What to Know Before Buying a 2nd Gen Montero Sport SUV

I remember the first time I saw a 2nd gen Montero Sport on the road - that aggressive stance and commanding presence immediately caught my eye. Having test-driven several units and spoken with numerous owners over the years, I've developed some strong opinions about what makes this SUV special and what potential buyers should really consider. The reference to positioning and needing wins in that basketball quote actually resonates deeply with SUV shopping - you're essentially positioning yourself for years of reliable service, and you definitely want every purchase to be a win.

Let's talk about what makes the 2nd generation Montero Sport stand out. From my experience, the 2016-2019 models particularly hit that sweet spot between modern features and proven reliability. The 2.4-liter diesel engine delivers around 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque - numbers that translate to real-world capability whether you're navigating city streets or tackling rough terrain. What many buyers don't realize is how much the driving experience differs between the 4x2 and 4x4 variants. I've driven both extensively, and while the 4x2 handles daily commuting perfectly fine, the 4x4 system genuinely transforms the vehicle's character off-road. The Super Select II system in later models provides incredible versatility, allowing you to shift between 2WD and 4WD even at highway speeds.

Now, here's where my personal bias comes through - I'm absolutely convinced that the 2018-2019 facelift models are worth the premium. The updated front fascia, LED lighting, and improved interior materials address the earlier models' shortcomings beautifully. I've noticed that well-maintained examples from these years typically command only about 15-20% more on the used market while offering significantly better technology and refinement. The infotainment system in pre-facelift models feels dated by today's standards, whereas the updated units integrate smartphone connectivity much more seamlessly.

Reliability is where the Montero Sport truly shines in my book. Having tracked maintenance costs across multiple owners, I've found that these vehicles typically require around $400-600 annually in routine maintenance when properly cared for. The common rail diesel engine is remarkably durable, though I always advise buyers to budget for potential injector replacements around the 100,000-mile mark - that's about $1,200-$1,800 depending on your mechanic. What surprises many new owners is how capable these SUVs are stock - I've seen them handle terrain that would give more expensive European SUVs trouble, all without modifications.

There are certainly aspects that could give pause. The third-row seating is tighter than in some competitors, making it better suited for occasional use rather than full-time family hauling. Fuel economy typically ranges between 25-30 MPG on the highway, which is respectable but not class-leading. And while the ride quality is generally comfortable, the ladder-frame construction does transmit more road imperfections than unibody competitors like the Ford Everest.

Having owned both Japanese and European SUVs over the years, I keep coming back to the Montero Sport for its straightforward engineering and proven track record. The community of owners is incredibly knowledgeable and supportive - much like having that "three games left" opportunity mentioned in our reference, these vehicles often have plenty of life left even with higher mileage. My advice? Don't shy away from examples with 80,000-100,000 miles if they have complete service records. The depreciation curve flattens beautifully around this point, making them exceptional values for buyers who plan to keep their vehicles long-term. Ultimately, the 2nd gen Montero Sport represents one of those rare combinations of capability, reliability, and value that's becoming increasingly hard to find in today's SUV market.