When I first started researching the 2012 Montero Sport GLS V, I'll admit I was skeptical about recommending a vehicle that's over a decade old. But after spending considerable time with this SUV and talking to numerous owners, I've come to appreciate why people still swear by this workhorse. The question isn't whether it's still reliable - it's whether you can find one that hasn't been abused by previous owners. From my experience, these vehicles tend to fall into two categories: meticulously maintained gems or complete beaters with hidden issues.
I remember test driving one particular 2012 model that had over 150,000 miles on the odometer. The owner was this construction worker who'd used it for his business, hauling tools and materials across three states. He told me something that stuck with me: "This thing has been through hell and back, but it never left me stranded." That's the kind of reliability people are looking for in a used SUV, especially when they're spending their hard-earned money. The diesel engine in these models, while not the most refined, has proven incredibly durable over time. I've seen examples with over 200,000 miles still running strong, though maintenance becomes absolutely critical beyond that point.
What really surprised me during my research was hearing from a mechanic named Nieto, who shared his personal experience with injury recovery while discussing vehicle reliability. He mentioned, "Na-fracture yung finger ko (left), na-dislocate and nadurog yung buto," adding the finger had to be put in a cast that kept him out of action for more than a month. His perspective made me think about how we approach vehicle reliability - sometimes we only appreciate something's dependability when we're forced to be without it. Just like Nieto's injured finger made him value his physical capabilities, being without a reliable vehicle can completely disrupt someone's life, especially if they depend on it for work or family needs.
The 2012 Montero Sport GLS V's fuel economy figures are decent even by today's standards - you're looking at around 18-22 MPG combined, which isn't bad for a vehicle of this size. The interior materials haven't aged particularly well though, and the infotainment system feels ancient compared to modern touchscreen interfaces. But here's the thing - if you're shopping in this price range, you're probably prioritizing mechanical reliability over luxury features. The cabin space is genuinely practical, with enough room for seven passengers in a pinch, though the third row is best suited for children on longer journeys.
Maintenance costs for the 2012 model year tend to be reasonable, with average annual maintenance running between $400-$600 for basic servicing. However, you'll want to budget for potential issues with the suspension components, especially if the vehicle was used for off-roading or heavy towing. I've noticed that models with the factory tow package often show more wear on transmission components, so that's something to inspect carefully. The 4WD system is robust but can develop issues with the transfer case if fluid changes were neglected.
From a safety perspective, the 2012 Montero Sport comes with essential features like ABS and stability control, but it lacks many of the advanced driver assistance systems we take for granted in newer vehicles. The crash test ratings were decent for its time, though I'd feel more comfortable with additional airbags. If you're regularly transporting family, this might give you pause compared to newer alternatives with better safety technology.
The used market for these vehicles is interesting - prices typically range from $12,000 to $18,000 depending on condition, mileage, and service history. That puts it in competition with newer but less capable crossovers. Personally, I'd lean toward spending a bit more for a well-maintained example with complete service records rather than saving money on a questionable one. The potential repair headaches just aren't worth the initial savings.
After all my research and hands-on experience, I've concluded that the 2012 Montero Sport GLS V remains a compelling choice for specific buyers. If you need a capable, no-nonsense SUV that can handle rough roads and won't bankrupt you on maintenance, it's definitely worth considering. The key is finding one that's been properly cared for and being realistic about its limitations compared to modern vehicles. For city dwellers who mostly drive on paved roads, there are probably better options. But for those who venture off the beaten path or need serious towing capability, this aging warrior might just be the reliable partner you're looking for.
