Guys, first post here.

I've owned and off-roaded a lot of different 4x4's from Toyotas, Jeeps (different generations, Chrerokee/Grand Cherokees) GMC/Chevy/Ford 4x4 trucks, Suburbans/early Blazers. Presently have a 1998 Land Rover Discovery and Jeep Overland. Can do just about any mechanical work. Got about 300k miles out of last Grand Cherokee.

I have been looking at Montero Limited's. Not to build out, but just to drive, maybe do some mild off-road mountain trails. I really like the looks of the 1997 SR's, but what about the 99-2000 Endeavers?

How do each of these stack up?
How long can the engines last (seem to be a weak point)?
What other weak points do they have?
When the engines DO go, what seems to be the main failure point?
What about the rest of the vehicles, what to look out for?

Really appreciate your help and ideas.

Thanks

Jeepwalker

 

Im my opinion the 99-2000 endeavor doesnt stack up at all to a 97-99 sr.
The 2000 endeavor is kind of the ugly step sister that gets nothing. 97-99 sr has a locking rear diff. The only thing cosmetically different are the fenders. I believe the 97 has a sohc and 98-99 has dohc. If it were me I would get a 97, I like the looks of it alot better.

 

Thanks for the input. I like the 97's as well. What are the weak parts of the engines?

Hey, here are a couple cool videos:
This one in Spanish, but some good wheeling here:

 

Sweet videos! The only thing that comes to mind are the valve seals, but im sure there are some other things but other than normal stuff when looking at a used 17 year old vehicle "leaks, wear and tear etc..."

Honestly you will get alot more support from expedition portal, I would join that forum if you havent already.

 

The Gen. II Monteros are nice looking and make excellent off road rigs, but the Gen. III Monteros make for a really comfortable DD that is very capable off-road.

The 3.5L and 3.8L engines are very reliable. When these engines are cared for, and scheduled services are performed they will last for many miles and not let you down. I've owed my 2002 since it had under 30k on the clock and it now has over 160k. It has never let us down! The great part about the Gen. III is the comfort- driver fatigue is very low, which makes it great for road trips and overlanding.


Good Luck in your search.

 

It's just that I see a lot of them on the internet that have 180k miles with 'bad motors'. I've run several jeeps and Chevy trucks up to about 300k. So I am wondering if the motors are good up to 175 and really need to be rebuilt after that or what?

 

It's all going to depend on how well the rig was taken care of by the previous owner(s). I'd look for a low milage, original owner, soccer mom vehicle. Hopefully the seller has the documents to show the past services if done at a shop.
I see no reason why my Montero won't last well past 200k. It's showing no signs of slowing down.