Montero vs Trooper vs Explorer-buying used

[mcompton1973]

I will post this here, and in the Montero and Trooper forums as well...

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, and the Explorer. I dont like the Explorer as much because it is so generic, but right now I need to be somewhat practical, so that is not as big of a concern It seems that Ford trannys are known to be a little week...and I am not sure that I can rack up the kind of miles that I want on an explorer.

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 load thousands of miles on fairly 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, they seem a little too small.

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.