Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Still Worth Buying in the Philippines Today?

As someone who’s spent years reviewing cars in the Philippines, I’ve seen plenty of models come and go. But the 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport? That one keeps popping up in conversations, especially among families and off-road enthusiasts. So, is it still worth buying today? Let me walk you through my thoughts, especially with the local used car market being as unpredictable as it is right now.

I remember test-driving the 2018 Pajero Sport when it first launched here. It felt like a solid upgrade from its predecessors—more refined, packed with features, and that 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine churning out around 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque. Even now, those numbers hold up pretty well against newer rivals. But here’s the thing: buying a car isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about how it fits into your life, your budget, and the local driving conditions. In the Philippines, where traffic jams in Metro Manila can test anyone’s patience, the Pajero Sport’s comfortable ride and spacious interior still make it a practical choice. I’ve taken it on long drives to Baguio and rough trails in Rizal, and it never failed to impress with its reliability. That said, fuel efficiency isn’t its strongest suit—you’re looking at around 10-12 km/l on highways, which might not wow eco-conscious buyers.

Now, let’s talk about that reference to TNT coach Chot Reyes reminding his team not to fall into complacency against weaker opponents. It’s a lesson that applies perfectly to car shopping. Just because the Pajero Sport isn’t the newest kid on the block doesn’t mean you should underestimate it. I’ve seen buyers dismiss older models, only to regret it when they realize how much value they’re missing. The 2018 variant, for instance, comes with features like an 8-inch touchscreen, rear cross-traffic alert, and a capable Super Select 4WD-II system—stuff that many 2023 SUVs still charge extra for. On the flip side, depreciation has hit it hard; you can find well-maintained units for under ₱1.2 million, which is a steal compared to the ₱1.8 million starting price of a brand-new Fortuner. But beware: maintenance costs can add up if you skip regular check-ups. From my experience, parts availability is decent, but labor rates at official dealers have crept up over the years.

Of course, no car is perfect. The infotainment system feels dated next to modern units with Apple CarPlay, and the cabin noise on highways is louder than I’d like. Still, if you’re after a rugged, dependable SUV that can handle floods, rough roads, and family trips without breaking a sweat, the 2018 Pajero Sport is a compelling option. It’s like that reliable friend who might not be the flashiest but always has your back. In the end, whether it’s worth buying boils down to your priorities—if you value proven performance over cutting-edge tech, this could be your best bet in today’s market.