I bought my first and only Gen1 in 2001. It was a low mileage, rust free 1989 SWB Dodge Raider, 3.0, 5 speed, LSD. It had the usual 2nd gear shifting problems, but I left it stock and drove it on the roads pretty happily until 2005 when the entire bottom end of the engine fell apart. I stored her for a couple of years, thinking I would replace the engine, but replacements were expensive, and the spousal pressure was unrelenting. I sold, but I have always regretted it just because that Raider was otherwise in such good condition. (And I loved driving it.)

I've seen a few potential replacements cross my radar since then, but nothing quite good enough. But now...
I found a 1989 SWB Montero, same holy grail set up as my last one: 3.0, 5 speed, LSD. Decent miles, very good cosmetically. It's not perfect, has a couple of leaks. It's stock. I am very close to buying it for around two grand.

Am I crazy? Am I forgetting all the bad stuff? The constant maintenance and parts hunting I used to do? Will this thing be as fun as I remembered? Have I romanticized it too much perhaps?

Note: I am no longer married. The spouse who bullied me into selling my first Gen1 is now my ex. And with the encouragement of my girlfriend, I have picked up a 1991 Diesel 2500 Suburban.

All input is welcome, thank you so much. It feels good to post here again.

This is what is:


This is what was: