I got very lucky when I bought the 98 Montero, I picked it apart as I drove it and pointed out the little issues with it, I made no mention of price but the seller started adding up these things in his head and offered to sell it to me for the dollar number I had thought of before I ever even went to look at it. The leather is near perfect and the interior overall is nicer than probably 90% of cars of that vintage, my wife absolutely loves the heated seats. The major "issue" was a bad vibration that was solved with a good tire balancing, but we had no idea if it was a more serious issue at the time. I paid about half of blue book for it in the end.
My point is, if you know a lot about the vehicle you are shopping for you can usually pay what you want for it, it's all in devaluing the vehicle in the sellers mind. I hope you do get a Montero, they are one of the lesser known vehicles that are built far better than about anything in its class, but at the same time you need to buy what makes you happy. One last tidbit, full coverage on the 98 Montero was only $7 more a month than the 96 ZJ, driving an obscure vehicle in comparison to the masses that is less stolen has its perks I guess.
I love my leather, IFS that rides well, quiet interior and A/C that rocks.
