Is the 2nd Gen Montero Sport Still Worth Buying in 2024?

As I sit here scrolling through used car listings, that familiar question pops up again - is the 2nd gen Montero Sport still worth buying in 2024? Having test-driven three different units last month and spoken with multiple owners, I've developed some strong opinions about this aging but compelling SUV. Let me walk you through my findings, because this decision isn't as straightforward as you might think.

When Mitsubishi launched the second generation Montero Sport back in 2016, it represented a significant leap from its predecessor. I remember test driving one back then and being genuinely impressed by how much they'd improved the interior quality and ride comfort. Fast forward to today, and you'll find these vehicles everywhere - from city streets to provincial roads, which speaks volumes about their popularity in markets like the Philippines and across Southeast Asia. The real question we need to answer is whether an 8-year-old design still makes sense when newer competitors have emerged.

Looking at the current market landscape, there's something fascinating about how the 2nd gen Montero Sport has maintained its value proposition. Prices for well-maintained 2017-2019 models typically range from $18,000 to $28,000 depending on trim and mileage, which positions it interestingly against newer alternatives. What really stands out to me is the powertrain - that 2.4-liter diesel engine might not be the newest, but it's proven remarkably durable. I've spoken with owners who've crossed 150,000 kilometers without major issues, which is impressive by any standard. The maintenance costs are another strong point - basic service averages around $120-180 at authorized dealers, which is significantly cheaper than European competitors.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room - the design is definitely showing its age. The infotainment system feels ancient compared to what you get in newer SUVs, and the safety features, while decent for its time, lack the advanced driver assists that have become common in recent years. But here's where I differ from many reviewers - I actually think there's value in this simplicity. You're not dealing with overly complex electronics that could fail, and every mechanic from Manila to Mindanao knows how to work on these vehicles. It reminds me of that quote from a basketball coach I once read: "Lahat kami down. We badly needed that win para sa positioning sa playoffs. Good thing na meron pa kaming chance. May three games pa kami." Sometimes, like in sports, you don't need the flashiest option - you need something reliable that gets the job done when it matters most.

Where the Montero Sport truly shines is in its mechanical reliability and off-road capability. The four-wheel-drive system, while not as sophisticated as what you'd find in a new Land Cruiser, is remarkably effective for moderate off-roading. I took one through some rough terrain in Rizal province last month, and it handled everything I threw at it without complaint. The suspension soaks up bumps beautifully, making it fantastic for long drives on imperfect roads. Fuel economy is another strong suit - I averaged about 12-14 km/L in mixed driving, which is quite respectable for a vehicle of this size.

The interior space is both a strength and weakness. Three rows of seating sounds great in theory, but that third row is really best suited for children on shorter trips. Where it excels is cargo space with the third row folded - I managed to fit an entire set of construction materials for a small home renovation project, something that would have required multiple trips with a smaller SUV. The cabin materials, while durable, do show their age with harder plastics and dated design elements that can't compete with newer offerings from Hyundai or Ford.

So, circling back to our original question - is the 2nd gen Montero Sport still worth buying in 2024? From my perspective, it absolutely is, but with important caveats. If you prioritize cutting-edge technology, the latest safety features, or modern styling, you'll likely be disappointed. But if you value proven reliability, lower maintenance costs, and capable performance both on and off-road, this might be one of the smartest used SUV purchases available today. The key is finding a well-maintained example and having realistic expectations about what you're getting. Personally, I'd recommend the 2018-2019 models as they represent the sweet spot in terms of value and remaining lifespan. They're not perfect, but sometimes the right choice isn't about getting the newest thing - it's about getting the right tool for the job.