Lev: thank you so much taking the time to write out such a complete answer. I think my next step is to try and find someone one with a 3rd gen I can go for a trail ride with when I get home. Just to get some seat time and look one over. I’m sure I’ll be back with more questions after that!
One thing I love about coming here is seeing the large variety of vehicles available...wish I could drive them all.
KyleT: there’s several reasons I do not want to buy a vehicle here. In no particle order they are:
1) price-to buy an equivalent vehicle here I’m looking at 15-20k
2) accessories-huge taxes on anything imported to the country (my wife can bring a vehicle in once without paying taxes on it)
4)Vehicle history-most vehicles aren’t taken care of well here.
5)I’d like to get to know/drive the vehicle while I build/restore it.
There’s several more but I think you get the point.
I think for me cross shopping the two makes sense, but in the end the Montero won out.