On the used automobile market, you may discover numerous inexpensive yet dependable SUVs. On the other side, there are several inexpensive SUVs to avoid. Some of the worst SUVs are not only inexpensive, but also have hefty maintenance expenses. Repair charges, such as replacing an engine, may burn a significant hole in your wallet. Over time, these repair expenditures quickly exceed the purchase price of the vehicle.
One issue plagues several of these low-cost SUVs. For example, the 2012 Nissan Rogue’s gearbox attracted multiple complaints. On the other side, several of these low-cost SUVs are riddled with issues. Complaints concerning the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan, for example, include engine and cooling system problems. These low-cost SUVs can bankrupt you with maintenance and repair costs. Let’s take a look at some of the inexpensive SUVs that everyone regrets purchasing.
$9,000 for a 2008 Jeep Patriot
Jeep let its consumers down big time with the Patriot. One example is the 2008 Jeep Patriot. This SUV is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet of torque. It allowed for independent suspension. With the back seats folding, the load capacity is 54.2 cu ft. However, with everything folded down, the maximum load space is 62.7 cu ft.
Owners of the 2008 Jeep Patriot have several issues. The biggest faults, according to car complaints, are a leaky sunroof, gearbox failure, and water leakage. There was just one recall. The NHTSA, on the other hand, received 442 complaints about the 2008 Jeep Patriot. 87 of the complaints were about the fuel system, while 88 were over the construction. Consumer Reports rates the acceleration, fuel efficiency, and emergency handling as 2/5, the brakes as 3/5, and the gearbox as 5/5. Consider some of the finest Jeeps that blend performance and dependability.
Nissan Pathfinder 2005 – $5,000
The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is a seven-seater SUV with five doors and a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. Owners, on the other hand, seemed to have various problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 1,046 complaints about the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. 584 of those complaints were about the engine.
The transmission has received a substantial amount of complaints, according to Car Complaints. The greatest issues for the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder include coolant seeping into the transmission, transmission failure, and the gearbox causing the car to wobble. According to Car Complaints, the cost of repairing the shaking alone is anticipated to be over $6,380.
$9,000 for a 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is one of those models you should avoid purchasing secondhand. This SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque. However, the engine in this Tiguan is the source of numerous complaints from owners regarding this model year.
According to Car Complaints, the number of complaints concerning this Tiguan’s engine outnumbered all other issues. The timing chain tensioner, water pump failure, and plastic intake manifold failure were among the most serious difficulties. According to Car Complaints, the average cost of repairing the timing chain tensioner is about $3,240. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 164 complaints about the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. The engine was the source of 79 of the complaints.
$3,000 for a 2003 Saturn Vue
There are some inexpensive Saturns available for close to nothing, while others are just not worth it. One such vehicle is the 2003 Saturn Vue. The 2003 Saturn Vue was available with a variety of engine choices, including a 143-horsepower 2.2-litre four-cylinder and a 181-horsepower 3.0-litre V6. Owners have various concerns about this five-seater.
This Saturn Vue has received a substantial amount of complaints concerning its gearbox, not to mention engine difficulties, according to Car Complaints. According to this source, the most common issues with this SUV are gearbox failure, engine cutting off while driving, and wheel bearing failure. The NHTSA received 627 complaints. The power train was mentioned in 318 of these complaints.
$5,000 for a 2004 Ford Explorer
A 210-horsepower 4.0-litre V6 engine powers the 2004 Ford Explorer. There is also the V8 option. The 2004 Ford Explorer, on the other hand, seems to be a divisive car. Some people may adore the 2004 Ford Explorer. However, several owners have complained about this specific SUV.
Car Complaints list various issues with the body and paint job, including a damaged panel. The website lists a number of transmission issues, including transmission sliding, transmission failure, no reverse, and driving vibration. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 1,404 complaints about the 2004 Ford Explorer. The power train was the source of 477 of those complaints.
$10,000 for a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This Jeep has a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 290 horsepower. There is also a 5.7-litre V8 engine option. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, is one of those money pits to avoid when looking for a secondhand Jeep.
Car Complaints receives a large number of complaints concerning electrical and engine difficulties with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The biggest difficulties, according to this source, are TIPM issues and engine stalling. According to Car Complaints, repairing the stalled engine might cost $1,710, while repairing the TIPM problems could cost $1,170. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 1,573 complaints. There were 747 complaints about the electrical system and 323 on the engine. Six recalls were issued. Four of them were electrical in nature.
Suzuki Grand Vitara 2006 – $3,500
The Suzuki Grand Vitara is a four-door small SUV with a 2.7-litre V6 engine that produces 185 horsepower. This Grand Vitara, however, is not the most popular SUV among Suzuki owners.
The NHTSA received 160 complaints. Six recalls were issued. The main faults, according to Car Complaints, include troublesome front seats, grinding brakes, and a lack of control. According to Consumer Reports, the typical retail price for a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara begins at $3,425.
Nissan Rogue 2012 – $12,000
You could be smitten by the Nissan Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition package. The same cannot be said for the 2012 Nissan Rogue. A 170-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine powers this five-seater SUV. One issue, though, overshadowed this vehicle.
Consumer Reports gives the 2012 Nissan Rogue a 1/5 for dependability and a 1/5 for transmission. Transmission difficulties are the most common complaint, according to Car Complaints. According to this source, the greatest faults for this car include lack of acceleration, gearbox failure, and an overheated CVT.
The expense of upkeep and repairs for these issues may eventually cost you more than the automobile itself. According to Car Complaints, the cost of repairing the issue of lack of acceleration is around $4,750. It would be worthwhile to examine another SUV choice.
$12,000 for a 2013 Nissan Juke
You should not miss the Nissan Juke Nismo RS. Many individuals, however, continue to loathe the Nissan Duke. The 2013 Nissan Juke may not be kind to this model. This five-door SUV is driven by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 188 horsepower. However, the engine problem is causing concern among many owners.
Engine difficulties are the most common complaint on Car Complaints. According to this website, the biggest issues include gearbox failure, a non-functioning turbocharger, and the dealership recommending a new engine, which costs about $8,170 to fix. The NHTSA received 87 complaints. 35 of them went to the engine.
$5,000 for a 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2.
The 4.0-litre V8 engine of the 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2 produced 182 horsepower. The Land Rover Discovery 2 has a number of difficulties, including head gasket troubles, a broken block, and oil pump failure. The 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2 was specifically recalled six times. The danger of the fluid from the pump joint igniting was one of the issues. For the 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2, the NHTSA received 31 complaints.
Not all low-cost SUVs are the same. Some low-cost SUVs have very dependable engines. On the other side, there are several low-cost SUVs we should avoid. Maintenance and maintenance expenditures might eventually bankrupt you.
