Montero vs Trooper vs Explorer-buying used

I am looking to buy a used SUV. I am thinking about something in the 95/96 age range because that seems to be what fits my budget.

I have started to look, and the 3 that I seem to like the most are the Montero, the Trooper, adn the explorer. I dont like the explorer as much because it is so generic, but right now I need to be somewhat practical.

Here is my situation. I drive about 130 miles a day to and from work. I have a taurus right now, and it is decent on miliage, but too small for my job, plus Nebraska winters can be a little rough, and I can not NOT go into work because of snow.

I am looking for something that I can loan thousands of miles on failry trouble free. I dont mind doing the maint work myself. everything that I am looking at already has over 100k...so I need something that can take 150-200k without being too much trouble. I also thought about a 4 runner, or pathfinder....but do not know if that is as smart of a choice or not.


I realize that MPG will suck no matter what. my main concern is for good reliable running truck that wont leave me stuck in snow or mud.

Any ideas, tips, personal experiance etc would be great. Thanks.

I have a brand new 98 pathfinder, and a used 99 4runner. both of them are good truck. but after 2 years the 4runner giving me hard time. the starter doesn't work. climiate control light goes off. lots of signal bulbs burned. brake rotor were replaced. i spend $1600 last year to maintain it while my pathfinder is 1 year older than it but just spent $600 last year. i did everything on dealer. i am planning to replace the 4runner with a new truck. although new truck is expensive, new truck always better than used. especially old aged truck. now might be a good time to buy 2004 model because they have to clear the stock for 2005 or 2006.

I've heard really good things about the earlier-model Isuzu Rodeo (also availble as the introductory model Honda Passport). Mileage in the 20's and few things break. Also they are relatively wide and low for an SUV, enhancing handling and stability.