hello,
i just bought a 1990 montero! it's a white 5-door, 3.0L v6, 5spd, 4wd with 111,000 miles. it's pretty much rust free, and in generally good condition. i got it for under $2000 and i think it was definitely worth it - id be willing to put more money into it since i really like these boxy old suvs... i really think the car companies are foolish for straying away from the boxy look for suvs, although i know more rounded aerodynamic vehicles increase mileage. i just think a rugged suv should be rectangular.
there are a couple minor problems. the thermostat seems to be stuck open because the temperature gauge never moves past barely above the bottom notch on the temp gauge (a tenth of the way to max or so) and there is a little bit of blue smoke that comes out of the exhaust when you start it up first thing in the morning. i need to spend this weekend going over it more closely and taking care of everything, checking/changing the fluids, etc.
does anyone know what goes in the two little flap compartments under the front of the rear seats? these two lids flip open and im not sure if something belongs in there or if they're just odd little storage areas. oh, also id like to install a cb in it, if anyone has any tips for that id appreciate it. time to go read some threads in the montero subforum - see you there!
-bill