My 2003 Montero just passed the 204,000-mile mark and it's running great. Steering is a little rough, but everything else works very well. I had the front end aligned and it didn't seem to help with the steering issue. If I let go of the steering wheel, it steers to the right.

I'd like to keep this vehicle running for as long as possible. I'm the 3rd owner and the first 2 apparently took very good care of it. I bought it last winter and I've had the oil changed twice and radiator flushed. That's all I've done, except for the front end alignment that didn't solve the problem with the steering. I haven't seen any recommendations for 200,000-mile servicing, so I hoped maybe someone here would have recommendations to keep it running for another 200,000 miles. I drive it every day for my work and it's a joy to drive. I've put about 6,000 miles on it since last winter.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Thanks,
RckyMtns

 

Hello RckyMtns, congrats on your purchase. Sounds like you got a good deal as far as a well maintained vehicle. One thing that is critical to check is the timing belt. Unless you know for sure when the the last time TB service was done (verified by receipts and/or other means), I'd be looking into doing this soon. The normal recommended interval for timing belt replacement is 60-80k miles. You do not want to drive with the old TB, since its failure will result in significant engine damage.
Few other services to consider are:
1. Replace brake fluid to make sure its fresh and not contaminated with water.
2. How is the quality of transmission fluid? What color is it and when was the last service?
3. Replace oil in front + back differentials and in the transfer case (again, unless you know thit was done recently and oil in them looks good and not contaminated).