Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles November 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of November 19, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, and October 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles October 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of October 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, and September 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles September 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of September 16, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016 and August 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Quickie Used Car Review - Mitsubishi Montero Sport (2008-2015)

2008-2015 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

The Good: Not matagtag, plenty of models in the market, numerous features available

The Bad: Limited space in the third row, not great off-road, does not like low revs

The Say: Definitely lives up to its sporty name.

Go For: 2.5 GLS/GLX (non VGT)
Avoid: 3.0 V6

Price Range: P600,000-P1,300,000
Our Rating: ****

Full Review: Used Car Review - Mitsubishi Montero Sport (2008-2015)
Latest vehicle profile: Mitsubishi Montero Sport

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2008-2013 non-VGT/VGT
2014-2015

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles August 2016

Sweldo is just days away and the buying mood for late but good repossessed cars is anytime. While the previous administration had a lot of cars sold, a lot of people aren't stopping buying cars even with a new president on board. While we observe that a thousand repo'ed cars are available in a month, there are some unique vehicles that were being towed and we'll let you look for these.

Do take note the list is accurate as of August 12, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, and July 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles July 2016

2 weeks from a new administration and a payday Friday, let us discover the most repossessed cars this month. If you see a trend here, the top 10 are mostly sub-compacts, where most people start buying cars. The economy is doing fine with people are on a buying spree for cars but finishing their payments are just a different topic. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want.

Do take note the list is accurate as of July 15, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and June 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles June 2016

Its just less than a month before we have a new president and vice president taking over and the economy is just doing fine, my friend. People still has that buying mood of purchasing cars but finishing that monthly payments is a different tale. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. Let us see after June 30 on how many vehicles will enter repo lots (this month it had increased in numbers) and if Duterte's administration will do good for the industry as a whole.

Do take note the list is accurate as of June 13, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, and May 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles May 2016

We all have that election hangover since Monday's polls and we all know who will be our next president while the vice presidential race has yet to be known. The ones who took advantage of the good economy who defaulted on their payments are present. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. Let us see after June 30 on how many vehicles will enter repo lots and if Duterte's administration will do good.

Do take note the list is accurate as of May 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, and April 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles April 2016

Election is just a month away (please do vote wisely, people!) and car sales are on the roll especially that the next president or administration may have an impact on the buying mood. On the other hand, those who took advantage of the good economy who defaulted on their payments are present. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. Will the Kia Rio or theToyota Vios wrestle the most repo'ed car from the Mitsubishi Montero Sport this month?

Do take note the list is accurate as of April 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, and March 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles March 2016

On our third month of the year 2016, people who bought new cars last year (and some in the previous years) will definitely have a chance of defaulting on their payments ; a portion of people who bought cars last year will default on their payments are either those who wanted a personal ride or those who invested for Grab/Uber units (which is not profitable in the first place). This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. While the Kia Rio used to be the most repo'ed vehicle from January and the Toyota Vios last February, this month's is a shocker

Do take note the list is accurate as of March 11, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, UCPB, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, and February 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles February 2016

324,000 vehicles were sold in 2015 and that was throughout the country; a portion of people who bought cars last year (and some in the previous years) will default on their payments either those who wanted a personal ride or those who invested for Grab/Uber units (which is not profitable in the first place). This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. For the first time, the Kia Rio takes a rest as the most repossessed vehicle and you will be surprised who is number one.

Do take note the list is accurate as of February 10, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank. UCPB does not have any active list as of writing time so we will be skipping them for now.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, and January 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles January 2016

We know you missed this since we got off by a month. Since today is the first month of the year, there will be people who will default on their payments, especially that 2015 car sales are estimated to hit above 300,000 units. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. For the past two series, the Kia Rio has the most units repossessed and with the new year is there any car that will take the title?

Do take note the list is accurate as of January 9, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank.

See the top 10 of October 2015 and November 2015. Original 2014 article here.

Car Profiles - Mitsubishi Montero Sport

MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT

Now going strong on its third generation model, the Montero Sport features a new engine (which is much more cleaner than the 4D56) and more safety features which can be seen in vehicles costing more. Who needs a Pajero when you can get more for less?

The Good:

The Bad:

Price Range: P1,413,000-P2,156,000

Our Rating:

Last Update: March 2, 2018

Used Car Review - Mitsubishi Montero Sport (2008-2015)

This best seller goes under the hands of Myk Belmonte in its last hurrah.

