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

I remember the first time I saw a second-generation Montero Sport back in 2016 - that rugged stance and commanding presence immediately caught my eye. Fast forward to 2024, and I still find myself glancing at these SUVs whenever they pass by, wondering if they've stood the test of time. Having driven various SUVs over the years, including spending considerable time with a 2018 Montero Sport GLS, I've developed some strong opinions about whether this aging warrior still deserves your hard-earned money.

Let's be honest - when you're shopping for a used SUV in the $15,000-$25,000 range, reliability becomes your number one concern. I've seen too many friends get burned by fancy-looking European SUVs that turned into money pits after 100,000 miles. The Montero Sport, particularly the 2.4L diesel variants from 2016-2019, has proven surprisingly resilient. My own experience with the 2.4L engine showed minimal issues even after crossing 85,000 miles, requiring only routine maintenance that cost me around $400 annually. The transmission, while not the smoothest I've experienced, held up beautifully through city traffic and mountain roads alike.

What really surprised me during my ownership was how the Montero Sport handled rough situations. I recall one particular road trip to Baguio where our convoy included newer SUVs that struggled with the steep inclines. My Montero, loaded with five adults and their luggage, climbed without breaking a sweat while delivering around 28 MPG on that journey. The experience reminded me of that quote from a basketball coach I once read: "Lahat kami down. We badly needed that win para sa positioning sa playoffs." Sometimes, when you're in a tough spot with limited budget but need reliable transportation, the Montero Sport becomes that dependable player you can count on when everything else seems to be falling apart.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room - the interior feels dated compared to modern SUVs. The 6-inch touchscreen looks almost comically small next to today's tablet-sized displays, and the plastic materials won't win any luxury awards. But here's the thing - everything just works. The buttons have a satisfying click, the air conditioning chills the cabin within minutes even in scorching heat, and the seats, while not leather in most variants, remain comfortable during long drives. I've found that in daily use, these practical considerations often matter more than having the latest tech that might break down.

The safety aspect does give me pause though. While my 2018 model had seven airbags and stability control, it lacks the advanced driver assists we've come to expect in newer vehicles. No automatic emergency braking, no lane keeping assist - just good old-fashioned careful driving. For families with young drivers, this might be a dealbreaker. However, the robust construction and high driving position provide a sense of security that's hard to quantify but very real when you're on the highway surrounded by massive trucks.

Maintenance costs have been remarkably reasonable in my experience. A full synthetic oil change typically costs around $80 at my local mechanic, and common parts like brakes and filters are widely available. I've noticed that repair shops familiar with Mitsubishis can work on these without special tools or training, unlike some German counterparts that require dealer visits for even minor issues. Over three years of ownership, my total repair bills excluding regular maintenance amounted to just under $600 - mostly for wear items like tires and brake pads.

Would I recommend a second-gen Montero Sport in 2024? For the right buyer, absolutely. If you need a dependable workhorse that can handle family duties, occasional off-road adventures, and won't bankrupt you in maintenance, it's still a compelling choice. But if you crave the latest technology and premium materials, you might want to look elsewhere. The Montero Sport is like that reliable veteran player who may not have the flashy moves but consistently delivers when it matters most. In today's uncertain economic climate, that kind of dependability might just be worth more than all the fancy gadgets in the world.