Montero vs TLC 100

[NH Moto Expo]

How big of tire do you want? The Monty will fit 33" with no lift.
HTH,

Clem

The lift is to level it back out after I fill it with two dogs and everything needed to bird hunt for a week. I think most people install lifts for bigger tires but for some of us it's about increased capacity for loaded travel. I know you can always add bags, but I just don't trust or like them.

 

[montypower]

Really you should be comparing the 100 series to the 3rd Gen Monty. And then it makes an even easier decision.

 

[NH Moto Expo]

I agree but the second Gen is just so dang good looking. It just looks "expo" and it has a solid rear just like the 100.

I haven't driven either but I assume the 100 series rides more like a 3rd gen as far as being quiet and composed.
on the upside, 3rd Gen's are readily available, so I can find one local to New Hampshire. Although the further south I look the better the prospects of a rust free car.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Owner stated it has the adjustable shocks and they work great. Can you keep them with a lift? Or will you need to ditch them for a longer travel shock?

Yes, the OME suspension only lifts the vehicle a bit under an inch but gives you the option of running a stiffer coil spring to handle the added weight, no need to replace the shocks.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Really you should be comparing the 100 series to the 3rd Gen Monty. And then it makes an even easier decision.

They share almost nothing in common for a comparison.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I agree but the second Gen is just so dang good looking. It just looks "expo" and it has a solid rear just like the 100.

I haven't driven either but I assume the 100 series rides more like a 3rd gen as far as being quiet and composed.
on the upside, 3rd Gen's are readily available, so I can find one local to New Hampshire. Although the further south I look the better the prospects of a rust free car.

Go a few states away to find a nicer rig.

 

[Jamacee]

Remember that the 100 is also a interference motor IIRC same as my old tundra. Also if the starter is in the same location as on the tundra it is on top of the motor under the intake plenum.

Just to have a rear swing out tire carrier for a Fullsize spare on the 100 you are looking at around 2k.

You just get soooo much with gen 2's and 2.5's.

The Monty you are looking at is in my town and I have it saved in my CL fav's. There is a sweet one in Raleigh, NC For 6600 and it is bangin.

 

[Jamacee]

For Sale - 1997 Mitsubishi Montero SR 4WD - Very Clean! 6600

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/4514108896.html

 

[Jamacee]

Forgot that it is a gen 2 SR not a endeavor.

 

[mapper]

I think of it this way. Montero is unpretentious and gets the job done. Cruiser also gets the job done, and does it well, bit also is more of a lifestyle accessory at the same time. It will cost you more, but retain more value. Also cruiser will be perceived more "legit" by many and have more of a cult following/community. Cruiser name is legendary, no question about it. Montero will go the same places, they are also synonymous with exploration and getting real work done in lesser developed landscapes. I've seen Montero in every foreign country I visited and often see them doing work in any "adventure sports" film I watch. I see cruisers more in advertisements and magazine articles. It just has that...panache. Monty will get you more miles per dollar. Just a question of what you're looking for in a vehicle.

 

[NH Moto Expo]

Thanks to all for participating. I really appreciate the discussion. Interesting to see the same post in the Land Cruiser section.

I called my bank to see about wiring the money and they put me in touch with the loan dept. On the Land Cruiser they would loan me $7530, but for the Monty all I could get would be $2580. Same year build and the Montero has lower miles. Not that I would take out a loan for either but I was surprised the difference in perceived value from the bank.

 

[raysobi]

Montero, @ $3500. Then again, I'd never pay nearly $10k for a car with almost 200k miles, under any circumstance.

If you didn't already, you should post the same poll in the Landcruiser section...for polling balance. It'd be interesting to see if the Landcruiser guys see things differently.

I honestly think that Mitsubishi Montero is the most underrated best kept secret off road vehicle. I am on the same boat as JL, I can not justify paying close to 10K for almost 200K car and I am glad I didn't.

And let me know tell you, most off road in the rough terrain vehicle in Thailand (and they do not have many access to pave road like the US) are Isuzu or Mitsu. By no mean I am dissing Toyota Landcruiser, if it is same mileage and same condition, I will probably go with the LC....well I lied...

Mitsu all the way!

 

[raysobi]

Thanks to all for participating. I really appreciate the discussion. Interesting to see the same post in the Land Cruiser section.

I called my bank to see about wiring the money and they put me in touch with the loan dept. On the Land Cruiser they would loan me $7530, but for the Monty all I could get would be $2580. Same year build and the Montero has lower miles. Not that I would take out a loan for either but I was surprised the difference in perceived value from the bank.

