So sad to post this.... I had so many more adventures planned. She was slow up hills and we had to be towed a couple times to a mechanic while on a trip but we always made it home. I only owned her for a couple years but the memories will last forever.
I was driving at night around 40mph and took my eyes off the road for a split second, my front right wheel caught a parked car. I then flipped and slid on my drivers side until coming to a stop. I couldn't get out through the sunroof since I had the rack on and was freaking out a bit. The side windows were broken and razor sharp so couldn't climb out that way either. Just as I was about to kick out my windshield a passer by took my solar panel and broke the windshield so I could get out. The looks on peoples eyes as I squeezed out I will never forget. I am still pretty shaken up. I thank my lucky stars I was by myself and there were no major injuries.
I have been looking at what will replace her and I look at trucks, diesels, vans etc but I come back to a montero. I think I want to go with a 2003 or newer montero or if I can find a low mileage gen 2.5. I will be checking the craigslist finds frequently!