2008-2015 Mitsubishi Montero Sport

History
Mitsubishi's Pajero/Montero/Shogun (whatever you call it around the world) is so popular in its home country some unrelated SUVs produced by the automaker are named after the Pajero. Recipients include the Strada/Triton based Pajero/Momtero/Shogun Sport and the Minica derived Pajero Mini (shorter version)/Junior (longer one) and its successor the Pajero iO. If there is one car similar to a political dynasty - hey it's election time! - prevalent, this would be the one. Right now, the smaller models were killed while the two larger ones remain.

As what we said above, the first generation Montero Sport (Challenger in Japan) was based from the same era Strada with parts sharing being common but the wheelbase is built from the second generation Pajero, making it a younger model in the hierarchy. The second generation model is now 100% derived from its pick-up truck sibling, especially the Pajero had gone larger and expensive. As with other PPVs, most Montero Sport models are assembled in Thailand while some local production are done in Bangladesh and India.

While the Philippine market had the first generation model launched in 2005 (whoever had it launched must be crazy, especially it was nearly 10 years old at that time), the second generation was introduced after it had a debut in the Moscow Auto Saloon in 2008. It had recipes for success: modern engines, good looks, and one important factor, a third row seat. So successful it dislodged the Toyota Fortuner in terms of sales from 2009 to 2013, but the title returned to Toyota the following year. At first, 4x4 models were made available which include the basic GLS and fully clothed GLS SE but 4x2 variants later followed which included the GLS and GLX. Numerous changes occurred throughout selling life, which will be discussed in these chapters.

Value and Costs
With this undercutting the Fortuner in terms of price, Montero Sport units are technically cheaper especially older units can be had for P660,000 while late models of the upper variants cost in the P1,200,000 range and expect to drop even further. When it comes to the variants, the base model would be the GLS 4x2 AT but was supplanted by the GLX 4x2 MT, which is technically the GLS but offered with a manual transmission. The GLS would receive an engine upgrade resulting to more power in 2011 and also killing the GLS SE infavor of the GT-V while the GLX and GLS MT 4x4 shouldered on until these were treated for more power and was renamed as GLX-V Limited and GLS-V respectively. For 2012, a GLS model with a 3.0 V6 gasoline engine was added while the GLX was resurrected as the entry level model. 2015 saw the launch of special edition models which added a larger touchscreen monitor (GLX), leather seats (GLS-V) or sunroof (GLS-V and GT-V), depending on the model. Updates occurred in January 2010, February 2011, October 2011, middle of 2013, November 2014, and August 2015 involving ether equipment additions, engine and transmission upgrades, or cosmetic changes.

Recalls were occurred in 2010 involving GLS and GLS SE models to check the proper tightening torque of the mounting bolts of the upper suspension arm and in 2013 for insufficient weld condition and power driver's seat. Other issues include the EGR valve due to low quality fuel for older models and for automatic transmission units, the inhibitor switch that may cause the transmission to pop to neutral to drive due to corrosion. Lastly the one thing to be wary about is the smoky nature of this vehicle, especially for 4D56 powered units. Oh, about that "sudden unintended acceleration" cases, these are attributed to driver errors so make sure to check your surroundings and if the floor mat bites the accelerator and if check if you are stepped on your brakes before shifting.

Exterior and Interior
No more boxy lines prevalent in the model it replaced, instead sharper lines from its pick-up truck sibling (without that awkward J-line) that flows smoothly to the rear comes standard. The GT-V sports a different grille that differentiates the models below it, it was ditched in a 2014 update. A 2015 update had later models gain body stickers and daytime running lights.

Inside, controls are within reach of the driver but other than that, it is utilitarian at best. Depending on the model and year, some variants gain a multi information display but replaced by a touch screen monitor while the radio for earlier models are a basic JVC head unit. Another change is the aircon vents for the rear occupants are situated in the side for pre-2012 models, with most facing front. For those who love to ride, do take note that the second row has an abundance of legroom but it is pushed by the wheel wells which renders poor seating position for third row occupants. Plethora of other interior equipment include paddle shifters (GLS-V and GT-V only), tire pressure monitor system, and later models get DVD and navigation system head units.

