I remember when I first started car shopping back in 2015, the Montero Sport was already turning heads on Philippine roads. Fast forward to 2020, and this SUV had become something of a legend in the local automotive scene. What struck me most was how Mitsubishi managed to position it as both a family vehicle and an adventure machine - kind of like how some basketball players evolve their game to stay relevant in different leagues. Speaking of basketball, I was reading about this 37-year-old power forward who's making the transition from PBA to MPBL after twelve years with seven professional ballclubs. It reminded me of how the Montero Sport has maintained its relevance through different generations, adapting to market demands while staying true to its core identity.
Now let's talk numbers, because that's what really matters when you're standing in the dealership trying to make a decision. The 2020 Montero Sport GLX 2WD starts at around ₱1,568,000 for the manual transmission variant, while the automatic will set you back about ₱1,633,000. I've always recommended the automatic to friends - the convenience is worth the extra ₱65,000, especially when you're dealing with Metro Manila traffic. These prices put it in direct competition with the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner, though personally I think the Montero Sport offers better value for money. What many buyers don't realize is that the sticker price is just the beginning - you need to factor in insurance (around ₱40,000-₱60,000 for comprehensive coverage), registration fees (approximately ₱15,000), and if you're financing, the down payment can range from 20-50% of the vehicle's price.
I learned the hard way that dealership promotions can be misleading. One dealer offered me a "special discount" of ₱50,000, only to discover later that another branch was offering ₱80,000 plus free accessories. That's why I always tell people to visit at least three different dealerships before making a decision. The color choice matters too - while white is the most popular (and often has the shortest waiting period), I've noticed that darker colors tend to show scratches more easily. My friend who bought the quartz brown variant ended up spending an additional ₱15,000 on paint protection film.
The financing aspect is where many buyers get overwhelmed. Banks typically offer interest rates between 5-10% for car loans, with terms ranging from 12 to 60 months. What they don't always tell you is that the longer the term, the more you'll pay in total interest. I calculated that for a ₱1.6 million vehicle with 20% down payment, the difference between a 36-month and 60-month loan could be over ₱100,000 in interest payments. Some buyers prefer in-house financing despite higher rates because of the faster processing, but I'd recommend going through your own bank if you have an existing relationship - you might get better terms.
When test driving the Montero Sport GLX, pay attention to the features that matter in daily use. The 8-inch touchscreen display feels modern, though I found the navigation system a bit outdated compared to using Waze on my phone. The reverse camera is surprisingly clear, which is great for tight parking situations common in Philippine malls. What impressed me most was the fuel efficiency - during my test drive from Makati to Tagaytay and back, I averaged around 14 km/L on the highway and 9 km/L in city driving. That's significantly better than some of its competitors in the same price range.
Just like that veteran basketball player transitioning to a new league while bringing years of experience, the Montero Sport carries Mitsubishi's reputation for reliability into the competitive 2020 SUV market. I've owned my unit for about two years now, and aside from regular maintenance costing around ₱5,000-₱8,000 every six months, I haven't had any major issues. The resale value has held up remarkably well too - recent listings show 2020 models still commanding prices around ₱1.2-1.3 million, which is about 75-80% of the original value. That's one advantage Japanese brands have over American or European counterparts in the Philippine market.
What really sealed the deal for me was the after-sales support. Mitsubishi has over 50 dealerships nationwide, and finding parts hasn't been an issue even during the pandemic. I recently needed to replace the brake pads, and I was able to get original parts from three different suppliers in Banawe without any trouble. The maintenance costs are transparent too - unlike some European brands where a simple service can surprise you with hidden charges. If you're considering the Montero Sport GLX 2020, my advice would be to prioritize the automatic variant, factor in at least ₱100,000 for additional costs beyond the sticker price, and don't hesitate to negotiate for better deals. The SUV market in the Philippines is competitive, and dealers are often willing to throw in free accessories or service vouchers if you know how to negotiate properly.
