Is the 2nd Gen Montero Sport Still a Reliable SUV Choice in 2024?

Let me be honest with you – when I first heard people asking if the 2nd Gen Montero Sport is still worth considering in 2024, my immediate reaction was skepticism. I mean, we're talking about a model that's been around since 2016, right? But then I remembered something my mechanic told me last month when we were discussing used SUVs: "Lahat kami down. We badly needed that win para sa positioning sa playoffs." He wasn't talking about basketball – he was referring to how everyone in his shop was recommending the Montero Sport to customers looking for reliable used vehicles. That got me thinking – maybe there's more to this aging warrior than meets the eye.

I've personally driven three different 2nd Gen Monteros over the past year, including a 2017 model with over 120,000 kilometers on it. What surprised me most was how tight everything still felt – no weird rattles from the dashboard, the 2.4-liter diesel engine still pulled strong, and the suspension didn't feel worn out at all. The owner told me he'd only done basic maintenance – oil changes every 10,000 km, filter replacements, and that's about it. That's the thing about these Mitsubishi workhorses – they're built like tanks. While newer SUVs might offer flashier tech, the Montero Sport from this generation has proven its reliability across various climates and road conditions, from city commuting to rough provincial roads.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room – the design is definitely showing its age. The infotainment system feels ancient compared to what you get in 2024 models, and there's no wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. But here's my take – if you're someone who values mechanical reliability over tech gadgets, this might actually work in your favor. Simpler systems mean fewer things to break down. I've spoken with several Montero Sport owners groups, and the consensus is that most electrical issues (when they occur) are relatively inexpensive to fix compared to newer models with complex integrated systems.

The diesel engine remains the star of the show. That 2.4-liter MIVEC unit produces around 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque – numbers that still hold up well today. I recently tested one on a mountain drive, and the low-end torque made overtaking slower vehicles surprisingly effortless. Fuel economy is another strong point – during mixed driving, I averaged about 12.5 km/L, which isn't far off from some newer diesel SUVs I've driven. "Good thing na meron pa kaming chance," as my mechanic would say – meaning there's still plenty of life left in these vehicles if maintained properly.

What really seals the deal for me is the aftermarket support and maintenance costs. Parts are widely available, and most mechanics are familiar with these vehicles. A full synthetic oil change typically costs around $80-100 at independent shops, while brake pad replacements run about $150-200 per axle – significantly cheaper than European counterparts. I've noticed prices for well-maintained used examples ranging from $18,000 to $25,000 depending on year and condition, which represents solid value considering their capabilities.

So, is the 2nd Gen Montero Sport still a reliable choice in 2024? From my experience, absolutely – especially if you prioritize mechanical simplicity, proven reliability, and lower running costs over cutting-edge technology. It's not perfect by any means, but as a rugged, capable SUV that won't leave you stranded, it definitely deserves consideration. Sometimes, the safe choice is the smart choice, and with three more years likely before a major redesign, this generation continues to offer that dependable performance many SUV buyers genuinely need.