Mitsubish Montero-crappy driver?

Stinsok · #1 09-18-2009, 06:37 PM

I bought a 2004 (used of course) Montero with 66,000 miles on it. I had looked at it and driven it a couple of times before buying it. Today is the first day I really had the chance to seriously drive the thing and I am not sure I am happy with it. On the interstate it drives fine. On rougher surface streets and 2 lane highways it reacts to ruts, etc. unfavorably.

The vehicle appears to be well cared for. The carfax report showed only one owner and no kinds of damage done to it. The tires are not new and do not show any excessive wear or signs of front end problems. The shocks/struts seem to be pretty firm (no body roll or bouncing.) Tire pressure is good on all 4 tires. It's possible, but I wouldn't think the front end would be toast with that amount of miles.

There are a couple of things that could be the problem. First, it's the first rear wheel drive vehicle I have had in quite a long time. It certain doesn't drive like my 3 front drive cars. Second, it's pretty tall and has fairly large tires on it. Maybe I am being too sensitive about things?

hover · #2 09-18-2009, 08:19 PM

it's a truck. built on a frame. Not really meant to be a "plush" ride. What you call "unfavorable" reactions are more than likely pretty normal for the type of vehicle. I've driven the Montero "sport" and it has a decent ride for the type...not half as jarring as my old Cherokees. That said, trucks just drive different than cars. If you think there may be something funky with the suspension, take it to a garage and get her on a lift and gone through.

Stinsok · #3 09-18-2009, 08:25 PM

Yeah, going to do that. There are also some small things like sway bar bushings and links that can make a big difference in handling. Those are pretty cheap fixes.

hover · #4 09-18-2009, 08:26 PM

Best of luck, they are pretty decent vehicles. Yeah, it's worth the coin to have it gone through.

Chunk-O-Funk · #5 09-19-2009, 10:12 AM

It could be the type of tire.
Just from my own experience and I could be wrong, but if you have a tire that is meant to perform well (handling) it just may be a characteristic of that tire.

My experience is just the opposite of yours. I went from a Pathfinder, to a smaller sporty FWD. The tires on my car are Yokohama Parada spec 2's. They perform very well and really grip the road. The downside is on roads with ruts the car wants to travel in that direction. It took a little getting use to as I was more familiar with the sloppy feel of an older SUV, for years. Now it's just second nature to be a little more alert (so to speak) and correct my steering.

I'm not suggesting you go out and buy new tires, as that would be pretty expensive research. Maybe google some info on the tires you have now. If they are aggressive, all-terrain tires it may just be a characteristic of that tire. Maybe look for something in a touring or street tire when it comes time for new tires.

I would also follow the advise of having someone look at the sway bar bushings and links. Perhaps other front end components like ball joints and tie rods. They will all compromise the steering and handling.

Stinsok · #6 09-19-2009, 10:22 AM

It's got some pretty wide/tall Firestone all terrain tires on it. I took it to a guy I trust this morning. He said he didn't see any problems with the suspension but said those particular tires are "hard" and that could be the culprit. The best I can describe the symptom is that it's like the tire pressure is waaaay too high.

Chunk-O-Funk · #7 09-19-2009, 10:54 AM

That very well could be it.

If your all terrain tires are geared more for off road use your street handling wont be that good. Last time I bought tires for the Pathfinder I got Toyo Open Country AT's. I don't do any off road driving but I like a good tire for the New England Winters. The Open Country AT has some sidewall tread, but also handles well on the street. They still have that "off road, truck tire" look.

Stinsok · #8 09-19-2009, 11:00 AM

As for the sway bar bushings and links. I am going to put some of urethane replacements on anyway.

hover · #9 09-20-2009, 10:40 AM

yeah, good call on the tires too! I once put nice Continental tires on my Cherokee, and it indeed felt "tall" like you describe, it made the cornering a little white knuckle too, as it almost felt the tire wanted to cup under the rim at times...but it was definitely a truck rated tire...went back to Goodyears, fine ever since.

sometimes you never know...

Again, best of luck with it!

Stinsok · #10 09-20-2009, 05:02 PM

No luck finding Polyurethane bushings for this thing.