Montero Sports 2013 Model: 7 Essential Features and Common Issues You Should Know

Having spent over a decade in automotive journalism and having personally test-driven numerous pickup trucks and SUVs across Southeast Asian markets, I've developed a particular appreciation for vehicles that balance rugged capability with everyday practicality. The 2013 Montero Sports stands out in my memory as one of those vehicles that genuinely surprised me with its dual personality - equally comfortable navigating Manila's chaotic city streets as it is tackling rough provincial roads. I still remember driving a 2013 Montero Sport GLX variant through heavy rain to cover a PBA game at Philsports Arena, marveling at how its 2.5-liter diesel engine handled the flooded streets while keeping occupants completely dry and comfortable. That particular evening, I was covering Phoenix's impressive 118-107 victory over NorthPort, which snapped their four-game losing streak and spoiled Calvin Abueva's debut with the Batang Pier. The reliability of that Montero got me to the arena on time despite the weather, much like how Phoenix's players relied on their vehicles to deliver consistent performance throughout that crucial match.

The 2013 Montero Sports came with seven essential features that made it particularly well-suited for Philippine conditions. First, its 2.5-liter 4D56 turbo diesel engine delivered around 178 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, numbers that might not sound impressive by today's standards but provided more than enough grunt for overtaking on highways like EDSA or climbing steep inclines in mountainous regions. I've always preferred diesel engines for Philippine driving conditions - the low-end torque makes navigating our stop-and-go traffic much less tedious. The second feature that stood out was the Super Select 4WD system, which allowed shifting between 2WD and 4WD at speeds up to 100 km/h. This came in handy during numerous flood situations where I needed instant traction without stopping the vehicle. Third, the Active Stability and Traction Control system provided confidence during emergency maneuvers, something I appreciated when avoiding unexpected obstacles on poorly maintained provincial roads. The fourth feature worth noting is the interior space - with three rows accommodating up to seven passengers, it offered genuine usability rather than the cramped third rows found in some competitors. I've transported entire basketball teams in similar vehicles, and the Montero's cabin space would have comfortably accommodated Phoenix Fuel Masters' players with room to spare.

Fifth, the 2013 model introduced improved suspension tuning that struck a decent balance between comfort and handling. Having driven earlier generations that tended to be overly firm, this update made long drives to provincial destinations like Pampanga or Batangas significantly less fatiguing. Sixth, the rear air conditioning system with dedicated controls ensured third-row passengers didn't feel neglected during our hot summer months. Seventh, the approach and departure angles of 30 and 22 degrees respectively provided better off-road capability than most urban-focused SUVs, allowing me to access remote photo locations for automotive shoots that sedans simply couldn't reach. These seven features combined to create a vehicle that genuinely understood the diverse needs of Philippine drivers, much like how Phoenix's coaching staff understood how to utilize their players' diverse skills to break their losing streak against NorthPort.

Now, having owned a 2013 Montero Sports for nearly three years and put approximately 45,000 kilometers on it, I've identified several common issues that prospective buyers should consider. The most frequent complaint I encountered - and experienced personally - involves the timing belt system. Mitsubishi recommends replacement every 90,000 kilometers or 5 years, but in our tropical climate with frequent stop-and-go traffic, I'd suggest doing it at 80,000 kilometers. The replacement costs between ₱18,000 to ₱25,000 at dealerships, though independent shops can do it for around ₱12,000-₱15,000 using quality aftermarket parts. Another issue that emerged around the 35,000-kilometer mark was the dual-mass flywheel showing signs of wear, manifesting as clutch chatter during engagement. This repair can set you back ₱40,000-₱60,000, so it's crucial to have it inspected during pre-purchase evaluations.

The third common problem involves the fuel injection system, particularly clogged injectors if poor quality diesel is used consistently. I learned this the hard way after filling up at a questionable station in a provincial area - the rough idle and loss of power cost me ₱8,500 to rectify. Fourth, the Montero's brake system tends to wear quicker than some competitors, with front pads needing replacement every 25,000-30,000 kilometers under normal driving conditions. Fifth, some units developed power window regulator issues, particularly in the driver's side window, which would get stuck or move sluggishly. Sixth, the leather seats in higher trim levels showed premature wear on the driver's side bolsters, a cosmetic issue but annoying given the vehicle's premium positioning. Seventh, and perhaps most concerning, some owners reported turbocharger issues manifesting as excessive smoke and power loss, though this seemed more prevalent in units that were frequently pushed hard or improperly maintained.

What's interesting is how these mechanical issues parallel the challenges faced by basketball teams like Phoenix and NorthPort. Just as a vehicle requires proper maintenance and timely part replacements to perform optimally, basketball teams need consistent training, strategic adjustments, and player management to break losing streaks and secure victories. When I watched Phoenix defeat NorthPort 118-107 that Wednesday evening, I noticed how their coaching staff made crucial adjustments during timeouts - much like how addressing the Montero's timing belt issue preemptively can prevent catastrophic engine failure. Calvin Abueva's debut with Batang Pier, while ultimately unsuccessful that night, reminded me of test-driving a new vehicle - there's potential there, but integration with existing systems takes time and fine-tuning.

From my perspective, the 2013 Montero Sports represents one of the better values in the used SUV market today, provided buyers budget for addressing these common issues. The maintenance costs, while not insignificant, are generally lower than European alternatives and the parts availability remains excellent throughout the Philippines. Having driven virtually every SUV in this segment, I'd rate the Montero above the Fortuner for off-road capability but below it for resale value. The Sportage might offer more modern features, but the Montero's rugged reliability makes it better suited for our specific road conditions and flooding challenges. If you're considering a 2013 Montero Sports, I'd recommend having a trusted mechanic perform a compression test, inspect the timing belt condition, and check for any transmission fluid leaks before purchase. Budget approximately ₱50,000-₱70,000 for immediate preventative maintenance unless the previous owner provides recent service records. Like any vehicle approaching its decade mark, the 2013 Montero Sports requires more attentive ownership than newer models, but its capabilities and comfort make it worth the extra effort for drivers who need genuine all-terrain versatility.