The auto is supposedly the better trans. I can attest to the noisiness of the 4-cyl stick. I drove Kim's 4-cyl auto and really appreciated the stick afterward.

I tow quite often with the 4-cyl Raider I have, and have a later model Gen I 3-point hitch welded up for no worries. I will be swapping on the V6 front brake setup eventually for added stopping power. My point being that the 4-cyl has adequate power for Class I/II towing.

Of all the various cars I have and have had, my Raider is far and away my favorite. Despite replacing the clutch and trans at 102K miles, spitting a brake shoe lining, worn UCA bushing, dead fuel gauge sender, inoperable headlight washer and AC, and the blown original 1987 heater hose in November...I have found the reliability to be good overall.

I purchased the second Montero and then the Raider for offroading. My job description entails no road travel on project sites, often hauling my little trailer. The rear LSD is invaluable.

Street issues are handled by placing bouncy seat bases in both seating positions. I always wish for a little more acceleration power, that's about it.

Pulling, some stuff addressed above. I have used my Raider to haul another Raider through hilly country to Kim's, pulled a Gen II Montero that had a blown engine several thousand feet to get the lady off the busy road. Anything extra and a winch like Carlos' would be needed. It was so impressive to watch his Gen II pull that semi-truck on Snow Day '08!!