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:

Buy it. I have 7 Monteros.

Buy it Joey. If anything, this community is both larger and closer. Parts are more available because of networking on here. We've got your back.

And welcome back.

John B.

Hope your not coming here for a reality check. Buy it... I have 4.

Want to sell the burb? I can't find anything that clean out here.