what would be your primary use of the SUV and where would you use it?
in my opinion, having 4x4 here in Metro Manila is practically useless... i'd go for more seats.
BUT, choosing between FM and MS, MS gets my vote. parang bland for me ang FM e.. though, i have not driven a FM yet, laging passenger lang, the MS has good handling and easy to drive.
In that money, you can get decent BNEW MPV's already. They're right, 4WD's are useless in the city but then if you have a farm, 4WD's can be essential. In water fordings or floods, a higher intake placement means better fording capability. Stock Pajero's and Monty Sport can take 500mm depth despite being 4WD or not.
Both SUV's have the same 4M40 engines, the FM seats 9, the Montero Sport seats 5. Both sits on ladder frame so basically they're just the same.
To meet both, a 1999 Pajero FM can be found with a 4WD feature.