Gen 2.5 - How many miles is too many?

Ravenix

New member
So my '98 Montero with just 165,000 miles on the engine was totaled in a collision by some idiot that ran a red light. The insurance has paid out and I'm currently looking for a replacement.

With these trucks getting into 2 decades old... I'm seeing a lot of beaters that are hardly worth a second glance, or if they've been well maintained the mileage is really starting to add up. I was hoping to find another 2.5 with under 200,000 miles on it. So far that hasn't happened.

What I am seeing is a few possibilities with mileage of 225,000 and up...

But what's the lifespan on these engines? Can I hope to see them last for 300,000 miles? 400,000? What kind of mileage is too much? How many miles do YOU have on your engine?
 

Salonika

Monterror Pilot
Buy what you want regardless, and have the engine rebuilt. Sad to think many of these trucks are being crushed because the motor wore out. I had mine rebuilt at 190,000 and have never once regretted it. The motor runs flawlessly, and I've been able to focus on maintaining other stuff, and I'm never afraid to road trip it.
 
Last edited:

grandpa

Member
For reference my 2001 has 165,000 and my 2000 has 215,000 miles without any major engine issues.
 

SONICMASD

Adventurer
If you are able to get to phoenix there is a 98 SR with 150k for sale on craigslist.


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Outdooraholic

Adventurer
I agree with Salonika. Find a clean, well mainteained one (regards of the millage) and budget for an engine rebuild if need be. It's not the end of the world.

My 2000 MS currently has 135k miles and I'm going to have to go in and change out the valve stem seals already.
 

KyleT

Explorer
My gen 2.5 had 210k ish on it when I sold it. Ran very good. Only complaints were I wish it had more power and car seat was hard to get secure in the back seat.

I drove it all over and once from DFW to Chattanooga and back with no issues.

I would be more concerned with condition than miles.


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Ravenix

New member
So I'm looking locally at a super clean '95 LS, only 2 owners. But with 320,000 miles! It's gonna need some maintenance....

Any issues with an engine swap from my 3.5 v6 into this rig? Should I consider swapping in the transmission and rear axel too? Would all the electronics play nice?
 

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