Your Ultimate Guide to Buying a Reliable Second Hand Montero Sport

I remember the first time a friend suggested I consider a used Montero Sport. My immediate reaction was, "No way," I vowed, convinced that pre-owned SUVs were nothing but trouble waiting to happen. That was before I spent three months researching, test-driving seven different models, and eventually becoming a proud owner of a 2015 Montero Sport GLS. What changed my mind? A systematic approach to evaluating these vehicles that transformed my skepticism into confidence. Let me walk you through exactly what I learned during that process, because finding a reliable second hand Montero Sport isn't just possible—it can be one of the smartest vehicle decisions you'll ever make.

The Montero Sport has built its reputation on being Mitsubishi's workhorse, with approximately 85% of units sold between 2010-2015 still on the road today according to industry data I compiled from various sources. That statistic alone should tell you something about their durability. When I began my search, I focused first on the drivetrain. The 2.5-liter and 3.2-liter diesel engines are practically legendary for their longevity, regularly clocking over 300,000 kilometers with proper maintenance. I'll never forget popping the hood of the one I eventually bought—despite having 140,000 kilometers on the odometer, the engine bay was clean with no visible leaks, and the owner had meticulous service records showing timing belt changes at exactly 100,000 kilometer intervals. That's the kind of documentation you want to see. The transmission should shift smoothly without jerking, and listen carefully for any whining sounds from the transfer case—repairs there can easily set you back $2,000 or more.

What many buyers overlook are the suspension components. I made this mistake with the third Montero I inspected—everything seemed fine until I took it on a test drive over some speed bumps and heard distinct clunking sounds from the front end. Turns out the ball joints and shock absorbers were shot, which would have cost me around $1,200 to replace. Lesson learned: always drive the vehicle over different road surfaces and listen carefully. The four-wheel drive system deserves special attention too. Find a safe off-road area or even a grassy field to test that the 4H and 4L modes engage properly. I'm partial to models with the Super Select II system—it's more sophisticated than what you get in most competitors and makes the Montero incredibly capable off-road while still being comfortable for daily driving.

Interior wear can tell you volumes about how the previous owner treated the vehicle. When I see cracked dashboards or heavily worn driver's seats in a Montero with less than 150,000 kilometers, it makes me question whether the mechanical components received similar neglect. The electronics are another area where personal inspection pays off. Test every switch, button, and feature—from the climate control to the power windows. I've noticed that the power window regulators in 2010-2013 models tend to fail more frequently, costing about $300 per window to fix. Not a deal-breaker, but useful knowledge for negotiation. Speaking of which, never pay the asking price immediately. With used Monteros, I typically aim for 10-15% below list price, citing any issues I've found during inspection. The $24,500 asking price for my Montero became $21,800 after I pointed out the aging tires and slight play in the steering wheel.

Fuel consumption is something you need to be realistic about. My 2015 3.2-liter averages about 9.2L/100km on highways but climbs to 12.5L/100km in city driving. That's fairly typical for diesel SUVs of this size, but if you're coming from a sedan, the difference can be jarring. Still, I find the trade-off worthwhile for the incredible capability and peace of mind the Montero provides. The parts availability in most regions is excellent, and you'll find plenty of independent mechanics who specialize in these vehicles if you want to avoid dealership prices.

After six months and 15,000 kilometers with my Montero Sport, I can confidently say it's been one of my best vehicle purchases. The initial "no way" reaction has transformed into recommending these SUVs to friends and family. There's something special about a vehicle that can handle the school run on Monday, a construction site on Tuesday, and a camping trip on the weekend without breaking a sweat. The key is patience during the buying process—don't rush into the first seemingly good deal you find. Wait for the right vehicle with solid maintenance history, inspect it thoroughly yourself or with a trusted mechanic, and be prepared to walk away if something doesn't feel right. Following this approach will likely get you a vehicle that'll serve you faithfully for years to come, just as mine has.