Is the 2017 Montero Sport GT Still Worth Buying in Today's Market?

Let me be honest with you - when I first saw Christian Standhardinger's photo pop up on that car reseller's Facebook page, I couldn't help but draw parallels to the 2017 Montero Sport GT we're discussing today. Much like the basketball star whose unexpected retirement announcement created waves, this SUV represents something of an enigma in today's used car market. I've been covering the automotive industry for over a decade, and rarely do I encounter vehicles that polarize opinions quite like this generation of Montero Sport.

The 2017 model sits in that sweet spot where depreciation has done its work, yet the vehicle remains modern enough for contemporary needs. Having test-driven numerous examples over the years, I can confidently say the GT variant's 2.4-liter diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque - numbers that still impress today. What surprises me most is how well these engines hold up; I recently inspected a 2017 model with over 120,000 kilometers that ran smoother than some newer competitors. The eight-speed automatic transmission remains one of Mitsubishi's better decisions, providing seamless shifts that even current rivals struggle to match.

Where the Montero Sport GT truly shines is in its value proposition. Current market prices range between $25,000 to $32,000 for well-maintained examples, which represents nearly 40% depreciation from its original $42,000 price tag. That's significant savings for what essentially amounts to 85% of the capability of a brand-new $50,000 SUV. The interior, while not overflowing with the latest tech, features comfortable leather seats and a solid infotainment system that gets the job done. I've always appreciated how Mitsubishi designs their cabins for durability rather than flashiness - these interiors age remarkably well compared to some European counterparts that start showing wear within three years.

There are compromises, of course. The fuel economy averages around 9.5L/100km in mixed driving, which isn't class-leading by 2024 standards. The safety suite lacks the comprehensive driver assists we've become accustomed to in newer vehicles. Yet for buyers who prioritize mechanical reliability and lower maintenance costs, these shortcomings become manageable trade-offs. In my experience working with used car inspectors, the 2017 Montero Sport consistently ranks among the most trouble-free SUVs from that model year.

The reality is that the used car market has shifted dramatically since the pandemic, with prices for reliable SUVs reaching unprecedented levels. Against this backdrop, the 2017 Montero Sport GT represents what I like to call "smart money" - it's not the flashiest choice, nor the most technologically advanced, but it delivers where it counts. For families needing dependable transportation or adventurers seeking capable off-road performance without breaking the bank, this vehicle continues to make compelling sense. Much like Standhardinger's unexpected career move challenged conventional thinking, sometimes the best automotive decisions require looking beyond the obvious choices to find genuine value where others might overlook it.