Engine
The first engine that we will discuss would be the one that powered the earlier models, which would be the 4M41 3.2 having 163hp at 3,500rpm and 343Nm at 2,000rpm. Next in line would be a 4D56 2.5 which gets 134hp at 3,500rpm and 314Nm at 2,000rpm for non-VGT models while those with VGT technology gain 176hp at 4,000rpm and 350Nm at 1,800-3,500rpm for automatics and 400Nm at 2,000-2,850rpm for manuals. The rare gasoline powerplant is a 6B31 3.0 V6 which possess 217hp at 6,250rpm and 281Nm at 4,000rpm. Let us discuss how these engines perform: the 2.5 non-VGT is decent enough for city driving and some occasional long drives but initial power is anemic and would do fine once the turbo kicks in, going for the 2.5 VGT will give you that sudden surge in the beginning, the 3.2 has ample power for overtaking and for highway driving, and the 3.0 gasoline gives you more refinement and power at the expense of fuel consumption.

Driving Impressions
Unlike other rivals whose ride quality will remind you of their origins, the Montero Sport's is smooth and comfortable. While there is ample power that inspires you to drive fast, body roll at high speed handling is prevalent especially that the suspension settings are tuned for comfort plus braking for VGT powered models would need more better brakes. While there is much power on tap, driving responsively is what we advise.

Verdict
Mitsubishi had a winner here, especially that it was amenity loaded, had a smooth ride, imposing looks, powerful engines, and priced well. Although there are some drawbacks, the Montero Sport is a good value if you are looking for a cheap second hand SUV.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles November 2015

Last year, we had published a list of vehicles that are commonly repossessed by banks. For this year, let us see the top 10 repossessed vehicles (last time was 12 due to a tie) overall with a top five per bank. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. With automotive sales on the rise plus the fad of Uber/GrabCar services, there would come a time people would default on their monthly payments.

Do take note the list is accurate as of November 15 2015. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles 2015 Edition

Last year, we had published a list of vehicles that are commonly repossessed by banks. For this year, let us see the top 10 repossessed vehicles (last time was 12 due to a tie) overall with a top five per bank. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. With automotive sales on the rise plus the fad of Uber/GrabCar services, there would come a time people would default on their monthly payments.

Do take note the list is accurate as of October 2, 2015. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Sterling Bank of Asia, Maybank, and BPI.

Mitsubishi Montero Sport (non-VGT) - Generation 2.1 (2008-2011)

MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT (NON-VGT) (2008-2011)

Based on the Strada, the Montero Sport is basically an improvement over the previous model. This version, before the arrival of Mitsubishi's VGT technology, saw usage of the 3.2 engine for the top models and 2.5 with 134hp for basic ones.

See the overview of this Montero Sport

See the Generation 2.1 (VGT) or 2.2 model

See the latest model of the Montero Sport

Mitsubishi Montero Sport (VGT) - Generation 2.1 (2011-2013)

MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT (VGT) (2011-2013)

For 2011, the introduction of the GTV signaled the introduction of the VGT technology of Mitsubishi in the Montero Sport range. Automatics were treated to it while manual models had it later on. A non-VGT model (oddly discontinued but returned later on) and a V6 gasoline were launched in 2012.

See the overview of this Montero Sport

See the Generation 2.1 (non-VGT) or 2.2 model

See the latest model of the Montero Sport

Mitsubishi Montero Sport - Generation 1 (2005-2008)

MITSUBISHI MONTERO SPORT (2005-2008)

While other countries had placed this car out of production, Mitsubishi brought in the Montero Sport in 2005. Based on the L200 Strada, it utilizes a 2.8 diesel paired to an automatic.

See the overview of this Montero Sport

See the latest model of the Montero Sport

Car Features - Top 10 Most Viewed New Car Profiles

Since adding new cars to the mix last July, we had tracked them in which more views meant their popularity and people searching them had interest. Half of them were sub-compacts, three mid-size SUVs (one is an anticipated vehicle, which we posted a day before its launch), and two MPVs. Unlike the most searched vehicles released by Google Philippines, the results are different from us (maybe we started late though).

Other cars like the Honda Brio and Brio Amaze, Toyota Vios (which, surprisingly, didn't make the list), and Mitsubishi Lancer EX were follow ups.

So we shall give to you the most viewed vehicle profiles