I don't know your timeline but if I was you I'd look for a clean Gen 2.5 Montero (1997-1999) with the winter package (heated seats and most importantly the rear-locker). The 2000 is also a Gen 2.5, but it did not have the rear-locker as an option.
The Montero (not the Montero Sport) is more akin to a Land Cruiser than a 4Runner of similar vintage (no, I'm not saying it's as good as a LandCruiser, but it is certainly closer to a Land Cruiser than the values would suggest). Crawl underneath a Gen 2.5 and look at it's frame/running gear and compare it to a similar year 4Runner. The Montero is MUCH beefier. It was designed to run around 3rd world countries, despite the fact it was sold in the states with electric everything, a big sunroof and leather seats as a soccer mom SUV.
It has a bit more room than the 4runner, is just as reliable, and a similar age/condition Montero will cost 1/2 (or less) what the 4runner will. As for the Land Cruiser, it will cost probably 25-30% what that would set you back. For the cost of the 4Runner, you can have a Montero and spend several thousand dollars on prepping it for the trip. I was looking for a 3rd gen 4runner when I "discovered" the Montero and the value they provided and that is why I ended up with a 1999 Montero with the winter package.
Stock Monteros had 29.5 inch tires (265/70/15s), but they will take 33/10.5/15s tires without any suspension modifications (other than possibly tightening the torsion bars up front). I run 31/10.5/15s to give a small lift, but not kill MPG. Montero's do not sip gas, but they are closer to 4runners than Land Cruisers in that respect. I get 15-16 around town and 19-20 hway. I've have had several of Toyota trucks with 3.4s, and it's a fine engine, but I prefer the 3.5 in the Montero for power delivery. The transmission in the Montero is butter smooth and built like a tank. My Montero has 198K miles on it and I would not hesitate to take it across the country tomorrow. The compass and outside temp reading is nice to have as well.
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Not that you will need it for your trip, but most of them are 7 seaters (the two rear most seats require taking some bolts out, but I can do it in about 10-15 minutes).
A couple of things to be aware of with the Montero if you go that route.
It is an interference engine (unlike the Toyota), so it's important to keep up with timing belt changes. If I were in your shoes, I'd have a new timing belt (and ancillaries) put on (unless you have documentation that it's been done recently and then I'd still have it inspected) and, also make sure it has the latest crank shaft pulley bolt design AND that it's torqued to the correct specification...that is very important.
If it smokes/burns oil, it's most likely the valve-guide seals and not a big deal. If it "ticks" loudly, it's either air or some debris blocking one of the hydraulic valve lash adjusters and again not a big deal. There is a revving procedure that will sometimes fix this, but often it requires hand bleeding/cleaning of the VLA and that of course requires taking the heads off. My Montero has "ticked" for the last 30k miles and I have no immediate plans to fix it, but probably will one day.
The oil pressure gauge is unreliable. Mine has read about 30% of what it should since the day I bought it.
Really, I don't think you can go wrong with a 4runner, Land Cruiser or Montero for your intended purpose....they are all great vehicles and would serve you well, I just think when it comes to value, the Gen 2.5 Montero is the winner.
Good luck with your search for the right vehicle and have a great trip!
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