1987 Mitsubishi Montero 2.6 gas

Summary:

Miniature tank

Faults:

At time of purchase the idler arm was bad. Replaced idler arm, tires, shocks and had the alignment done.

Replaced worn suspension bushings to improve handling.

Air leaks around the doors (creating much wind noise at speed). Adjusted the door hinges to improve the door gasket seal.

At 168000 miles the throw out bearing started to howl. Had the transmission rebuilt and the clutch replaced.

At 185000 miles was rear ended by Nissan and pushed into a Subaru Outback. Her insurance company totaled my Montero. Ended up with $3700.00 after buying it back from them. Spent $250.00 on repairs to restore it to its former condition except for the rear bumper that still has a slight wrinkle in it.

At 185000 miles I started to notice a puff of smoke when started in the morning. Replaced the valve guide seals.

General Comments:

When I purchased this vehicle I expect some problems to exist, and repaired all existing problems discovered during my initial inspection.

I have been very impressed with the construction of this vehicle and its durability in an accident (the car that hit me was totaled).

A joy to park, fits small spaces and maneuvers very easily.

Good off road, this truck has been everything I wish my 1971 Land Rover had been.

Very easy to work on.

This is a real 4 wheel drive utility truck. If you are not going to use it as such don't buy one. You will not like the ride, handling etc.

18 mpg.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th August, 2001

29th Oct 2006, 21:27

Outside of North America, these (called Pajero) were more popular than Toyotas. Great cars.

18th Jan 2011, 17:05

We bought a 1987 Dodge Raider new and kept it for seven years.

I made the decision to sell while in Europe in order to buy a better family car for traveling (ride, mileage, safety). I have longed to have the Raider back many times, and am looking for another one or Mitsubishi Montero of similar year now to use for hiking and such.

All comments I've read online thus far are on the mark. It didn't get great mileage and was too small once the daughter couldn't climb in and out of the rear windows... but it was fun to drive in the woods and on the beaches. I used to joke that the Raider could climb trees.

28th Sep 2011, 01:23

I bought a 1987 Montero new in Feb, 1987. Drove it every day for 23 years. Was a great truck. Sold it last year when the motor started knocking, it had 225,000 miles on it. Over the years, the only thing I did was replace the clutch, water pump, and starter. It was very good in snow, and it was fun to drive. If I could buy a new 1987, I would buy it today!!!