Need rig advice

[spencevans]

I have loved my 2003 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.

Comfortable family rig (was my daily driver for years before handing it over to my daughter).

Capable with minimal modifications (2" lift and 33s, has done Kane Creek, Poison Spider Mesa).

Exceptionally reliable. Has around 180K miles and total repairs over the 8-9 years I have had it is probably barely over $3,000. And half of that was a single repair back in December.

I have also had great luck with Mitsubishi vehicles. I have put about 400K miles on the 4 Mitsubishi 4x4's I have owned over the years and I have never been left stranded. Parts have been cheap and easy to come by. they are easy to repair and perform great offroad.

From my experience the Montero has stronger running gear than the FJ80 but the FJ80 is a very well built rig. The Montero's engine is more reliable and less prone to head gasket failures, the tranny is stronger, and the axles are less prone to breakage. The FJ80's advantages are the solid front axle and the tcase. While the FJ80 has a solid front axle, the Montero's front end is more stout. You just have a trade off, do you want articulation or strength. Chances are you will never break either one unless you are running 37" tires.

If you plan to go with an FJ80 I would plan on a at least doing a small lift and relocating the spare tire and adding some larger tires. If you go with a fullsize Montero you can just slap some 33 tires on it and go wheeling.

Like I say both are great rigs. I would recommend both rigs. If they both cost the same amount I would still prefer the Montero for personal reasons. And they just look mean when they are built up.

 

[dash]

hey man what ever you choose follow your gut. if you get queezy it will probably be a bad fit. both my xj and my avalanche i had bought in my mind before i put money down. but whatever you do don't get stuck with car payments for a wheeler. I know some think that is nuts but then you have more dough for doing what you want to it. jeep xj are fun just cause they are easy to find parts for. I like mine for west desert rallying and occasional crawling. if you are worried about gas mileage then i think you are looking for two rides and not just one. It is a choice that all have to make, just do what is right by you and lets you sleep in your bed at night and not on the couch