are a family of 3 going on 4 with a dog. This vehicle will be a daily driver and I live in the city. I have driven at least once, both of the vehicles in question and have done extensive research on both to get an idea of what I am getting into. I think there is a fair bit of the Toyota 120 platform and 4.7 V8 so those are a bit of a known quantity to me...the Montero not so much.
1. Supply: Hands down, the GX wins hear. These things can be found in good condition all over the country. Since they are a Lexus, many of which were dealer maintained and soccer mom daily drivers. The Montero as you all know is a bit harder to find in any kind of decent shape with reliable service records, especially on the 100K miles plus vehicles.
2. HP and MPG: Again, really like the GX here. Great motor with plenty of power and nearly the same MPG as the 3.8 Montero. Hard to debate this one, especially given the 4.7's storied history
3. Space: I think we're pretty close here. I don't have the actual numbers, but the Montero may have the edge here especially with third row hiding away rather than folding up.
4. Creature Comforts: I think we'd all agree that a Montero is a step up from maybe a 4Runner, but the Lexus has a nice fit and finish to it. I've noticed in both the leather doesn't age that well but hey, there are worse things in life.
5. Reliability: Need some help here. As discussed earlier the 120 platform is a pretty known quantity here. Specific on the GX, those that still have the rear air suspension may run into trouble but as far as the driveline goes, it is what it is. So from the Monty folks, where does it stack up in comparison to Toyota?
6. Aftermarket and Parts: Need some help here as well. The GX has great parts availability and even the aftermarket world is coming around now that more of them are ending up in overlanding garages. The FJ and 4Runner suspensions are all compatible. The Montero...I get it. Limited aftermaket support and frankly, I don't see myself doing that much anyway as I'm really looking for a good off the beaten path camping rig, not a crawler. Probably an OME lift and some tires would be the extent of mechanical upgrades. More curios about since it's an aged vehicle that was discontinued in 2006, what does the OEM and non-mod part world look like?
7. Price: Obviously the huge kicker in favor for the Monty. Based on looking around, you are looking at a $5-7k premium for like year/condition GXs.
All that said, seems like the GX has a lot going for it but is it worth the money? Or is it worth saving some coin and looking for a good Monty and just dealing with the fact that it's more rare and being so, there are more limitations.
Thanks!
