Oyibo Mechanic reveals the Top 10 SUVs You Should Never Buy and Why They Aren’t Worth It 

Based on frequent mechanical issues and owner complaints, here are ten SUVs you should not purchase. GOBankingRates questioned Chris Pyle, a full-time virtual mechanic at JustAnswer, and Mike Winter, a long-time owner of MDP Diesel & Auto Repair in Jackson, Michigan, about a number of SUVs and groups of SUVs that aren’t worth purchasing. 

Top 10 SUVs You Should Never Buy and Why They Aren’t Worth It. 

Although the market for SUVs is expanding, not all models are made equally. Some suffer from poor performance, high maintenance costs, or dependability problems. Let’s learn about a few of them below. 

Land Rover Discovery

Luxury SUVs from Land Rover have a poor reputation for dependability and value. According to the seasoned Winter, the Range Rover model has too many issues that make it a poor option for purchasers, including “Very high repair expenses, terrible depreciation and resale value. 

Coolant problems, electrical problems, and turbo problems infamous for suspension difficulties, gearbox troubles and electrical gremlins, numerous trips to the dealership and costly repairs. 

Nissan Rogue

The Nissan Rogue Electrical system failures, engine troubles, and gearbox problems are very common. High repair costs and low-reliability ratings. This is enough to create bad recursions for it.

Jeep Wagoneer

Owners have reported a variety of electrical issues, including problems with the infotainment system, climate control, and other features. These issues can be intermittent and frustrating for drivers.  Some car owners have also complained about the comfort of the rear seats, particularly on longer journeys. Over time, reports of paint peeling have surfaced, which can be a significant cosmetic issue and potentially lead to rust and other problems. 

Winter believes the Jeep Wagoneer is way overpriced, with terrible depreciation, among many issues. 

Fiat 500X

The Fiat 500X usually have Transmission failures, electrical glitches and Engine problems. Oftentimes, people complain about this in common. Poor fuel economy and lacklustre performance aren’t exempted for this particular model of SUV.

The Maserati Levante

Some owners have complained about issues with the suspension system, leading to a bumpy ride and poor handling, especially on uneven roads 

The Levante has been known to suffer from electrical glitches and sensor failures, which can affect various systems in the car, including the infotainment system, climate control, and safety features 

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Outlander Electrical also encounters system failures, engine troubles, and gearbox problems. These are usually common issues, including high repair costs and low-reliability ratings.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Taos’s pricing may seem a bit high for its size and features when compared to other compact SUVs in the market.  Consumer Reports (CR) uses road test scores and predicted reliability for its vehicle analyses, but also relies on customer (subscriber) satisfaction and safety scores. 

So, its articles should be approached with caution. Still, it named the Taos the second-least reliable vehicle for 2024, and Winter agrees. 

Volkswagen’s five-seat compact SUV may require frequent and expensive repairs. Engine problems, transmission failures, and electrical glitches are also common.

Ford Escape EcoBoost

While the Ford Escape EcoBoost and EcoSport differ in size, both models face significant reliability concerns. The Escape, despite its larger stature, experiences issues with coolant, carbon buildup, and oil consumption. 

The EcoSport, on the other hand, is criticized for its poor driving experience and frequent engine failures, leading to substantial repair costs. 

Dodge Durango

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

The Evoque’s turbocharged engines, particularly the diesel variants, have been known to suffer from turbocharger failures, often requiring costly replacements. 

Various sensors, including those for the engine, transmission, and safety systems, can malfunction, leading to unexpected behaviour or warning lights. Over time, some owners have reported paint quality issues, such as chipping and fading, especially on older models. 

Why You Should Avoid These SUVs 

Amongst many reasons aforementioned, these are the most common reasons which apply to the majority of them in summary; 

• Frequent Repairs: These vehicles often require frequent trips to the mechanic for various issues. 
• High Repair Costs: Repairs for these SUVs can be incredibly expensive, especially for luxury models. 
• Poor Reliability: Many of these models have a history of reliability problems, leading to unexpected breakdowns. 
• Limited Resale Value: Due to their reliability issues and high maintenance costs, these SUVs often have lower resale values. 

Things to Consider Before Buying an SUV 

Before purchasing an SUV, it’s essential to do thorough research. Always Consider the following factors: 

i. Reliability Ratings: Consult reputable sources like Consumer Reports or J.D. Power to assess a vehicle’s reliability. 

ii. Owner Reviews: Read reviews from real owners to get firsthand insights into a vehicle’s strengths and weaknesses.

iii. Maintenance Costs: Factor in the cost of routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tyre rotations, as well as potential repairs. 

iv. Resale Value: Consider how well the vehicle will hold its value over time.

v. Test Drive: Take the vehicle for a test drive to assess its performance, comfort, and handling. 

vi. Consider Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Vehicles: CPO vehicles often come with extended warranties and have undergone rigorous inspections. 

vii Negotiate the Price: Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price of a new or used vehicle.

viii. Shop Around: Compare prices and features at different dealerships to get the best deal.

Conclusion 

By avoiding these problematic models and doing thorough research, you can make an informed decision and select a reliable and enjoyable SUV that will serve you well for years to come. In the process of doing your research, you can also ask experts or good mechanics about what choices to make and those to avoid.