Is the 2nd Gen Montero Sport Still Worth Buying Today? Find Out Now!

I still remember the first time I saw a second-gen Montero Sport on Philippine roads back in 2016 - that aggressive front grille and muscular stance immediately caught my eye. Fast forward to today, and I've personally driven three different units across various conditions from Manila traffic to Bicol's rough roads. The question everyone's asking now is whether this aging warrior still makes sense in 2023's competitive SUV market. Let me share some hard-earned insights from both personal experience and market observation.

What struck me most during my recent test drive of a 2019 GLS Premium was how well it has aged. The 2.4-liter diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque - numbers that still compete respectably against newer rivals. I took it through steep inclines in Antipolo with seven passengers onboard, and the engine never felt strained. The analogy that comes to mind is from that basketball quote I recently heard: "We badly needed that win para sa positioning sa playoffs." Much like a veteran team fighting for playoff positioning, the Montero Sport might not be the newest player on the court, but it still knows how to deliver when it matters. The good thing is, much like that team still having three games left, the Montero has several aces up its sleeve that keep it relevant.

Fuel economy remains its strongest suit. During my mixed driving test, I recorded 12.8 km/L in city traffic and 16.2 km/L on highways - impressive numbers that even some 2023 models struggle to match. The suspension, while firmer than newer competitors, provides excellent stability during high-speed cornering. I recently helped a friend move furniture using his 2017 Montero, and we managed to fit an entire living room set while still maintaining decent rear visibility. The 7-seater configuration has saved multiple family trips when we needed to transport relatives during holidays.

There are compromises, of course. The infotainment system feels dated compared to modern touchscreen interfaces, and the cabin noise at highway speeds is noticeably louder than in newer SUVs. But here's where my personal bias shows - I'd take reliable mechanical simplicity over fancy electronics any day. Having driven both the Montero and some of its newer competitors through flood-prone areas, I've found the Montero's 800mm wading depth gives me more confidence during heavy monsoon rains.

The used market tells an interesting story. Well-maintained 2017-2019 models still command between ₱1.1 to ₱1.4 million, retaining about 60-65% of their original value after four years. That's better depreciation than many contemporaries. I've noticed particularly strong demand for units with service records from authorized dealers, suggesting buyers recognize the importance of proper maintenance.

So, is it still worth buying? From my perspective, if you prioritize reliability, fuel efficiency, and proven performance over cutting-edge features, the answer is a qualified yes. It's like that basketball team with three games left - there's still fight left in this veteran. The Montero Sport may not be the shiniest new thing, but it continues to deliver where it counts most: getting you and your family where you need to go, through whatever conditions our Philippine roads can throw at it. Just make sure to get a properly maintained unit and keep up with the maintenance schedule - this workhorse still has plenty of good years left.