Ideal config for Gen 3 as a daily driver with potential?

[nwoods]

I recently completed a project that had me driving a LOT, and pretty much burned through my daily driver (Volvo XC70). I am cash strapped, but need a replacement, so was thinking that a Gen 3 might be a nice comfy moderately priced and dependable vehicle. I don't know much about them, other than they look like a melted down Gen 2.5 that got cooked in the paint ovens a bit too long

What are the preferred model years, options, features, etc? What are the known issues that I should be on the look out for?
Linking me to threads where this has been answered before is COMPLETELY acceptable

Cheers,

NW

 

[DSouth]

2001-2002 Gen III Limited's came with a limited slip rear and 5 speed (4speed in XLS) and the same 3.5 engine form the 2.5 Gen.
2003- Gen III Limiteds came with 5 Speed but no limited slip, instead they got the Mitsubishi traction control system which by all reports does an awesome job of keeping it going. Arguably as good as the limited slip did. This Gen also comes with the 3.8 engine which is good for another 20 pony's over the 3.5.

I have seen reports of some issues with the rear axle retaining clips letting go. These were superseded in later GenIII models, so if you get one of the later years in the Gen there's a good chance you'll have that newly designed parts.

Other failure points in all GenIII's is the ABS Pump. It was a TSB item and used to be replaced under that by the dealers. These days you pretty much just have to pay the money for a new one. They can be pricey.

I've got a little script running on my computer that grabs a list of newly posted Montero's from Craigslist and sends me an email. If you want me to I can setup an instance to for you too, or just fwd the emails to you.

Between the two (GenIII, and GenIII.5) I am looking for a GenIII.5. I've driven lots of both, and the power feels more or less the same, since they have different final gear ratios to compensate, but the traction control and more power is what I'm after. Also, the dual AC when running on a hot day really soaks up the power, so yet another reason to look for the 2003 and new models.

Best!

 

[nwoods]

Thanks D. That's helpful info and doubled what I knew this morning

I'm not ready to pull the trigger yet though. I got to sort through what it will cost to rebuild the Volvo verses starting over with an unknown car.

 

[stioc]

My 2 cents. I do a LOT of commuting (120 miles a day, 5 days a week). After burning through my BMW 3 series 240k miles (when I sold it) I realized that even though I can do just about all the maintenance and repair myself I want something of an appliance car (Prius or a Honda, Toyota, Hyundai) for commuting. It has to be safe, reliable, comfortable and good gas mileage. I'm very happy I went this route. It keeps the miles off of my truck which, while cheaper than the Honda is more valuable to me considering the amount of work and mods put into it and because it's our expedition/fun/camping rig and I don't want to waste it on the highway where any odd car will do. If you don't expect to be driving a lot though then a single car that serves both purposes is usually more economical than the two car approach.

The 3rd gen Monteros are great luxo trucks for a bargain. I test drove a couple before I bought my Pathfinder a couple of years ago and really liked the ride, and overall quality of the interior. There were two reasons I didn't buy one; one I felt it had too much luxury/gee wiz gadgets and buttons - I was looking for a simpler rig for easier field repairs etc, and two I wanted a solid rear axle. Of course, the former is a personal choice and the latter as we now know has become more a norm than the exception (e.g. Land Rovers, Jeep Grand Cherokees, Honda Ridgeline etc).

 

[nwoods]

No offense Sarwat, but you are a tiny person compared to me. Appliance cars are simply torturous to someone of VLA proportions (Very Large American). If I am going to drive a lot, I am going to be comfortable, surrounded by the best sound system I can afford, with the ability to cruise in stop-n-go traffic without the muscles in my legs going all Gymkata on me.

All I am really looking for is enough headroom to not need a sunroof to drive with, enough legroom to keep the front seats in the car (most cars I have to modify by moving the seat mounts back a few inches), at least 20mpg, enough comfort to keep me from going bezerk on the highway, something that cost less than the purchase price in maintenance in any given year, and be under $10k ready to go. Well under hopefully, considering I only have about $5k to work with

 

[stioc]

VLA lol. You're right I keep forgetting you're 6'7 on a larger frame vs. my 6' on a smaller frame I hear you on the comfort thing, I drove a race prepped spec-miata on the streets for a year and with my longish legs it was excruciating. Welp, the 3rd gen Montero should do then if you find it to be comfortable to drive and the gas mileage is not a big issue. As I mentioned they're very nice trucks and not even close to being as expensive as say a Toyota LC100 etc.

Edit: The last one I looked at (2003 Limited) with 116k miles on it the guy was asking for $7200 obo that was about two years ago. 20mpg though might be on a good day but that's a guess, you may want to check fuelly.com for a realistic mpg figure.

 

[Jamacee]

You said Gymkata. Lol. What a blast from the past.

 

[nwoods]

You said Gymkata. Lol. What a blast from the past.

Best movie ever!

On second thought, no, maybe not the best movie ever.... LOL