You should try www.lightstream.com

I used them and I love it.

 

[montypower]

They share almost nothing in common for a comparison.

Really? You must be just considering the IRS vs solid axle. That's a rather minor difference. Did you know a stock 3rd gen can flexes more than a stock 2nd gen? Having owned two 2nd Gen trucks (one on 35s and one on 33s) I can tell you the 3rd gen is as capable if not more so than the 2nd Gen. My rear diff has 15" of ground clearance. My front skids have over 12" of ground clearance (and that's with only 1/2" of suspension lift). I'm still running the factory diffs and the traction control is nothing short of incredible. It is absolutely the best system out there. I do have 4.90 gears and ARBs sitting in the garage for it. These trucks are way, way more capable than people in the US think they are. My biggest complaint after driving many miles off road is the t-case gears are horrible. Seriously considering buying the 3.15 gears.

I've driven my Montero stock through the TransAmerica Trail. Then took it to southern Oregon and drove the McGrew Trail. Then on a 2,300 mile expedition through Montana & Wyoming 4wheeling into different remote lakes every night (several that were straight rock crawling). Went up into Washington (Mt Rainier) this weekend and drove the Naches Trail and some technical trails in Evan's Creek. In total, I've driven just short of 10,000 miles since purchasing the truck in April. And it was down for 30 days while rebuilding the top of the engine. And it's not my daily driver, just weekend adventure rig.

The Montero fits way better on trails than the 100 series (it's a tank). It has better ground clearance, better traction control system, stronger differentials, better visibility, better gas mileage, more interior space. Plus some nice things like: spare tire on the door (no swing out needed), aux gas tanks, huge storage compartment (with 3rd row seat removed), fantastic 5 speed transmission. The driving/seating position is perfect which is mandatory if you drive 12+ hrs.

I've built many trucks: 83 Hilux (on 36" tires, 22re swap, dual tcases), 92 Montero (33s, 5" lift, skids), 95 Montero SR (35s, 5" lift), 86 4runner (SAS, 35s, gears), 92 Isuzu pickup (ARBs, Gears, 33s, RTT, armor), 13 Toyota Tacoma (expedition build over $20k parts). And I'm having a blast with this 03 Montero.

My point is simple. You really need to seriously consider and compare the 100 series to the 3rd Gen.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

Really? You must be just considering the IRS vs solid axle. That's a rather minor difference. Did you know a stock 3rd gen can flexes more than a stock 2nd gen? Having owned two 2nd Gen trucks (one on 35s and one on 33s) I can tell you the 3rd gen is as capable if not more so than the 2nd Gen. My rear diff has 15" of ground clearance. My front skids have over 12" of ground clearance (and that's with only 1/2" of suspension lift). I'm still running the factory diffs and the traction control is nothing short of incredible. It is absolutely the best system out there. I do have 4.90 gears and ARBs sitting in the garage for it. These trucks are way, way more capable than people in the US think they are. My biggest complaint after driving many miles off road is the t-case gears are horrible. Seriously considering buying the 3.15 gears.

I've driven my Montero stock through the TransAmerica Trail. Then took it to southern Oregon and drove the McGrew Trail. Then on a 2,300 mile expedition through Montana & Wyoming 4wheeling into different remote lakes every night (several that were straight rock crawling). Went up into Washington (Mt Rainier) this weekend and drove the Naches Trail and some technical trails in Evan's Creek. In total, I've driven just short of 10,000 miles since purchasing the truck in April. And it was down for 30 days while rebuilding the top of the engine. And it's not my daily driver, just weekend adventure rig.

The Montero fits way better on trails than the 100 series (it's a tank). It has better ground clearance, better traction control system, stronger differentials, better visibility, better gas mileage, more interior space. Plus some nice things like: spare tire on the door (no swing out needed), aux gas tanks, huge storage compartment (with 3rd row seat removed), fantastic 5 speed transmission. The driving/seating position is perfect which is mandatory if you drive 12+ hrs.

I've built many trucks: 83 Hilux (on 36" tires, 22re swap, dual tcases), 92 Montero (33s, 5" lift, skids), 95 Montero SR (35s, 5" lift), 86 4runner (SAS, 35s, gears), 92 Isuzu pickup (ARBs, Gears, 33s, RTT, armor), 13 Toyota Tacoma (expedition build over $20k parts). And I'm having a blast with this 03 Montero.

My point is simple. You really need to seriously consider and compare the 100 series to the 3rd Gen.

A 5 inch lift, from where?