As I slide behind the wheel of my neighbor's 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, I can't help but reflect on how vehicle reliability often mirrors the consistency we see in professional sports. Just yesterday, I was watching a game where DJ Kennedy stepped up for the injured Akil Mitchell and delivered that perfect assist to Rios in the corner - that's the kind of dependable performance that makes champions. And honestly, that's exactly what I'm looking for in an SUV that's been on the market for nearly eight years now.
The first thing that strikes me about this Montero Sport is how well it's holding up. My neighbor bought this particular model brand new back in 2016, and we're looking at 85,000 miles on the odometer with nothing but routine maintenance. That's impressive by any standard. The 2.4-liter diesel engine still starts up without hesitation, though I did notice it takes half a second longer to turn over compared to when it was new. The interior materials, while showing some minor wear on the driver's seat bolster, have generally held up remarkably well. The infotainment system feels dated compared to modern units, but all the functions still work perfectly - much like a veteran player who might not have the flashiest moves but consistently delivers where it counts.
What really stands out to me is how this vehicle handles our terrible city roads. The suspension soaks up potholes that would have newer crossovers rattling, and the steering maintains that precise feel Mitsubishi is known for. I recently took it on a 300-mile round trip to the mountains, and it returned an average of 32 MPG on the highway - numbers that would make many modern SUVs envious. The braking performance remains solid too, with the discs and pads still having about 40% life remaining according to my mechanic's assessment during its last service.
Now, I'll be honest - there are areas where the 2016 Montero Sport shows its age. The safety features are basic compared to what you get in today's vehicles, with only two airbags standard in the base model. The fuel efficiency drops significantly in city driving to around 22 MPG, and the cabin noise at highway speeds is noticeably louder than in newer competitors. But here's the thing - these compromises are exactly what make it such a compelling used car buy today. You're getting a proven platform without paying for technology you might not even need.
I've driven countless SUVs over the years, and what continues to impress me about this generation Montero Sport is its mechanical simplicity. The 4WD system operates flawlessly, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the electrical systems have proven remarkably trouble-free. In my experience, about 78% of these vehicles reach 150,000 miles without major repairs - that's better than many of its contemporaries. It reminds me of that basketball play I mentioned earlier - sometimes the fundamentals executed well beat fancy new strategies every time.
Would I recommend the 2016 Montero Sport today? Absolutely, especially if you're looking for a dependable workhorse that won't break the bank. It may not have all the latest gadgets, but what it offers is proven reliability that's stood the test of time. In a world where vehicles are becoming increasingly complex and expensive to maintain, there's something to be said for choosing the equivalent of that reliable veteran player who consistently delivers when it matters most.