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Before Closing The Deal, Get To Know 5 SUVs With High Maintenance Costs, Whether Due To Chronic Problems, Expensive Parts, Or Excessive Fuel Consumption That Can Turn The Dream Of A New Car Into A Financial Nightmare.
Buying a used SUV may seem like a great deal, especially when luxury and large models appear at attractive prices in the market. However, behind an inviting purchase price, there may be expenses that turn the experience into a true headache. These are the so-called SUVs with high maintenance costs, vehicles that can lead you to bankruptcy if you are not prepared.
The problems go far beyond a simple oil change that costs more. We are talking about chronic defects in the engine and transmission, replacement parts with exorbitant prices, and fuel consumption so high that it makes daily use of the car impractical. With that in mind, we have selected five models that require extra attention before buying.
1. Ford EcoSport (With PowerShift Transmission)
The EcoSport revolutionized the Brazilian market, but its second generation (models from 2013 to 2017) carries a ticking time bomb: the PowerShift automated transmission. This component became famous for its chronic problems, which include:
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Cheaper than Fiat Pulse, Renault Kardian, and Volkswagen Tera: with a 2.0 turbo engine of 190 hp, 30.6 kgfm torque, automatic transmission, and Swedish safety package, this premium hatch delivers sports car performance at the price of a new compact: meet the Volvo V40 T4 Momentum 2017.
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Cheaper than a new Mobi and a Polo: with a 1.8 engine of up to 139 hp, 6-speed Aisin automatic transmission, 300 liters of trunk space, and a complete equipment package, this hatch stands out for its performance and cost-effectiveness for those seeking sportiness without spending too much. Meet the Fiat Argo HGT 2018.
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Toyota launches “family hybrid van” with 7 or 8 seats, 1.8 hybrid engine, fuel consumption of up to 23.8 km/l, and a price equivalent to about R$ 104,000 without taxes, below the Tiggo 8 Pro Plug-in Hybrid sold in Brazil: meet the Noah Hybrid 2026 in Japan.
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With the look of a compact SUV and the price of a rational used car: 1.5 flex engine with 115 hp, automatic transmission, 420-liter trunk, and multimedia make the Caoa Chery Tiggo 2 Look 1.5 AT 2020 an unconventional alternative.
- Excessive shaking at low speeds.
- Metallic noises and clunks.
- Overheating and a strong smell of burnt clutch.
- Loss of power on inclines and getting stuck in a single gear.
Ford extended the warranty on the component back then, but never did a full recall, leaving many owners in the lurch. A complete repair of this transmission can easily exceed R$ 10,000, making it one of the SUVs with high maintenance costs most risky in the market.
2. Mitsubishi Pajero TR4
The Pajero TR4 is a tough and desired SUV with real off-road capability. However, it hides a “defect” that directly impacts the owner’s wallet every day: the extremely high fuel consumption.
Equipped with a 2.0 aspirated engine, reports from owners indicate that it is difficult to achieve averages better than 5 to 6 km/l in the city. For those who drive a lot, the cost of filling the tank becomes a nightmare. Although its mechanics are robust, the fuel expense places it on the list of cars that require a generous budget.
3. Hyundai Vera Cruz
A seven-seat SUV with a powerful V6 engine and luxury finishes for the price of a used popular car. It seems like the perfect deal, right? The Hyundai Vera Cruz really delivers a lot of comfort, but the cost to keep it running is extremely high, mainly due to its 3.8 V6 engine with 270 horsepower.
Fuel consumption is its biggest villain, with averages that rarely exceed 4.5 km/l in the city. Additionally, as an imported and larger car, suspension and finishing parts aren’t cheap, making it one of the most seductive and dangerous SUVs with high maintenance costs.
4. Range Rover Sport (2014 Onward)
Buying a used Land Rover is for those who have courage and, above all, plenty of money. The Range Rover Sport is a luxurious and imposing car, but its history of problems is extensive and repairs are extremely expensive.
The main chronic problems include:
- Failures in the 3.0 V6 biturbo diesel engine, such as premature crankshaft breakage.
- Issues with the air suspension, with bags that puncture or dry out, and compressors that fail. A complete repair of the system can cost more than R$ 30,000.
It is a car that depreciates significantly precisely because its ownership cost is prohibitive for most people.
5. Porsche Cayenne (1st and 2nd Generation)
The dream of having a Porsche in the garage for less than R$ 150,000 can quickly turn into a financial nightmare. The Cayenne, especially from older generations, is one of the most notorious SUVs with high maintenance costs in the luxury market. Everything in it is expensive:
- Brakes: The replacement of discs and pads can exceed R$ 10,000.
- Driveshaft: A chronic problem in the central bearing of the driveshaft requires the entire part to be replaced, a repair that can cost more than R$ 20,000.
- Cooling: Plastic hoses in the system dry out and need to be replaced with an aluminum kit, a service that exceeds R$ 5,000.
It is a car that requires an owner with a wallet as big as the status it provides.
And you, have you ever had a bad experience with any of these models? Know other SUVs with high maintenance costs that should be on this list? Leave your comment!
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