1990 Montero or 1998 Montero??

[off-roader]

I have both an 89 2 door v6 & a 96SR. I've also owned 2 other gen I's (89 and 90 4 door v6 models).

IMHO either the Gen 1 or Gen 2/2.5 Montero's are very capable off road with a slight edge going to the Gen 2/2.5's due to beefier running gear and more powerful engine.

However depending on your off road intensions, the gen I may be more than capable.

If mild wheeling is your goal then it should really depend on what vehicle style you're looking for. The Gen 1 really has that square-ish old school look (LR Defender, late 80's Trooper, etc.) while the gen II has a more modern soft corners design.

Either rig will be a decent 4x4 IMHO.

[livetoride]

Or I have been seeing some nice Monteros that are pretty nice inside. I know the Monteros are bigger than the sports, but what are you takes for offloading and modifications for either? I saw a 2003 Sport with OME lift so I was thinking about adding a snorkel and bumper as well. I am also looking at 00-01 Monteros. Thoughts?

[Dwing]

I love the look of the Gen1. Looking in the future my decision will be made on what I can have if I put 5k into either vehicle . If I bought a $1500 91 LWB and spent 3500 in upgrades what would I end up with. It would be hard to pass up a 98 @ 4k with that low of miles.

[Monterorider]

Or I have been seeing some nice Monteros that are pretty nice inside. I know the Monteros are bigger than the sports, but what are you takes for offloading and modifications for either? I saw a 2003 Sport with OME lift so I was thinking about adding a snorkel and bumper as well. I am also looking at 00-01 Monteros. Thoughts?

Aside of interior space they are just about the same off-road. 00 and 01 Montero are very different: former is Gen 2.5 without rear locker, later is all new Gen 3 totally different beast with IRS, unibody, bigger interior (about same as LC).

[off-roader]

They're about the same from a functional POV although some say the sport's just a bit lighter in the build strength. I don't own a sport so it's difficult to comment. I have seen some nicely done build ups for hard core off roading (read 'rock crawling use').

Here's a site of one of those rigs... http://www.4x4extremesports.com/index.php. The site owner (Ed) has been building this sport for quite some time and is a regular on 4x4wire (SAS'd).
DannyTuned is another sport owner who's done some major mods to his sport (http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...ue#Post1199173).
Another sport owner (Dat) recently sold his sport to my friend Carlos (cap510 on the portal and 4x4wire) who in turn sold it to one of the AZ Crew members (see 4x4wire AZ forum for PA_Jero's new Sport thread). That rig is also a monster with what is likely the only IFS drop lift in N. America (at least the only one I can recall seeing here).

HTH... (provide sport inspiration anyways )

[LaOutbackTrail]

I love the look of the Gen1. Looking in the future my decision will be made on what I can have if I put 5k into either vehicle . If I bought a $1500 91 LWB and spent 3500 in upgrades what would I end up with. It would be hard to pass up a 98 @ 4k with that low of miles.

I paid $1500 for my 95. Off-Roader paid ~$1200 for his 96.

I bought mine with known issues, and have now fixed those issues, incurring another $1200-ish. Putting the truck up to $2700. Currently with bolts ons, I've got brand new 33 12.50 duratracs on the stock wheels, $400. ARB roof rack, $150. Smittybilt seat covers (worn drivers seat) $60. Add all that up and I'm still doing better than buying just about any other rig on the market, save one that's already been (reliably) gone through and is already modified. That's one reason I chose a second gen Monty over other rigs. It's a great value when you are patient enough to look for the deals.

[Monterorider]

I'd vote for 98 for sure. Stronger drive line, stronger suspension, better engine, more versatile 4WD system, more caring capacity, better towing... It's just better in all respects. Available rear locker already would shrink your improvement budget.

[vectorsc]

Get the 1998 - I have a 1999 that I dearly love. 80,000 miles is crazy good - I got mine for $2000 but it had 205,000 miles on it. It still runs strong and I expect to rock 300,000 in this truck easy.

If you don't buy the 1998, please send me some info in a PM about where it is - I might go look at picking it up.

[4D55 Performance]

I to was a long time FJ80 owner, but I have been much happier with my 2000 Montero than I was with 1996 FJ80's and my 1990 Montero. The Gen II.5 Montero is better than the 1990 Montero in almost every way. I like the looks of the 1990 better. The Gen II.5 gets 4-5 more MPG than the Gen I Montero. You should expect to get 22-24mpg with a gen II.5 montero on the freeway. The gen I Montero only gets 19mpg on the best of days.

[Dwing]

I paid $1500 for my 95. Off-Roader paid ~$1200 for his 96.

I bought mine with known issues, and have now fixed those issues, incurring another $1200-ish. Putting the truck up to $2700. Currently with bolts ons, I've got brand new 33 12.50 duratracs on the stock wheels, $400. ARB roof rack, $150. Smittybilt seat covers (worn drivers seat) $60. Add all that up and I'm still doing better than buying just about any other rig on the market, save one that's already been (reliably) gone through and is already modified. That's one reason I chose a second gen Monty over other rigs. It's a great value when you are patient enough to look for the deals.

Wow, I can't find any 2 or 2.5 at that range in norcal. I have a 94 LS that needs work. Have a friend that going to do the heads for me. It will be a camping rig and DD. I want to fix it and move up to a RS but will prob stay in the 2.0 as I like the body style more.