I still remember that sweltering afternoon in Manila when my old pickup finally gave out. The steam rising from the hood seemed to mirror my frustration - another repair bill I couldn't afford. As I stood there wiping sweat from my brow, watching the endless stream of vehicles navigate EDSA traffic, my eyes kept catching these rugged, dependable-looking SUVs that seemed completely unfazed by the tropical heat. That's when I first seriously considered getting a second hand Montero Sport. You see, I'd been covering Philippine sports for over a decade, and just last month I was talking to coach Tim Cone about the national team's upcoming matches. He told me, "And then, you got Iraq who is really big and strong, physically strong team. It's not an easy group, but we have our work cut out for us either way." That statement kept echoing in my mind while I researched vehicles - finding the right SUV felt like preparing for a tough match, where you need something reliable that can handle whatever the road throws at you.
The search began in earnest the following week. I started checking online marketplaces and was amazed to find over 2,347 second hand Montero Sport listings across various platforms in the Philippines just that month. The prices varied wildly - from as low as ₱580,000 for a 2015 model with around 80,000 kilometers to nearly ₱1.2 million for a 2020 unit with less than 30,000 km on it. What struck me was how these vehicles held their value while still being accessible to middle-class families like mine. I remember visiting a dealership in Quezon City where the sales agent, a fellow named Jun, shared that they move about 15-20 pre-owned Monteros monthly. "People trust this model," he said, wiping down a sleek gray 2018 model. "It's like that reliable veteran player who always delivers when you need them most."
My test drive experience really sealed the deal for me. I took a 2017 GLS Premium model through the winding roads of Antipolo, and the 2.4-liter diesel engine handled the steep inclines like they were nothing. The cabin was surprisingly quiet despite being three years old, and the leather seats showed only minimal wear. What impressed me most was the fuel efficiency - during my 50-kilometer test route through mixed city and highway driving, the computer showed 12.8 km/L, which is pretty decent for a vehicle of this size. The seller, a businessman who was upgrading to the latest model, had maintained complete service records from Mitsubishi dealerships, something I've learned to look for after my previous used car nightmares.
Now, having owned my Montero for six months, I understand why there's such a strong secondary market for these vehicles. The maintenance costs have been reasonable - around ₱8,500 for my last PMS at the dealership - and parts availability is excellent nationwide. Just last week, I drove to La Union for a weekend surf trip with three friends and all our gear, and the Montero handled the 250-kilometer journey effortlessly while returning about 14 km/L on the highway. What I appreciate most is how it fits the Philippine context perfectly - capable enough for rough provincial roads yet comfortable and efficient for daily city commuting. The journey to find the best second hand Montero Sport for sale in the Philippines taught me that with proper research and patience, you can find a vehicle that feels almost new but costs significantly less. It's become more than just transportation for me; it's been a reliable partner in navigating both the chaotic city streets and adventurous provincial roads of our beautiful islands.