So like I said in the talk section here , we're thinking of getting a Gen 3 in the next year as our family vehicle. This leaves the Gen 2 for build up a bit more <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> My eldest daughter will be driving in 3 years <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> By then it should have 35s and a big bumper. She can use it to run over any advancing boys <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Icy, you said I should get a 03+ and something about the Tcase? I love to know more about that and any other advice you Gen 3 guys have. One thing I did wonder about is the 3rd row seat. Not an exciting question I know but I have 3 daughter with many friends! Does it fold flat/way? Anyway they look pretty sweet. My wife is smitten <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Many thanks. This board is awesome...

From the 03 model year on all the models came standard with Traction/Stability Control(TC, or M-ASTC)I love that...the only downside when wheeling it off-road is that it will overheat after some steady extended use....when it does that you just wait and within 10-15 sec you are able to go again....if you don't wait for it to come back online your drivetrain acts as if its Open/Open front and rear. This TC has gotten me places that most people with lockers front and rear go. It does have its downsides...don't get me wrong its not a true locker but its the next best thing IMO

Prior years to 03 came with LSD in the rear and open front and no TC. The third seat option I love. Cause it folds completely flat and into the floor compartment leaving you with a completely open cargo area....and if you don't use the 3rd seat you can take it out completely and then have a lot of extra storage space for everything. I do this while off-roading to carry stuff that's not strapped down in the cargo area so its not flying around everywhere in the back.

Only downside to the Gen 3 is that you have even less aftermarket support than you do for your Gen 2 so everything has to be fabbed up yourself. (Which is a challenge and I enjoy that part, but some don't).
Hope this answers your questions.

I remember hearing about something to do with Mitsu offering a locker overseas in the gen3. is that true?

I am very pleased with my Gen1 4door, but if I fell into some extra cash, I would love to pick up a gen3. Something to toy with and build up. When I test drove a Gen3. I was in love with the caddy feel, yet it still felt as solid as my gen1 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />.

Yup it is....there is one guy over there that has a SWB with a locker in the rear I have seen a pic of.....that is what i want...a SWB Gen 3 with lockers front and rear.....its doesnt cost anything to dream luckily.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Gen 3s are coming down a lot in price in the last year or so...I plan to get a 07 model here in a year or two as well for the wifey when they come down in price a little....

The 2001 and 2002 XLS came with open difs front and rear, if you got the XLS w/Touring Package or the Limited you got the Mech LSD half of the Hybrid LSD/Locker that was available in the rest of the world. 2003 and later is definatly the way to go, having owned both I can tell you that the TC is very cool, and driving the 2002 with out was sometimes interesting especially with that touchy LSD.

I do think that the gearing in the 2002 made it more responsive though. Even with the smaller 3.5 and the 4 spd it felt quicker.

My third row seat is brand new, took it out when I got home from work the day I sold myself the vehicle and its been in storage ever since!

2006 will be the last year for the Montero in the US, so no 2007, but maybe a 2008. Fingers Crossed.

I think I still have a brochure for the 2002 and the 2003? I know I have the window stickers still, I am a freak that way.

Thinking about repainting mine Red.

I stand corrected...thanks....just had a brain fart when I typed about the 2007 <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> LOL

I just want the back door off of a 2007, with the center mounted spare. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Car manufactures can really suck sometimes.

Isn't it funny how we get excited whenever someone even mantions "GEN 3".
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

Its cause we are a rare commodity on here.....and they arent talked about much....I always enjoy a GEN 3 conversation to change up all the monotony of the GEN 1/2 ones.... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks guys, that's great advice. Icy, PM me if you decide to sell your 03 before I get one. It'll be later this year probably. You know how it is when you start talking about getting another vehicle...I'm just a big kid when it comes to this stuff <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />