Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
7 comments 
Models from Different Brands Stand Out in the Used Market Not Only for Their Design and Performance but Also for Their High Maintenance Costs, Rare Parts, and Logistical Challenges That May Surprise Unwary Buyers.
Four popular models in the second-hand market encompass exactly what buyers fear most: complex maintenance, hard-to-find parts, and bills that exceed their budgets.
What they have in common are used cars with high maintenance costs that require planning right from the research stage.
There are reports of high costs and a history of recalls that demand extra attention.
-
Bigger than the Corolla Cross, with 222 hp, gets over 20 km/l and plenty of space for families, the Toyota SUV that became a global phenomenon now costs less than many new models: RAV4 Hybrid 2019
-
New Chevrolet Sonic is launched in Brazil as a compact SUV with a 115 hp 1.0 turbo engine starting from R$ 129,990
-
The driver’s license could gain an unprecedented shortcut for good drivers after the advancement of a measure that directly affects the renewal of the license, promises to reduce a known bureaucracy, creates age-based rules, maintains mandatory exams, and now places the Senate at the center of the final decision.
-
Fluid-free dry braking is now in the sights of automakers: 100% electronic systems promise to reduce reliance on hydraulics, cut maintenance, and transform braking into safety software.
And a necessary warning: there is no recent public evidence of “a R$ 70,000 battery” in the Ford Fusion Hybrid in Brazil; available reference values for the high-voltage component are around R$ 32,500 to R$ 40,000, subject to exchange rate fluctuations and availability, plus the battery comes with a 8-year or 160,000 km warranty.
Why Some Used Cars Weigh More on the Wallet
Specific technologies, such as hybrid systems and air suspension, lower sales volume, and a limited network of specialized workshops raise the cost of parts and labor.
When the model is no longer in production, replacement becomes even slower and more expensive.
In practice, this is where a good portion of problematic used cars originates.
Checking recalls and service history reduces risks and helps anticipate expenses.
Ford Fusion Hybrid (2013–2020)
What Increases Costs
The star of the package is the high-voltage battery, an expensive component that requires qualified labor for diagnosis and replacement.
Public sources in Brazil indicate prices between R$ 32,500 and R$ 40,000 for the Fusion Hybrid battery pack, varying according to dealerships and currency exchange rates.
The factory warranty for the battery is 8 years/160,000 km, which protects many units but not all. It’s crucial to check the remaining time.
What to Check Before Purchase
Confirm the condition of the traction battery with the appropriate scanner and report. Evaluate the history of reviews and interventions in the hybrid system.
Consult the technical manual to understand the system architecture, including air conditioning and electrical modules powered by the high-voltage battery.
If fuel savings make sense, how much does it cost to replace the battery out of warranty? This calculation determines whether the Fusion Hybrid stays or goes from your list of used cars with high maintenance costs.
Land Rover Discovery 4 (2010–2016)
What Increases Costs
The British SUV is a reference in comfort and off-road capability, but the complexity of the setup — with air suspension, robust transmission, and diesel options — drives up parts and labor costs.
There are recall campaigns that illustrate the level of attention required, such as correcting the crankshaft position sensor, which can cause failures and engine shutdowns, and verifying the tow hitch.
What to Check Before Purchase
Validate all recall campaigns. Request documented service history. Between owners and workshops, there are reports of laborious maintenance on belts and peripherals of diesel engines.
Check if major services have already been performed, with invoices and specific parts listed.
Do you have a trusted network and budget set aside for one of the country’s most desirable problematic used cars?
Chevrolet Captiva (2008–2017)
What Increases Costs
Imported from Mexico since 2008, the Captiva seduces with its comfort and V6 engines in earlier versions.
The six-speed automatic transmission in the V6 models has a chronic defect mapped, with jerks, delays in shifting, and even breakages. Additionally, high fuel consumption impacts daily use.
What to Check Before Purchase
Prefer units with 2.4 (four-cylinder) engines in good condition and with proof of maintenance. During the test drive, watch for any jerking during shifts and unusual noises from the transmission and suspension.
Key Question
Would you be willing to forgo the V6 to avoid entering the realm of used cars with high maintenance costs?
Fiat 500 (2010–2017)
What Increases Costs
The iconic design does not reveal a backbone: the poor after-sales service and the scarcity of parts for some batches, especially the Polish 500, heighten the risk of immobilization of the car.
Used car guides warn about the steering column that may require a complete replacement, in addition to concerns with Dualogic versions and the suspension.
What to Check Before Purchase
Confirm the origin of the chassis (Polish or Mexican) and prefer cars with documented maintenance history. Check for any recalls applicable to your unit. Conduct a detailed inspection of the steering, sunroof, and electronics.
Do you have the patience and budget for potential delays in parts and labor on one of the most charming problematic used cars on the market?
How to Decide and Save for Real
Make an honest spreadsheet of critical parts, such as traction battery, transmission, air suspension, and electric steering.
Include real prices or verified ranges. Assess pending recalls and remaining warranties, especially in the case of hybrids.
If it is not possible to confirm essential repair values, such as the current price of the Fusion battery, consider another model.
Whenever possible, take the car to a specialized workshop before closing the deal. In which of these cases would you still be willing to take the risk — and why?
Não faz muito tempo, e um carro bem cuidado durava tranquilamente 20 anos ou até bem mais.
Hoje são feitos para durarem 8 anos. Em breve 5, 4 ou menos.
Pobre povo das dores…
Quem viver verá.
Por essas e outras que o “fusca” continua tendo seu público fiel!
A tecnologia sempre foi forte aliada da simplificação e queda no valor de qquer peça mecânica, e não somente nos veículos automotores.
O problema no nosso país é a indesejável e sempre presente ” cultura ” da ganância dos fornecedores e vendedores.
Os exemplos disso são fartíssimos e não são ” coisa de agora “, isso sempre aconteceu por aqui, mesmo qquer pequena peça de ” fusca ” no Brasil sempre foi super precificada, desde os anos 70 revistas e jornalistas especializados constatam isso e parece ficar cada vez pior, perdemos todos… .
Errado,o problema do Brasil sempre foi e sempre vai ser imposto sobre o consumo.
Brasil possui a maior carga tributária do mundo,mas a culpa é do empresário malvado que quer lucrar ,como ele ousa ?,bom mesmo é o sapato de lula que custa 10 mil.
Exemplo rápido , tenho um C4 cactus aro 17 , pneu original custa 800 Reais ,mais da metade do salário mínimo,nos EUA no ela Wal Mart custa 76 dólares ,e meio dia de um trabalhador americano braçal .
Desculpa furar sua bolha.
Não sei onde encontrou esse preço, coloquei 4 no meu kicks que creio que seja o mesmo 205. 55. 17. Brugestone por 2400. Se converter vai ficar quase igual aqui no Brasil.
Converter mesmo pq lá eles ganham em reais tbm né… nosso problema é excesso de impostos!
Não se converte moeda, esse é o erro do brasileiro, querer comparar e converter o dólar 😂