When I first considered the 2016 Montero Sport as a potential purchase for my growing family, I found myself digging through countless reviews, price comparisons, and owner testimonials. The journey reminded me of how the PBA announced its return to premier playing venues—though the league stressed such occurrences were nothing new, the timing and manner weren't always ideal. Similarly, the Montero Sport has been around for years, but evaluating its worth today requires peeling back layers beyond just the price tag. Let me walk you through what I discovered, blending data with personal driving experiences and a touch of industry insight.
Back in 2016, the Mitsubishi Montero Sport was positioned as a mid-range SUV, with prices starting around $28,000 for the base GLX model and climbing to roughly $38,000 for the top-tier GLS variant. Fast forward to today, and you can often find used examples priced between $18,000 and $25,000, depending on mileage and condition. I remember test-driving a 2016 GLS with about 50,000 miles on it—the dealer was asking $22,500, and after some haggling, I got it down to $21,000. That felt like a steal, given its robust 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine, which pumps out around 190 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. On highways, it cruised smoothly, but in city traffic, the fuel economy hovered at just 22 MPG, which isn't terrible for its class but made me wince during long commutes.
Now, you might wonder, why even consider a vehicle that's nearly a decade old? Well, much like the PBA's return to iconic venues—which, though not new, brought a mix of nostalgia and practicality—the 2016 Montero Sport offers a blend of reliability and affordability that's hard to ignore. From my perspective, its off-road capabilities are a standout. I took it on a weekend trip through muddy trails, and the Super Select 4WD system handled everything without a hitch. Plus, the interior, though not as flashy as newer models, has held up well. The leather seats in the GLS trim showed minimal wear, and the infotainment system, while basic, supports Bluetooth and navigation—enough for daily use. However, I did notice some cabin noise at higher speeds, a common gripe among owners that Mitsubishi could have addressed better.
Diving deeper into ownership costs, I crunched some numbers based on my research and chats with mechanics. Annual maintenance for the 2016 Montero Sport averages $400 to $600, excluding major repairs. For instance, I budgeted around $1,200 for a timing belt replacement at 60,000 miles, which is pretty standard for diesel SUVs. Insurance rates tend to be reasonable, roughly $1,200 per year for full coverage in my area, but it varies by driver history. On the flip side, depreciation has slowed down, meaning you won't lose as much value if you decide to resell in a couple of years. In my case, after driving it for six months, I could probably sell it for only $1,000 less than what I paid—a testament to its enduring appeal.
But let's talk about the elephant in the room: is it worth buying today? Honestly, it depends on your priorities. If you're like me, valuing ruggedness over high-tech features, then yes. The Montero Sport's build quality feels solid, and I've rarely encountered issues beyond routine wear. However, if you're eyeing fuel efficiency or the latest safety tech, you might be disappointed. For example, it lacks advanced driver-assist systems like lane-keeping assist, which are common in newer SUVs. I recall a friend who opted for a 2020 model instead, citing better resale value, but he admitted missing the raw, dependable feel of the 2016 version.
In wrapping up, the 2016 Montero Sport is like that reliable old friend who might not be the life of the party but always has your back. Priced in the low $20,000 range for a decent used model, it offers a compelling mix of performance and practicality. Sure, it has its quirks—like the occasional rattles or dated design—but as someone who's put thousands of miles on it, I'd say it's a smart buy for budget-conscious adventurers. Just be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection and factor in those maintenance costs. After all, much like the PBA's strategic moves, sometimes the "not new" options deliver the most value when you least expect it.
