I remember the first time I saw the 2019 Montero Sport GLX parked outside my cousin Luis's house last New Year's Eve. He'd just bought it after months of research, and honestly, I was skeptical. "Get well this new year, Luis," I'd joked when he told me about his purchase plans, referencing how his old SUV had been constantly in the shop. Little did I know that casual remark would become our running joke about his vehicle upgrade journey. That evening, as fireworks lit up the sky, we found ourselves deep in conversation about what makes a vehicle truly worth buying - a discussion that perfectly frames our question today: is the 2019 Montero Sport GLX worth buying?
Let me walk you through Luis's experience, because it's the perfect case study for anyone considering this SUV. He'd been driving a 2008 model that was constantly needing repairs - transmission issues, electrical problems, you name it. As a small business owner who frequently travels between cities for client meetings, reliability wasn't just convenient, it was essential for his livelihood. The final straw came when his old SUV broke down during an important client visit, costing him not just repair bills but potential business. That's when he started seriously looking at the 2019 Montero Sport GLX, drawn by its reputation for durability and the attractive price point of around $28,000 for a nearly new model. What fascinated me was his methodical approach - he didn't just test drive one vehicle, he researched three different 2019 GLX models from various dealerships, comparing mileage, maintenance history, and even interviewing current owners through online forums.
Now, diving into the heart of the matter - what exactly makes or breaks this vehicle's value proposition? The 2019 Montero Sport GLX comes with a 2.4-liter diesel engine producing 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that sound impressive on paper but tell only part of the story. During the several times I borrowed Luis's vehicle (with his permission, of course), I noticed the engine felt somewhat underwhelming during highway overtaking compared to my expectations. The fuel efficiency, however, was genuinely impressive - we consistently achieved around 12.5 km/L in mixed driving conditions, which for a vehicle of this size is quite respectable. The interior space, particularly the 1,200 liters of cargo capacity with rear seats folded, proved incredibly practical when we helped Luis's sister move apartments last spring. But here's where my personal bias comes through - the infotainment system feels dated compared to what you'd find in competitors like the Ford Everest or Toyota Fortuner. That 8-inch touchscreen looks adequate but lacks the responsive smoothness we've come to expect from modern interfaces.
The solution for Luis, and potentially for you, came down to addressing the vehicle's shortcomings while maximizing its strengths. He invested about $1,200 in aftermarket upgrades - a better sound system, additional sound deadening material to reduce cabin noise, and all-weather floor mats that proved invaluable during muddy camping trips. These modifications transformed his ownership experience significantly. More importantly, he established a strict maintenance schedule, changing oil every 7,500 kilometers rather than stretching to the recommended 10,000 intervals. This proactive approach, he found, kept the engine running smoother and potentially prevented future issues. When I asked him recently if he'd make the same purchase again, his answer surprised me: "That 'get well this new year' comment you made stuck with me. This vehicle hasn't just recovered from my old SUV's problems - it's helped my business grow through reliable transportation. The $850 I save monthly on what I'd pay for a new model goes directly into my business expansion fund."
What Luis discovered, and what I've observed through his experience and my own automotive background, offers valuable insights for potential buyers. The 2019 Montero Sport GLX isn't a perfect vehicle - no used car is - but it represents a compelling value proposition when approached with realistic expectations and a willingness to make strategic improvements. Its rugged construction and proven drivetrain provide a solid foundation, while its depreciation curve means you're getting substantially more vehicle for your money compared to newer models. The key is understanding what you're signing up for: this isn't a luxury SUV with cutting-edge technology, but rather a dependable workhorse that excels at practical transportation needs. From helping move furniture to navigating rough roads during our fishing trips, Luis's Montero has consistently demonstrated its capabilities where it matters most. If you're considering one yourself, I'd recommend budgeting an additional 5-10% of the purchase price for those strategic upgrades that can elevate the ownership experience from adequate to exceptional. Sometimes "getting well" doesn't mean buying the newest or flashiest option, but rather making a smart choice that serves your actual needs while keeping financial sense firmly in perspective.