Which Montero?

[MTGunner]

Have been contemplating a Montero for some time now. Have researched many used around the western states. I am at a dilemma about which year, model to pursue. I have found some '95-'98 models, SR, that look good but lots of miles on odometer. Have found '99-'03 that look good and lower miles. This will not be a rock crawler, but back roads and some two tracks for hunting and expeditions travels. I have found one '98'that has a blown head gasket for cheap. Looks good and is fairly clean but suspect of mileage and rest of car.
I would appreciate your thoughts and date input. Thank you all in advance. MTG

 

[plh]

Gen 2's are roughly 20 years old, and Gen 3's roughly 10. They will both need some maintenance by this point obviously the Gen 2s are getting really slim to find in nice condition. Either series will get you what you want. '95 to '99 SR will get you a rear locker, optional hit or miss in '92 - '94. '03 and newer LTD will get you traction control and the bigger 3.8l. Browse the forum, this question has been covered many times.

 

[PacS14]

Read some of the build threads here and understand that this older vehicles while fun and capable, need maintenance to be reliable, know how is plentiful here and other sites for you to do your own work if you are willing to get dirty. While there is not a lot of off the shelf upgrade support, sounds like you are in a similar situation as me and I can't be happier with my 99. If I were you I would look for one that is already running, even with oil leaks, so long as the engine does not knock, and 4x4 works, and look for minimal rust for your area. But better yet look at other build threads and feel free to check mine too I did everything to it based on information here and other sites as well as the FSM. Good luck and welcome!

 

[Tundraguy81]

I really like my 05. It has plenty off road capability and on road handling. Doesn't feel too heavily like the older ones to me.

 

[Offroadmuch]

Love my 2003, the first year of the 3.8L V-6. Outstanding driving on the road for a 14 year old SUV, really comfortable road. Truly amazing off road. Other than clearance from rough terrain (you can fix with lift and larger tires) it does everything you could ever want from a truck of this type. Very rugged design. The 2003 and newer, especially the Limited, will cost you a little more money. I would probably try to get a 2006 just to have a newer vehicle and 17" wheels but any Gen 3 or Gen 3.5 (2003-2006 with 3.8L and traction control) is great. If you want to do a lot of custom work and have solid axles the previous generations are great.

 

[RyanY]

It really comes down to which model appeals to you most. The Gen3 is a more modern, comfortable vehicle, with independent front and rear suspensions, and plastic bumpers. The Gen2 is a bit more rugged, with body-on-frame construction and a solid rear axle. Both are considerably more capable in stock form than you'd ever imagine, and with a few modifications, either one can take you places you wouldn't think possible. Mechanically, either one is capable of lots of miles if maintenance is done properly. That said, finding out the maintenance history on anything you're considering purchasing can save you many thousands in bringing the maintenance up to date. Timing belt service is a big thing, and doing it with the correct parts and other associated maintenance at the same time is fairly important to keeping the engine running properly. As noted above, the newest Gen3 is 11 years old, and the newest Gen2 is 17 years old, so you should expect them to need some love and attention. Lower miles is a bonus, but not as important as how well the vehicle has been maintained. Hope this helps.

 

[PirateMcGee]

Take which ever one you can find that is clean, has copious amounts of maintenance records, and as few owners as possible.

In the Montero world this is a hard egg to crack and if you find one jump on it.