Hi Everyone,

For the past several years I have had a 88 4runner which has served me well. I have been looking into getting a full sized SUV and think Montero's are the way to go. Looking for a 94- 97 w/ seating for 7.
My question is this:
Are some years better than others and some years more problematic than others. I am trying to stay with low mileage trucks.
Any and all suggustions are helpful and thanks to everyone in advance.

JM

'95 RS, many believe, is the way to go. Factory locking rear diff and the 3.5l V-6. Also was the year of highest sales in the U.S., so there should be a fair number of them around.

John B.

Thanks Johnny B for the help. I drove a few 95's and 96's so far. Most have been dogs but I did miss a good one by 1 hr.
Thanks again.

JM

I'll put my 2ó in here (these all assume your looking at top-of-the-line models):

As you've obviously determined, '95 (SR, of course) is a great place to start consideration. In this discussion we talked about the different features available starting in '95 as well as things to watch out for - a few things not mentioned were the little things like headlight washers, infinity sound systems, factory fog lights, etc. These were nice options or sometimes standard equipment that the Monty saw throughout the '90s.

In '96, the Montero got a split second row which still fits 3 car seats across (I have 4 kids... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />) and also got a passenger side airbag. Rear lockers were standard for the SRs from '95 to '96 (possibly '97) so you can't go wrong there.

If you can afford the extra $$$ I would personally go for a '97 SR as it doesn't suffer from the 2 major afflictions associated with the previous model years - namely, the valve guide seals which go bad around 100k and the lower intake plenum butterfly valves whose bushings can deteriorate over time. 1997 was also the first year that Monteros saw heated seats <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />. The downside beginning with that year is that, IIRC, that 3.5L engine produces about 10-20 less horsepower than it's older siblings. Again IIRC, '95 & '96 are the highest HP years that the Montero ever saw (before or after) although torque ratings did increase in later models.

If you don't mind the body style change (I've personally gotten used to the look & would consider one), what we refer to as the Gen 2.5 was produced from '98 to '00. These were the last years of the body-on-frame design, but things like leather & a rear locker are hit or miss on those models (although I've seen a lot of them with lockers). I like the idea that by the time those trucks were be produced, MMC had worked out the few 'bugs' that the 3.5 had, they were using higher quality leather on the seats and the tow capacity went from 4000 to 5000 lbs.

Finally, just so they're not left out <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />, there's the Gen III (2001 & up) which I don't know a lot about except that it's unibody design, a 3.8L engine, the locker option was dropped (in favor of an electronic LSD), and has a neat 'stow n go' 3rd row seat (although why they went from 2 smaller seats to one medium sized one I can only guess at...). Most here seem to poo-poo it's offroad worthiness but I think it's probably more capable than people give it credit for.

HTH!

Shawn

Nice write up I think you covered just about all the basics for him.

That's a BIG 10.4!!!!!!!!!!!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" />

Wow, Shamer Nice coverage.
That really clears up a lot for the old search.
I kinda knew about the valve guide seals having issues but I didn't know what years primarily had the problems.

I do like the Gen 2.5 and may consider looking at those as well. As for Gen 3 I am not sure ... Haven't heard too many good reports about them and am not totally in love with the body style.

Thanks again for the report. I will be on the site to learn all I can from the veterens and I'll keep ya posted on the progress.

JM

Note: Our 98 has 4.3xx gears, not 4.6xx, if that matters to your needs. It also has infinity, the split second (you loose the middle arm rest, though), softer leather than 95, ass warmers in front, rear locker, H/L washers. And yes, I do like the 'blister fenders.' Though in looking at them, I can see where it might be a tough go to put any additional flares on it for something like 33s. Not an issue here as the 98 is hers and serves as the family wagon.

BTW, did any of you guys get those Gen II Bushwackers on ebay last week?

Weren't the 95 and 96 SR the only Montero's with the DOHC?

Pretty sure 97 was DOHC for the 3.5L. I know the MT was dropped for the 3.0L. IIRC, they then all went to the 3.5L SOHC beginning 98. (3.8L late model Gen IIIs aside.)